I am not a tiger. My heart is not
made of stone. Perhaps you don't believe me! Let me tell you that I have
half resolved, despite the old gentleman's will, to transfer to my
niece, Henrietta, the Kerekedar property."
"Because its expenses are greater than its revenue, I presume?"
"None of your poor witticisms, sir. I am ready to make any sacrifices to
oblige my relatives. The world misjudges me. They call me greedy and
avaricious; if only they could look into my heart!"
"What you have done hitherto, sir, does not testify to any great regard
for your relatives. For instance, look at the case of my client, young
Coloman--for you know that Vamhidy has instructed me to act for him.
What intrigues, what tricks were employed to fasten upon him the
suspicion of forgery! Nobody knows that better than you, sir. And let me
tell you that although my young client is nothing but a strolling
player, I shall spare no pains to thoroughly vindicate his good name and
you, with all your wealth and property, will be unable to affect the
issue one jot."
Mr. John pondered for a moment. "Look here," said he at last, "let us
pitch the whole confounded suit into the fire. I have a compromise to
propose. I candidly confess I am in a bit of a hole. That bill business
is now before the courts and when it comes on for trial, it will cause a
horrible scandal and people have condemned me beforehand.
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