“I believe,” replied Markham, “that Mr. Martindale was a truly benevolent man, and will be no doubt much missed. My acquaintance with him has been comparatively short; but I had the highest opinion of his heart and understanding.”
“It is very strange,” said Mr. Price, “that he should have chosen that very singular mode of life. He had the means of living in much better style than he did. Though I must say that the Abbey was too magnificent a building even for his property.”
“Are you aware, Mr. Price, of the real value of the late Mr. Martindale’s property?”
To this question Mr. Price did not give a very speedy reply, but muttered rather indistinctly, and said in a very slip-shod tone of voice, “Why, I can’t say exactly, for it consists of various parts; some in land, some on mortgage, and some in the funds; and the price of land is now considerably less than it was some years ago. I really cannot venture to say; but, however, we shall probably ascertain that in the course of our executorship. I suppose you intend to accept the charge… but I fear you will find it a troublesome task. I have myself had so much to do with executorships, that I could almost find in my heart to decline it in the present instance; but I have too great a respect for the memory of my departed client.”
There was something in the tone of this last speech, which led Markham to apprehend that there might be some truth in the tale that he had heard from Sir Andrew Featherstone. Without therefore betraying his suspicions, he replied carelessly,
“Yes, I think I may as well act with you, for perhaps I may be the means of saving you some trouble. I also feel a great respect for the memory of Mr. Martindale, though my acquaintance has been but short.”
“Certainly, certainly,” continued Mr. Price, “every body who knew Mr. Martindale must respect him. He was a man of very great kindness of heart, and of real benevolence of disposition.”
The confidential solicitor then hesitated and almost smiled, and put on one of those silly looks which people assume when they are about to ask what may perhaps be denied them. At last he said,
“I suppose it will be desirable to settle the business with the legatees as soon as possible. I always prefer despatch in matters of this kind. I think it does not look well to protract this sort of business.”
“Of course it does not,” replied Markham, “and I shall be most happy to afford you all the assistance in my power for the furtherance of your plans of despatch.”