Markham and Mr. Price then met, for the purpose of transacting business, at the office of the latter. It has been already hinted that Markham had a suspicion of the foul play of the confidential solicitor. With this suspicion on his mind he therefore resolved to watch him very narrowly, and to take especial care that now the last will was made, it should be faithfully and properly executed. When Markham entered the apartment destined to be the scene of their first consultation, he could hardly believe it possible that so plausible, plain-speaking a man as Mr. Price could be by any means a dishonest man, or a man of indirect practices. There was a recollection on the mind of the barrister of some slight emotion expressed by Mr. Price at the reading of the will, and also at the previous annunciation of its existence by Mr. Denver. But these emotions might spring from other sources than that of disappointed covetousness; and as Markham had not any idea of the necessities and perplexities of the solicitor, he thought that the legacy named in Mr. Martindale’s will was a very ample and satisfactory bequest. He did not however lay aside his suspicions, or relax in his vigilance of observation.
It was very natural that two persons who had both been intimate acquaintances of the deceased, and who had scarcely ever met before, should at a meeting of this nature first enter into a little talk concerning their departed friend. Mr. Price commenced by saying,
“This is a great loss, Mr. Markham. Our friend Mr. Martindale will be very much missed. The people here at Brigland were very much grieved when housekeeping was given up at the Abbey. The poor will have long cause to regret their benefactor.”
“I believe,” replied Markham, “that Mr. Martindale was a truly benevolent man, and will be no doubt much missed. My acquaintance with him has been comparatively short; but I had the highest opinion of his heart and understanding.”
“It is very strange,” said Mr. Price, “that he should have chosen that very singular mode of life. He had the means of living in much better style than he did. Though I must say that the Abbey was too magnificent a building even for his property.”
“Are you aware, Mr. Price, of the real value of the late Mr. Martindale’s property?”