"But, you see, you come to me well recommended.

There is a good honest Whig name to this letter," says he, picking it up a moment from the table.

"And--extra-judicially, Mr.
Balfour--there is always the possibility of some arrangement.

I tell you, and I tell you beforehand that you may be the more upon your guard, your fate lies with me singly.

In such a matter (be it said with reverence) I am more powerful than the king's Majesty; and should you please me--and of course satisfy my conscience--in what remains to be held of our interview, I tell you it may remain between ourselves." "Meaning how ?" I asked.
"Why, I mean it thus, Mr.Balfour," said he, "that if you give satisfaction, no soul need know so much as that you visited my house; and you may observe that I do not even call my clerk." I saw what way he was driving.