"I do not think Asherill will make any objection in this case. In the first place there is nothing doubtful about the transaction, and in the second place Mr. Samuel Witney, who is—in religion—a friend of his, and who has often done him a good turn, happens to be one of our directors."
"I should not feel inclined to place much dependence on either fact," said Mr. Benning. "But as I suppose you understand your own business—let us try Asherill. I have to attend a meeting of creditors, and shall not be able to see him to-day; but you," turning to Messrs. Kleinwort and Werner, "had better do so, and take a note from me at the same time."
"I have got my own business to attend to," remarked Mr. Werner.
"And so have I in most good truth," echoed Kleinwort piteously.
"Well, attend to your own and Mortomley's also for to-day. After that I promise you shall be troubled no more about Mortomley or his estate." So spoke Mr. Benning, and his words recommended themselves to Henry Werner.
"On that understanding," he said, "I will do what you wish."
"I must stay here till twelve," pleaded Kleinwort. "After that, any time, anywhere."
"I will be here at quarter past twelve;" and having made this appointment, Mr. Werner bade good morning to the lawyer and the manager, and ran down the stone stairs leading from Kleinwort's office as if the plague had been after him.
"There is nothing more to say I suppose," nervously suggested Mr. Forde as the lawyer buttoned up his coat, and requested the loan of an umbrella.