"Are you suggesting that that letter in any way affects my uncle's will?"
"I am not prepared to give a definite opinion; but this I will say, that if its existence were to come to the knowledge of the societies herein mentioned, they would be justified in taking counsel's opinion, and quite possibly he would advise their taking further action."
"You are, of course, at liberty to take any steps with regard to that tissue of libels you please, especially as I have made it, I think, perfectly clear to you that you will do so at your own proper peril."
"Evidently your uncle was averse to your marrying his daughter. Am I to take it that you admit so much?"
"Oh, I admit so much; he always was averse to that."
"Then, in that case, you will at once resolve the difficulty by withdrawing all pretensions to Miss Patterson's hand."
"It is; with this addition--that I hope, and intend, to marry Miss Patterson at the earliest possible moment."
"Then, in that case, you leave me no option but to place this letter before Miss Patterson."
Andrews appeared in the doorway to announce that Mr. Parmiter was in the outer office.
"Show Mr. Parmiter in at once for a few minutes, Andrews, if you please."
As the young solicitor came in Rodney advanced to greet him.
"Hallo, Parmiter! you come in the very nick of time--you see Mr. Wilkes has favoured me with his company again. Mr. Wilkes, read to Mr. Parmiter the letter you just now read to me."
"I shall certainly do nothing of the kind. With all possible respect to Mr. Parmiter, this is a matter in which he has no _locus standi_, and in which I cannot recognise him at all."
"Why not? He is my solicitor; he advises me. When you have made known to him the contents of that letter, don't you think it possible that he may give me the advice which, apparently, you would like him to give?"
While he was still speaking the door opened to admit Miss Patterson. He moved to her with both hands held out.
"Now, here is someone whom, I presume, you will recognise--the very person. Gladys, here is Mr. Wilkes. He has something which he very much wishes to say to you."
Returning the letter to its envelope, Mr. Wilkes rose from his chair.
"My hands are not going to be forced by you, Mr. Elmore, don't you suppose it. In making any communication to Miss Patterson which I may have to make, I shall prefer to choose my own time and place."