And, indeed, the court is very jealous of
those who begin by going to a judge, and then alter their minds, and
try to dispose of the case themselves. And to make matters worse, here
they do it by straining an Act of Parliament opposed to equity."
"I wish it may prove so, sir; but, meantime, Mr. Wheeler is active, Mr.
Oldfield is passive. He has not an idea. He is a mere negative."
"Ah, that is because he is out of his groove. A smattering of law is
not enough here. It wants a smattering of human nature too."
"Then, sir, would yon advise me to part with Mr. Oldfield?"
"No. Why make an enemy? Besides, he is the vehicle of communication
with the other side. You must simply ignore him for a time."
"But is there nothing I can do, sir? for it is this cruel inactivity
that kills me. Pray advise me--you know all now."
Mr. Rolfe, thus challenged, begged for a moment's delay.
"Let us be silent a minute," said he, "and think hard."
And, to judge by his face, he did think with great intensity.
"Lady Bassett," said he, very gravely, "I assume that every fact you
and Mr. Angelo have laid before me is true, and no vital part is kept
back. Well, then, your present course is--Delay. Not the weak delay of
those who procrastinate what cannot be avoided; but the wise delay of a
general who can bring up overpowering forces, only give him time.
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