"Strange what a lot of trouble some men take about their funerals, while others never trouble at all," said the professor, looking round the room again. "I suppose, Sir Arthur, like the rest of us your father had enemies."
"Not that I know of."
"An old rival, for instance, in your mother's affections."
"There was nothing of the kind. Mr. Thompson, who is still in the house—you saw him yesterday, Mr. Wigan—will endorse this. He knew my mother before her marriage."
"Still, some people must have envied your father. But for him, another branch of the family would have inherited the estates, I understand. Has he always been on friendly terms with this branch of the family?"
"Always, and has helped them considerably."
"Experience teaches us that it is often the most difficult thing to forgive those who do us favors," said Quarles sententiously.
"Do you believe that some one out of wanton cruelty has stolen the body with no purpose beyond mere revenge?"
"It looks like it, Sir Arthur. The body will probably be discovered presently. Possibly the thief will furnish you with a clue so that you may know he or she has taken revenge. I am afraid there is nothing to be done but to wait. I feel greatly for Lady Rusholm."
"The waiting will be dreadful. I am trying to persuade my mother to go away at once."