Now when Markham and his companions were thus cordially received, the whole party went into a consultation respecting the mode of the funeral; for as Mr. Price had said that there was no mention in the will of any desire on the part of the deceased as to funeral ceremony, the matter was open to discussion. In this consultation, Lord Trimmerstone and Mr. Markham were principally engaged; and it ended by resolving to have the funeral as plain as consistent with circumstances. This plainness was however composed of all the funereal practicabilities of Brigland.
Mr. Denver hearing that Mr. Price had spoken of the will, ventured to say that there existed a will of later date than that to which Mr. Price alluded. At the mention of this Mr. Price turned exceedingly pale; nor was his agitation much alleviated by hearing that one purpose of this new will was to increase the bequest designed for himself.
“Indeed! Mr. Denver,” said the man of law, trembling, “why that is very odd. I know that Mr. Martindale made several wills at different times, but this which I have was made so very recently, that there must be something very extraordinary to have occasioned it, and it is so strange that I should not have heard of it.”
Mr. Denver hoping to surprise agreeably said, “The making of the will to which I refer was concealed from you, Mr. Price, out of a feeling of delicacy, that Mr. Martindale might not hear from you those objections to an increased legacy, which he took it for granted you would make, if the alteration of the will were given to you to draw up. So Mr. Martindale said that he would make his own will, and then you might see after his decease how highly he valued your services.”
To this speech Mr. Price bowed, but no very strong symptoms of satisfaction were manifest in his countenance. Lord Trimmerstone immediately despatched a messenger for Mr. Simpson, requesting him to bring with him the document which had been committed to his care by the late Mr. Martindale. The gentleman presently obeyed the summons, and the will in question was produced.
Lord Trimmerstone cast his eye upon it, and hastily turned over, the very few folios which contained it, and with unaltered look said, “I see no mention made of funeral directions, and therefore we may proceed in our arrangements as before. Mr. Simpson, I will commit the will to your care; and after the funeral it may be read over, in the hearing of such of the parties concerned as may be present on the occasion.”
Mr. Simpson received the paper, bowed, and retired. And as it would require a pen far more practised than ours to give interest to the discussion which followed the retiring of this gentleman, we will proceed to the day of the funeral.
In opposition to the opinion and persuasions of Lord Trimmerstone, Signora Rivolta almost insisted on being present on the occasion. Clara followed her mother’s example, moved by the same considerations, and prompted by similar feelings. They both felt respect and love to the deceased; and the mother of Clara observed, “You will destroy the very character of funereal rites if you exclude those whose sorrow for the loss is greatest.”
“It is on that very account, madam,” replied Lord Trimmerstone, “that we wish to persuade you from attending at the interment. Why should you wish to render your regrets more poignant? and why should you encounter a scene which will be affliction to you, and beneficial to no one?”
“My lord, that which is matter of feeling is not subject for argument. I know that I shall feel deeply and painfully when I stand by my father’s grave; and I believe that my tears there will be joy to no one: but I also know that there may be many hours in life, in which to have shed these tears on such an occasion and at such a place will be to me a pleasure.”