"
These were very good words, and I could see besides that there was
little love, and perhaps a spice of genuine ill-will, between these
two who were opposed to me. For all that, it was unmistakable this
interview had been designed, perhaps rehearsed, with the consent of
both; it was plain my adversaries were in earnest to try me by all
methods; and now (persuasion, flattery, and menaces having been
tried in vain) I could not but wonder what would be their next
expedient. My eyes besides were still troubled, and my knees loose
under me, with the distress of the late ordeal; and I could do no
more than stammer the same form of words: "I put my life and
credit in your hands."
"Well, well," said he, "we must try to save them. And in the
meanwhile let us return to gentler methods. You must not bear any
grudge upon my friend, Mr. Simon, who did but speak by his brief.
And even if you did conceive some malice against myself, who stood
by and seemed rather to hold a candle, I must not let that extend
to innocent members of my family. These are greatly engaged to see
more of you, and I cannot consent to have my young womenfolk
disappointed.
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