John entered the office.
"Good-afternoon, John," said Squire Selwyn. "How are things going on at home?"
"We are all well," said John.
"I'm glad to hear it. Won't you sit down?"
The lawyer was a man of middle height. He had a pleasant face and manner, but his eye was keen and penetrating, and seemed to be reading the person upon whom it rested. He was deservedly popular, for it was always his endeavor to conciliate rather than to foment quarrels, and he more than once succeeded in dissuading a client from a lawsuit which would have put a considerable sum of money into his own pocket. He was a safe legal adviser, and an honest lawyer. He was glad to see John, for he had always been attracted towards him, not only because of his friendship for the father, but because of John's truthfulness and straightforwardness.
Seeing that John hesitated, he said, by way of encouragement:—
"If there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask it. Your father was my friend, and I hope to be regarded by his son in the same light."
"It is because of that that I have called upon you, Squire Selwyn," said John. "You know, of course," he added, after a little hesitation, "how my father left his property?"
"I know how he appears to have left it," said the lawyer, significantly.