“I don't consider that any one has any claim of that sort on me,” said Benson sharply. “Few men stand more alone than I do; and when Marian died it was about the last of the connection—except your wife, Gibbs.”
“And the boy,” interjected Gibbs hastily. “You're forgetting him, Jake.”
“And the boy,” repeated Benson. “But his is a rather remote claim; and I all but ruined myself on account of Marian's father, I suppose Landray told you that.”
Gibbs nodded slightly. The lawyer went on.
“Julia is nearer, but you don't seem to be looking to me because of that, Gibbs.”
The general's red face grew very red indeed at this.
“I'm not asking anything for myself, Jake Benson, or for my Julia. I've stood on my own feet too long to want to go poking them into any one's else shoes, when I do you can tramp on my toes.”
“Oh, come, Gibbs!”
“Well, don't take up with the idea that I'm here to ask favours for myself, for I ain't! I've fetched you a relative,” said Gibbs.
The lawyer regarded him curiously. Gibbs disinterestedness was something he found exceedingly hard to credit.