the face, with more frankness than became two such diplomatists.

'Allow me to speak a word, Captain Lake.'

'You d--d old miscreant!' repeated the candescent captain.

'Allow me to say, you misapprehend.'

'You infernal old cur!'

'I mean no imputation upon _you_, Sir. I thought you might have committed
a mistake--any man may; perhaps you have. I have acted, Captain Lake,
with fidelity in all respects to you, and to every client for whom I've
been concerned. Mr. Wylder is my client, and I was bound to say I was not
satisfied about his present position, which seems to me unaccountable,
except on the supposition that he is under restraint of some sort. I
never said you were to blame; but you may be in error respecting Mr.
Wylder. You may have taken steps, Captain Lake, under a mistake. I never
went further than that. On reflection, you'll say so. I didn't upon my
honour.'

'Then you did not mean to insult me, Sir,' said Lake.

'Upon my honour, and conscience, and soul, Captain Lake,' said the
attorney, stringing together, in his vindication, all the articles he was
assumed most to respect, 'I am perfectly frank, I do assure you. I never
supposed for an instant more than I say. I could not imagine--I am amazed
you have so taken it.'

'But you think I exercise some control or coercion over my cousin, Mr.