CHAPTER XIV.
“Oh may we meet you in some happier clime,
Some safer vale, beneath a genial sky.”
Langhorne.
At the cottage the party found the Earl of Trimmerstone and Mr. Price in very close and serious conversation. They were discussing the arrangements for the funeral; but they seemed pleased at the addition to their party; and in the manner of Lord Trimmerstone towards Markham and Colonel Rivolta, there did not appear the slightest symptom of jealousy, or the least coolness or haughtiness.
After what Markham had heard of the will, and after comparing what Sir Andrew Featherstone had said with what had been related by Mr. Denver, he did not feel himself altogether at ease. For though he was very sure that Lord Trimmerstone was not aware of it, yet he could not feel perfectly composed, from the anticipation of what his lordship might say or think when he should know it, as very soon he must. On this occasion there were feelings in Markham’s mind by no means of an enviable nature. He unpleasantly and even painfully recollected that he had been always opposed to Lord Trimmerstone, and that without any deliberate wish or intention on his part; and he could not but imagine that a person of rank like Lord Trimmerstone, having also, as his lordship certainly had, exalted notions of the dignity and glory of title, must be greatly mortified at being brought into opposition with a person of no family. Markham’s first acquaintance with the name and family of Martindale had been, as we have narrated, merely from professional employment. His acquaintance and intimacy with the old gentleman had been not his own seeking; and even had he been disposed to drop the acquaintance, it was never in his power to do so without manifest rudeness, and almost downright ingratitude. It was not Markham’s wish to be quoted as a pattern, or to be set up against a relative of his accidentally-acquired friend. But the most mortifying circumstance of all was the last act of old Mr. Martindale; for by the will recently made, there seemed ready to fix upon Markham an indelible stigma as a legacy-hunter. The real circumstances of the case he hardly knew; and he could not, on the information of Sir Andrew Featherstone, accuse Mr. Price, in order to exonerate himself. It was also very well known that though Mr. Price was confidential solicitor to Mr. Martindale, yet as the old gentleman was a kind of amateur lawyer, he was very fond of talking on legal subjects with Markham, and did very often quote his opinion, to which he gave especial weight and importance.
It was also unpleasant and almost distressing to Markham to notice how very courteously Lord Trimmerstone behaved to him, and indeed always had he behaved so. It was very unfortunate, but there appeared no remedy for it, that with the best and purest intentions on the part of the young barrister, he should be brought into such awkward and almost unexplainable difficulties. For Markham was not only a man of strict integrity, but he had also a very high degree of moral susceptibility, and was excessively anxious to possess a high moral reputation: perhaps it was unfortunate for him that his regard to appearances was so great. His object might have been ultimately as well answered had he paid his undivided attention to the substance, leaving the shadow to take care of itself. Our readers will perceive that in what we have here said concerning our friend Markham, that he possessed a small share of vanity: as however he had many truly excellent qualities, that may be pardoned.