'
This business settled, Mr. Soho was next to be dealt with.
He came at Lady Clonbrony's summons; and was taking directions, with the
utmost SANG FROID, for packing up and sending off the very furniture for
which he was not paid.
Lord Colambre called him into his father's study; and, producing his
bill, he began to point out various articles which were charged at
prices that were obviously extravagant.
'Why, really, my lord, they are ABUNDANTLY extravagant; if I charged
vulgar prices, I should be only a vulgar tradesman. I, however, am not a
broker, nor a Jew. Of the article superintendence, which is only L500,
I cannot abate a dolt; on the rest of the bill, if you mean to offer
READY, I mean, without any negotiation, to abate thirty per cent; and I
hope that is a fair and gentlemanly offer.'
'Mr. Soho, there is your money!'
'My Lord Colambre! I would give the contents of three such bills to be
sure of such noblemanly conduct as yours. Lady Clonbrony's furniture
shall be safely packed, without costing her a farthing.'
With the help of Mr. Edwards, the solicitor, every other claim was soon
settled; and Lord Clonbrony, for the first time since he left Ireland,
found himself out of debt, and out of danger.
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