Arthur Conan Doyle

“ That should satisfy you, Mrs. Crosse. And now that you admit some liability, that is a great step in advance. We have no desire to be unreasonable, but as long as no liability was admitted, we had no course open to us but litigation. We now come to the crucial point, which is, how much liability should fall upon you. My own idea is, that each should pay their own costs, and that you should, in addition, pay over to the Company - ’
‘Forty pounds,’ said Jack firmly.
Maude expected Mr. Wingfield to rise up and leave the room. ”

“ Jack was vastly interested.
‘What did dad say about it?’
‘I didn’t tell him. I thought Frank would rather not.’
‘Quite right. He won’t mind me. He knows I’m a bit of a business man myself. Only signed a paper once in my life, and quite a small paper too, and I haven’t heard the last of it yet. The thing wasn’t much bigger than a postcard, but the fuss those people made afterwards! I suppose they’ve been worrying Frank.’
‘We have had no peace for months.’
‘Worry is bad for the young. But he should not mind. He should go on fizzing like I did. Now we’ll put this thing through together, Maude. ”

“ Wingfield myself, and pay the three hundred and forty pounds, and so have done with the worry for ever?’
‘Speaking as a lawyer,’ said Owen, ‘I think that it is very irregular. Speaking as a man, I think no harm could come of it. But I should not like you to offer the whole sum. Simply say that you are prepared for a reasonable compromise, and ask them to suggest what is the lowest sum which the office would accept to close the business.’
‘You leave it with me,’ said Jack, winking at the lawyer. ‘I am seeing her through. I’ll keep her on the rails. I am Number 1, Class A, at business. ”

“ You’ve got your own little banking account, have you not?’
‘Yes, dad.’
‘That’s right. Never mix it up with your husband’s.’ He scribbled a cheque. ‘Pay that in! It is for five hundred pounds. I will sell half your debentures and charge you with brokerage. ”