Clifton [looking round the room]. And now, Mr. Crawshaw, we are alone.
Crawshaw. Yes. Well, I think, Mr. Clifton, you have a good deal to explain—
Clifton. My dear sir, I'm longing to begin. I have been looking forward to this day for weeks. I spent over an hour this morning dressing for it. [He takes papers from his hat and moves to the sofa.] Perhaps I had better begin from the beginning.
Crawshaw [interested, indicating the papers]. The documents in the case?
Clifton. Oh dear, no—just something to carry in the hand. It makes one look more like a solicitor. [Reading the title.] "Watherston v. Towser—in re Great Missenden Canal Company." My clerk invents the titles; it keeps him busy. He is very fond of Towser; Towser is always coming in. [Frankly.] You see, Mr. Crawshaw, this is my first real case, and I only got it because Antony Clifton is my uncle. My efforts to introduce a little picturesqueness into the dull formalities of the law do not meet with that response that one would have expected.
Crawshaw [looking at his watch]. Yes. Well, I'm a busy man, and if you could tell me as shortly as possible why your uncle left this money to me, and apparently to Mr. Meriton too, under these extraordinary conditions, I shall be obliged to you.
Clifton. Say no more, Mr. Crawshaw; I look forward to being entirely frank with you. It will be a pleasure.
Crawshaw. You understand, of course, my position. I think I may say that I am not without reputation in the country; and proud as I am to accept this sacred trust, this money which the late Mr. Antony Clifton has seen fit—[modestly] one cannot say why—to bequeath to me, yet the use of the name Wurzel-Flummery would be excessively awkward.
Clifton [cheerfully]. Excessively.
Crawshaw. My object in seeing you was to inquire if it was absolutely essential that the name should go with the money.