Somebody in the Bible says, 'Oh, that mine enemy would write a book!' I say, 'Oh, that he would write a letter--without consulting his solicitor." It was Lady Bassett's cue now to make light of troubles.

"What does it matter, Mr.Oldfield?
All they want is money.

Yes, offer them a thousand pounds to leave him in peace." So next day Mr.Oldfield called on Wheeler, all smiles and civility, and asked him if he did not think it a pity cousins should quarrel before the whole county.
"A great pity," said Wheeler.

"But my client has no alternative.

No gentleman in the county would speak to him if he sat quiet under such contumely." After beating about the bush the usual time, Oldfield said that Sir Charles was hungry for litigation, but that Lady Bassett was averse to it.