The Loeb-Leopold case - The Clarence Darrow Collection

The Loeb-Leopold Case
on the other hand to continue as before. The decision,
therefore, must rest with you. This is all of my opinion
on the right and wrong of the matter.
Now comes a practical question. I think that I would
ordinarily be expected to, and in fact do expect to con-
tinue my attitude toward you, as before, until I learn
either by direct words or by conduct on your part which
way your decision has been formed. This I shall do.
Now a word of advice. I do not wish to influence your
decision either way, but I do want to warn you that in
case you deem it advisable to discontinue our friendship,
that in both our interests extreme care must be had. The
motif of " A falling out of " would be sure to
be popular, which is patently undesirable and forms an
irksome but unavoidable bond between us. Therefore,
it is, in my humble opinion, expedient, though our
breech need be no less real in fact, yet to observe the
conventionalities, such as salutation on the street and a
general appearance of at least not unfriendly relations
on all occasions when we may be thrown together in
public.
Now, Dick, I am going to make a request to which I
have perhaps no right, and yet which I dare to make also
for " Auld Lang Syne." Will you, if not too incon-
venient, let me know your answer (before I leave tomorrow)
on the last count? This, to which I have no right,
would greatly help my peace of mind in the next few
days when it is most necessary to me. You can if you
will merely call up my home before 12 noon and leave
a message saying, " Dick says yes," if you wish our rela-
tions to continue as before, and " Dick says no," if not.
It is unnecessary to add that your decision will of
course have no effect on my keeping to myself our con-
fidences of the past, and that I regret the whole affair
more than I can say.
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