“But surely,” interrupted Mr. Price, “you will not think of exposing and betraying me?”
“I shall certainly not accuse you, sir; but if facts expose you, you have only yourself to thank for the exposure.”
Mr. Price was angry, as most people are when they are mortified; and he said, “Well, Mr. Markham, you must do as you please, but I think you excessively scrupulous.”
“Better so,” replied the barrister, “than the reverse.”
That reply was displeasing to the solicitor, and he rejoined, “Why, now, you cannot suppose that either Lord Trimmerstone or Signora Rivolta will take the property, if you offer it to them; and then the conclusion of the matter will be, that you will merely make a show of magnanimous integrity and disinterestedness, and come into a handsome fortune; so you will get rich at my expense, and your character will be raised by the depression of mine. Such conduct is mean and trumpery.”
“Let me request of you, sir,” replied Markham, “to confine your remarks within the bounds of temperance and good breeding, or you may tempt me to use the opportunity which you afford me of making such replies as may not be most agreeable to you. I cannot and will not take advantage of what I consider to be another’s wrong.”
Before Markham left Mr. Price, he was careful to take immediate steps towards putting the business in a proper train, to have the matter settled as soon as possible. The barrister then called on Mr. Denver to thank him for his attentions to the deceased. Scarcely was Markham seated when a note was brought to him from Mr. Price; in which note that gentleman expressed a wish to decline acting as executor. The note also intimated, with many circuitous, but intelligible phrases, that it would be exceedingly agreeable to have his legacy paid as soon as possible; and offers were made of all necessary assistance on the part of the late confidential attorney.
To make short work of Mr. Price, we may as well here inform our readers, that in a short time his legacy was paid to him, and the town of Brigland had a vacancy for a new solicitor.
“Prove that to know is to attend, And that we ever keep in sight What reason tells us once is right.”
Great was the astonishment of the Earl of Trimmerstone at receiving the following letter from Horatio Markham: