Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 400: what you’re looking at

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392 “Then perhaps you will stay to dine with me? We will take a stroll presently together, and re- turn to dinner st six. Will that suit you?” “Tt will suit me excellently,” rejoined Hardress, —“all except the stroll; for in the first instance you must come with me to my lawyer.” “ And my lawyer is anxious to see you!” ex- elaimed Andrew. ‘I had almost forgotten it.” “Then we will pay these two visits,” said Hardress; “and we will return to dinner at six o'clock, as you propose.” The waiter was summoned, and Hailes gave him instructions to see that dinner was in readi- ness at the hour named: then to Cesario he said, “Tam going to make a couple of calls with Mr. Hardress, and we shall dine together on my return at six o'clock.” Cesario made no reply, but walkedslowly and even hesitatingly out of the room; so that Hector, turning towards Hailes, said, “That is eomewhat a singular youth of your’s!—he might be a trifle more respectful, methinks.” “4h!” said Hailes, colouring for an instant; and then he added with a careless air, “He is a well-meaning young fellow, and is very much attached to me,” The two young gentlemen entered acab; and Hardress said, “ We will proceed in the first in- stance to your solicitor’s;’—for he was nervously anxious to see the issue of this part of the busi- ness, The requisite instructions were given to the cab- man; and in due time the vehicle stopped at a houses, Bloomsbury Square. Mr. Bowman, the lawyer, was in his office; and thither Hailes and Hardress were immediately conducted by one of the clerks, “ T am glad you have come, Mr. Hardress,” said Mr. Bowman. ‘This is an unpleasant business ; and it is requisite to be prepared for all contingen- cies. My client Mr. Hailes will excuse me for saying that he is only a mere boy—he is scarcely twenty years of age—a minor—and though not precisely under my guardianship, yet still more or less under my care; for his deceased uncle was an intimate friend of mine <! “Well, Mr. Bowman,” interjected Hardress, assuming the most affable demeanour, for.in reality he did not altogether like the lawyer’s opening speech ; “I am excessively sorry that your client —whom I am proud to call my friend—should have become involved in such a dilemma “This does not appear to have been your fault, Mr. Hardress,” said Bowman. “It was the de- ceased Mr. Clifford who dragged Andrew into the business. As a matter of course, you are now both equally interested in making your defence as clear as possible, and convincing the Jury that everything was fair and straigbttorward—that all the formalities were fulfilled—that seconds and surgeon were in attendance . “No doubt!” said Hector. “Are there any details, Mr. Bowman, in which I can assist you?” “In the first place,” inquired the lawyer, “is there a chance of Mr, Godolphin coming for- ward ?” Hailes turned aside and coughed. Hector coloured deeply for an ivstart; and then said, “I’m afraid there is no chance, Mr. Bowman.” “Tt would look infinitely more straightforward TT ~ AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE. and honourable,” exclaimed the lawyer, “if all the parties concerned were to surrender to take their trial. Mr. Godolphin was your second, Mr. Hardress; and you ought to have done your best to produce him. I am really afraid that it will be thought there is something mystical about this gentleman; for he has never been heard of from the instant of the duel. A warrant was issued for his apprehension, as he did not surrender to put in bail; and the police cannot discover the faintest clue to the individual. He is known at none of the clubs—at none of the West End hotels—at none of the fashionable resorts——”’ “He was a mere stranger upon town,” ejacu- lated Hardress ; while Hailes walked to the win- dow and pretended to look out in order to conceal his laughter. ‘Of course, my dear sir, I do not wish to pre- judice your case,” resumed Mr. Bowman, “ be- cause in so doing I should prejudice that of my own client Mr. Hailes. But really I cannot help thinking that it is unhandsome—it is even mys- terious—it is strange on your part, Mr. Hardress, that you do not take prompt measures to bring this Mr. Godolphin forward. You know that by so doing you would involve him in no real trouble; but on the contrary you would be rendering hima service—you would be getting him through the business at the same time as yourselves—and [I can assure you that you would be wonderfully im- proving yourown case, It is my duty to do ail I can inthe matter to ensure the safety and honour- able acquittal of my young friend and client Andrew; and I feel that it will be making sure doubly sure if Mr. Godolphin be brought for- ward.” “ My lawyer,” said Hardress, “ thinks it quite utinecessary that Godolphin should be produced, if it better suits his purpose to remain away.” “Then your lawyer, Mr. Hardress,” responded Mr. Bowman, drily, “ must have given his opinion rather that it might assort with your own sugges- tions and wishes, than because he himself could possibly be convinced that the point is immaterial, In one word, can Godolphin be produced? or can he not? Beso kind as to let me know for cer- tain, that I may act accordingly.” “T really do think, Mr. Bowman,” said Hailes, now putting on a most serious countenance, “ that from all my friend Hardress has told me, it is im- possible to produce Godolphin; for he is upon the Continent.” “Very good,” said the lawyer: but there was a certain suspicious dryness in his manner: “ that is an answer—and I must take it. I will do the best I can for you, Andrew. Good afternoon, Mr. Hardress-’ The two youug gentlemen issued from the lawyer’s office; and when they were again seated in the cab, Hailes threw himself back and burst forth into the merriest peal of laughter. A diabolical expression of malignant rage, in- stantaneously followed by a smile of sardonic triumph, appeared upon the countenance of Hector Hardress: but theso evidences of inter- nal emotion passed unnoticed by Hailes, whose merriment was prolonged and even boisterous. “You will see that my lawyer,” said Hardress, “ presently will tell a very different tale and prove to you that it is by no means necessary for us to COMMICLOOK (C@) 5}