"That will suit me, Mrs. Berry," said the lawyer.
Mr. Hall was not surprised at the message he received. He expected that the widow would be troubled about the claim he had presented, and he was prepared to listen to entreaties that payment might be postponed. That his fraud was suspected he did not dream.
When Mr. Hall entered the little sitting-room he was somewhat surprised to see Mr. Bradley, the lawyer; but it occurred to him that Mrs. Berry in her trouble had applied to him to mediate between them.
"Good-evening, Mr. Bradley," he said.
"Good-evening, Mr. Hall," said the lawyer, rather coldly.
"It is rather cool this evening," said Hall, trying to appear at ease.
"I understand," said Mr. Bradley, not appearing to notice this remark, "that you have a claim against the estate of my late friend, Mr. Berry."
"Yes, sir."
"And the amount is—"
"Two thousand dollars," said Hall, promptly.