The Chairman folded up Lord Harry's letter and gave it to the
Secretary.
"We are much obliged to you, sir, for your prompt action. It is, of
course, only what we should have expected of your firm. Meantime,
remember that the claim was made by you, that you received the money,
and--but we will communicate with you in a few days."
The Secretary wrote such a letter as was suggested. By return of post a
cheque was sent, signed by one William Linville, for the sum of eight
thousand pounds. The Company had, therefore, recovered thirteen out of
fifteen thousand pounds. The Secretary had another interview with Mr.
Erskine, the result of which was that the Company recovered the
remaining two thousand pounds.
Every firm of solicitors contains its own secrets and keeps them.
Therefore, we need not inquire whether it was intended that this money
should be paid by the firm or by the noble family to which Lord Harry
Norland belonged. It is, however, certain that a few days afterwards
Mr. Hugh Mountjoy called at the office and had a long conversation with
the senior partner, and that he left behind him a very big cheque.
The subject has never been brought before the Directors again. It was,
indeed, privately discussed, and that frequently. Perhaps the story was
whispered about outside the Board-room. These things do get about.
There has been, however, a feeling that the thing, which would have
been perfectly successful but for the conscience of a woman concerned,
might be repeated with less tender consciences, and so the Companies be
defrauded. Now the wickedness of the world is already so great that it
needs no more teaching to make it worse. On the whole, the less said
the better.
Besides, the tragic event which happened a day or two later effectively
prevented any further step. That in itself was sufficient to wipe out
the whole business.