"Tell Mr L---- to walk in. We have no secrets here. Excuse me, nephew;
this man is one of our lawyers. He has nothing to communicate but what
you may hear, I dare say. If he should have any private business, you
can step into the next room."
The attorney entering, I was introduced as nephew to Mr S----, just
arrived from the Indies, and so forth. Standing, Mr L---- made due
obeisance.
"Sit down; sit down, Mr L----," cried my uncle. "You need not be bowing
there for a job. Poor fellow, he has not much left to grease the paws of
a lawyer. Well, sir, your errand?"
I came, Mr S----, respecting the Manor-house. Perhaps you would not have
any objections to a tenant!"
"I cannot say just now. I have had some thoughts of pulling it down."
"Sir! you would not demolish a building, the growth of centuries--a
family mansion--been in the descent since James's time. It would be
barbarous. The antiques would be about your ears."
"I care nothing for the antiquities; and, moreover, I do not choose to
let the house. Any further business with me this morning, sir?"
"Nothing of consequence--I only came about the house.
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