'I sent for you, Mr Markham.' He waited; and seeing he was still cautious, I went on: 'It was Mr Farrar's wish you should be sent for. He appeared extremely anxious to sign the will; but it was too late.'
'Ah, yes; too late! Very sad, very sad;' watching me furtively, as he carefully measured the length and breadth of one of his gloves. 'And no last instructions, I suppose; no little confidences or revelations, or anything of that kind?'
I quite understood him; and after a few moments' reflection, replied: 'Yes; there was a revelation, Mr Markham; a very startling one; and as you have prepared the will, you doubtlessly know to what I allude?'
I waited a few moments for a reply; but waited in vain. He seemed lost in contemplation of his gloves again. This jovial-looking little man was not quite so effusive as he looked. I tried once more.
'It is unfortunate the will was not signed, since Mr Farrar so much desired it.'
'Certainly; much to be regretted—very much.'
I saw that the approach was to be made from my side; and as it had to be done sooner or later, I said: 'But I do not see that its not being signed can make any difference to Miss Farrar—from a pecuniary point of view.'
'No; none whatever: Miss Farrar will not be a loser.'
'Will her sister?'
'Ah! now we shall understand each other—now you have come to the point, my dear lady,' he replied, with brisk cheerfulness, placing a chair for me, and seating himself before me with a confidential air; a hand upon each of his knees. 'You see it was necessary to bring you to that; though you have fenced very well—very neatly indeed—for a lady. I could not desire a better witness in a case, I assure you—on my own side.'