Mr. Rocke had other things to say, but his client's manner seemed
designed to create a barrier of formality between them. He hesitated,
unwilling to leave, yet finding it exceedingly difficult to say the
things which were in his mind. He temporized by referring back to
matters already discussed, solely for the purpose of prolonging the
interview.

"You have quite made up your mind, then, to put the Tredowen property
on the market," he remarked. "You will excuse my reminding you of the
fact that you have large accumulated funds in hand, and nearly a
hundred thousand pounds worth of easily realizable securities.
Tredowen has been in your mother's family for a good many years, and I
should doubt whether it will be easily disposed of."

The man at the head of the table raised his head. He looked steadily
at the lawyer, who began to wish that he had left the room with his
clerk. Decidedly, Sir Wingrave Seton was not an easy man to get on
with.

"My mind is quite made up, thank you, on this and all other matters
concerning which I have given you instructions," was the calm reply.
"I have had plenty of time for consideration," he added drily.

The lawyer had his opening at last, and he plunged.

"Sir Wingrave," he said, "we were at college together, and our
connection is an old one. You must forgive me if I say how glad I am
to see you here, and to know that your bad time is over. I can assure
you that you have had my deepest sympathy. Nothing ever upset me so