Young man, don't abuse a noble
word. You're a lawyer. By your own admission you're a lawyer.
Honest men live by business and lawyers live by law.
ALBERT. In this matter, sir, I am following the instructions of
my client, Mr. Beenstock, and the remark you have just let fall,
before witnesses, appears to me to bear a libellous reflection on
the action of my client.
HOBSON. What! So it's libel now. Isn't trespass and... and
spying on trade secrets enough for you, you blood-sucking--
(_To_ ALBERT.)
ALBERT. One moment, Mr. Hobson. You can call me what you like--
HOBSON. And I shall. You--
ALBERT. But I wish to remind you, in your own interests, that
abuse of a lawyer is remembered in the costs. Now, my client
tells me he is prepared to settle this matter out of court.
Personally, I don't advise him to, because we should probably get
higher damages in court. But Mr. Beenstock has no desire to be
vindictive. He remembers your position, your reputation for
respectability, and--
HOBSON. How much?
ALBERT. Er--I beg your pardon?
HOBSON. I'm not so fond of the sound of your voice as you are.
What's the figure?
ALBERT. The sum we propose, which will include my ordinary costs,
but not any additional costs incurred by your use of defamatory
language to me, is one thousand pounds.
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