‘Of course Mr Squercum will act as you instruct him,’ said Bideawhile.

’I’ll ask Squercum.  I’ll go to him at once.  I can’t do any more than that.  And upon my word, Mr Melmotte, you’ve given me a great deal of trouble.’

Melmotte with a smile apologized.  Then it was settled that they three should meet in that very room on Friday at noon, and that the payment should then be made,—­Dolly stipulating that as his father would be attended by Bideawhile, so would he be attended by Squercum.  To this Mr Longestaffe senior yielded with a very bad grace.

CHAPTER LXXVI — HETTA AND HER LOVER

Lady Carbury was at this time so miserable in regard to her son that she found herself unable to be active...