"Not before he has had a try to get the whole of your money," said Carrington dryly. "The man is a shark, and a sponge, and a greedy animal."
"Why call him names, Carrington? He is Dorinda's father after all, so it is best to leave him alone."
"He won't leave you alone," retorted the other. "I wonder you can be so calm over the matter, Hendle."
Rupert cast a side-look of surprise at the flushed dark face of his companion. "I am quite innocent, so why shouldn't I be calm?"
"Hum!" growled the barrister. "Innocent men have been hanged before now."
"Well, this innocent man won't be hanged, Carrington. No one can prove that I was near the Vicarage on that night."
"Probably not. But you had every motive to go there and get the will, seeing that it may render you a pauper."
"If I am to be a pauper I must become a pauper," replied Rupert coolly; "but I certainly would never attempt to save myself from poverty by murdering an old man who was my friend."
"Well, you see, people will talk as Mallien has talked," said the barrister with a shrug. "You and I alone knew about the will. I was in town, so no one can say a word about me. But you, near at hand, and----"
"What is the use of talking rubbish?" interrupted Rupert sharply. "I never was near the place on that night, and if people talk, well, they must just talk, as I am perfectly innocent. Besides, you forget that Mallien knew about the will."