“Nay, nay, my dear Sir,” remonstrated the little attorney, seizing him by the button. “Good round sum⁠—a man like you could treble it in no time⁠—great deal to be done with fifty pounds, my dear Sir.”

“More to be done with a hundred and fifty,” replied Mr. Jingle coolly.

“Well, my dear Sir, we won’t waste time in splitting straws,” resumed the little man, “say⁠—say⁠—seventy.”

“Won’t do,” said Mr. Jingle.

“Don’t go away, my dear sir⁠—pray don’t hurry,” said the little man. “Eighty; come: I’ll write you a cheque at once.”

“Won’t do,” said Mr. Jingle.