The waiter left the room. "Won't do, Japhet," said Cophagus. "Large family—don't want more—hard times, and so on."
"No," replied I, "it does not exactly answer; but I may from him obtain further intelligence."
"Won't do, Japhet—try another way—large family—want all uncle's money—um—never tell—good night."
This remark of Mr Cophagus gave me an idea, upon which I proceeded the next morning. I sent in my card, requesting the honour of speaking to Mr De Benyon, stating that I had come over to Ireland on business of importance, but that, as I must be back if possible by term time, it would perhaps save much expense and trouble. The waiter took in the message. "Back by term time—it must be some legal gentleman. Show him up," said Mr De Benyon.
I walked in with a business-like air. "Mr De Benyon, I believe?"
"Yes, sir; will you do me the favour to take a chair?"
I seated myself, and drew out my memorandum-book.
"My object, Mr De Benyon, in troubling you, is to ascertain a few particulars relative to your family, which we cannot so easily find out in England. There is a property which it is supposed may be claimed by one of the De Benyons, but which we cannot ascertain until we have a little search into the genealogical tree."
"Is the property large?" inquired Mr De Benyon.
"Not very large," replied I; "but still a very handsome property, I am told." The reader may surmise that the property referred to was my own pretty self. "May I ask you a few particulars relative to the present earl and his brothers?"