"I can not tell; my dear lord, how could any man possibly tell?"
"Well, it will not make me die one day sooner or later to have made my will: as you say, every man ought to do it; I ought especially, for my life is more doubtful than most people's, and it is a solemn charge to posses so large a fortune as mine."
"Yes. The good—or harm—that might be done with it is incalculable."
"I feel that—at least I am beginning to feel it."
And for a time the earl sat silent and thoughtful; the old lawyer fussing about, putting papers and debris of all sorts into their right places, but feeling it awkward to resume the conversation.
"Mr. Menteith, are you at liberty now? For I have quite made up my mind. This matter of the will shall be settled at once. It can be done?"
"Certainly."
"Sit down, then, and I will dictate it. But first you must promise not to interfere with any disposition I may see fit to make of my property."
"I should not have the slightest right to do so, Lord Cairnforth."
"My good old friend! Well, now, how shall we begin?"