But my share in the troubles of this affair was not to end, though

I was no longer my uncle's counsellor. An event now took place

which gave the proceedings a new and not less unpleasing aspect

than they had worn before. Mrs. Clifford, it appears, in her

communications to her husband's lawyer, did not confine herself to

the mere business of the lawsuit. Her voluminous discourse involved

her opinions of her neighbors, friends, and relatives; and, one

day, a few weeks after, I was suddenly surprised by a visit from

a gentleman--one of the members of the bar--who placed a letter

in my hands from Mr. Perkins. I read this billet with no small

astonishment. It briefly stated that certain reports had reached his

ears, that I had expressed myself contemptuously of his abilities

and character, and concluded with an explicit demand, not for an

explanation, but an apology. My answer was immediate.

"You will do me the favor to say, Mr. Carter, that Mr. Perkins has

been misinformed. I never uttered anything in my life which could

disparage either his moral or legal reputation."

"I am sorry to say, Mr. Clifford," was the reply, "that denial is

unnecessary, and can not be received. Mr. Perkins has his information

from the lips of a lady; and, as a lady is not responsible, she can

not be allowed to err. I am required, sir to insist on an apology.

I have already framed it, and it only needs your signature."

He drew a short, folded letter, from his pocket, and placed it

before me. There was so much cool impertinence in this proceeding,

and in the fellow's manner, that I could with difficulty refrain

from flinging the paper in his face. He was one of the little and

vulgar clique of which Perkins was a sort of centre. The whole set

were conscious enough of the low estimate which was put upon them

by the gentlemen of the bar. Denied caste, they were disposed to

force their way to recognition by the bully's process, and stung

by some recent discouragements, Mr. Perkins was, perhaps, rather

glad than otherwise, of the silly, and no less malicious than

silly, tattle of Mrs. Clifford for I did not doubt that the gross

perversion of the truth which formed the basis of his note, had

originated with her, which enabled him to single out a victim, who,

as the times went, had suddenly risen to a comparative elevation

which is not often accorded to a young beginner. I readily conjectured

his object from his character and that of the man he sent. My own

nature was passionate; and the rude school through which my boyhood

had gone, had made me as tenacious of my position as the grave.

That I should be chafed by reptiles such as these, stung me to

vexation; and though I kept from any violence of action, my words

did not lack of it.




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