On receiving his client's promise not to see Miss Gwilt, he
consented to Allan's committing himself in writing under his
lawyer's dictation. The letter thus produced was modeled in
Allan's own style; it began and ended in one sentence. "Mr.
Armadale presents his compliments to Miss Gwilt, and regrets
that he cannot have the pleasure of seeing her at Thorpe
Ambrose." Allan had pleaded hard for a second sentence,
explaining that he only declined Miss Gwilt's request from
a conviction that an interview would be needlessly distressing
on both sides. But his legal adviser firmly rejected the proposed
addition to the letter. "When you say No to a woman, sir,"
remarked Pedgift Senior, "always say it in one word. If you give
her your reasons, she invariably believes that you mean Yes."
Producing that little gem of wisdom from the rich mine of his
professional experience, Mr. Pedgift the elder sent out the
answer to Miss Gwilt's messenger, and recommended the servant
to "see the fellow, whoever he was, well clear of the house."
"Now, sir," said the lawyer, "we will come back, if you like,
to my opinion of Miss Gwilt. It doesn't at all agree with yours,
I'm afraid.
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