When our next formal meeting took place, Dewey was again present. It was in my thought to suggest that he was not a party covered by the business to be considered, when Mr. Wallingford said, in his mild, grave way--
“I believe this is a meeting of the Executors under the two wills of Captain Allen.”
The meaning of his remark could not be misunderstood, for he glanced towards Mr. Dewey as he spoke. That individual, however, did not choose to regard himself as referred to, and made no sign. But Mr. Wallingford was not the man to let a deliberate purpose fall to the ground. He had come with the intention of objecting to Dewey's presence at the conference, and to insist upon his retiring, as a preliminary to business.
No one replying to Mr. Wallingford's remark, he said, further--
“I do not mean to be uncourteous, but I must suggest the propriety of Mr. Dewey's withdrawal.”
“I am an interested party,” said Dewey, with ill-concealed anger.
“Ah! I was not before aware of this,” replied Wallingford, and he looked inquiringly towards the Judge and Squire. They showed an uneasy perplexity of manner, but did not respond.
“In what way are you interested?” queried Mr. Wallingford.
“I am one of the guardians to the heir under an existing will.”
“A will that the decision of our court has rendered null and void,” was promptly answered. “We have not met to consider questions in which Leon Garcia, or his representative, has any concern. Our business refers to other matters.”
Dewey moved uneasily, and seemed struggling to keep down his rising displeasure. But he did not, manifest any intention to withdraw.
“Had we not better proceed to business?” suggested Squire Floyd.
“Not while Mr. Dewey remains,” said I, firmly taking the side of Mr. Wallingford.
“Somebody will repent himself of this!” exclaimed the ill-governed man, passionately, starting to his feet, and striding from the office.
“I don't understand this individual's conduct,” remarked Wallingford, in a serious way. “Why has he presumed to intermeddle in our business? It has a bad look.”
He knit his brows closely, and put on a stern aspect, very unusual to him.
“You probably forget,” said Judge Bigelow, “that you have proposed a change of ownership in property now occupied by him?”