The man thus occupied on hearing his entrance
said, without looking back, "Sit down, and in a moment I'll attend to
you."
Grey replied, "In a moment you won't see me;" and, his voice rising, "I
am accustomed to be treated with civility."
Swallow rose at once, and seeing a well-dressed stranger said, "Excuse
me, I was drawing a mortgage for a farmer I expected. Take a seat. I am
at your service."
Somewhat mollified, Grey sat down. As he took his seat he was not at all
sure of what he was really willing to say or do. He was not an indecisive
person at home, but here in a Northern State, on what might be hostile
ground, he was in doubt concerning that which he felt he honourably owed
as a duty to his neighbour. The word had for him limiting definitions,
as indeed it has for most of us. Resolving to be cautious, he said with
deliberate emphasis, "I should like what I have to say to be considered,
sir, as George Washington used to remark, as 'under the rose'--a strictly
professional confidence."
"Of course," said Swallow.
"My name is George Grey. I am at Grey Pine on a visit to my cousin, Mrs.
Penhallow."
"A most admirable lady," said the lawyer; "absent just now, I hear." He
too determined on caution.
"I have been wandering about your quiet little town this morning and made
some odd acquaintances.
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