“These are your sons, I presume?” said he to Mrs Cruden.
“They are,” said she.
Mr Richmond rose and solemnly shook hands with each of the lads, informing each with a smile as he did so that he was pleased to make his acquaintance.
“You wish the young gentlemen to remain, perhaps?” he inquired, as he resumed his seat.
“To be sure,” said Mrs Cruden, somewhat nettled at the question; “go on, please, Mr Richmond.”
“Certainly, madam,” said the lawyer. “May I ask if you are acquainted with the late Mr Cruden’s state of affairs?”
“I wish to hear that from you,” said the widow, “and with as little delay as possible, Mr Richmond.”
“Certainly, madam. Mr Cruden honoured me with his confidence on these matters, and I believe, next to himself, I knew more about them than any one else.”
Here Mr Richmond paused and smiled.
“In fact,” continued he, “I may almost say I knew more about them than he did himself, for your excellent husband, Mrs Cruden, was not a good man of business.”