From this, he proceeds to breach of promise--I mean any promise, not of marriage only, madam--then to forging, then to larceny, and finally to burglary and murder.

There, madam, that is what I mean--I defy you to deny the truth of what I say!" The Squire could endure the pressure upon his larynx no longer, and exploded like a bomb-shell; or if not in so terrible a manner, at least nearly as loudly.
No one can tell what the awful sentiments of Mr.Rushton, on the subject of Roundjacket would have led to, had not the Squire come to the rescue.
"Well, well," he said, still laughing, "it is plain, my dear Rushton, that for once in your life you are not well posted up on the 'facts of your case,' and you are getting worse and worse in your argument, to say nothing of the prejudice of the jury.

Come, let us dismiss the subject.

I don't think Mr.Roundjacket, however, will turn out a murderer, which would be a horrible blow to me, as I knew his worthy father well, and often visited him at 'Flowery Lane,' over yonder.

But the discussion is unprofitable--hey! what do you think, Verty, and you, Miss Redbud ?" Verty raises his head and smiles.
"I am very fond of Mr.Roundjacket," he says.
"Fond of him ?" "Yes, sir: he likes me too, I think," Verty says.
"How does he show it, my boy ?" "He gives me advice, sir." "What! and you like him for that ?" "Oh, yes, sir." "Well, perhaps the nature of the advice may modify my surprise at your gratitude, Verty." "_Anan_, sir ?" "What advice does he give you ?" Verty laughs.
"Must I tell, sir?
I don't know if--" And Verty blushes slightly, looking at Miss Lavinia and Redbud.
"Come, speak out!" laughs the Squire.