ead,
seemed to infer that this view of the subject was far too sweeping and
comprehensive.

"Come, come," said Dan, good-humoredly, "I'm not the Chancellor, nor
even Master of the Rolls. Even a little indiscretion will never injure
your reputation in talking with me. Just tell me frankly what you
know and think about my poor friend's affairs. His widow, if she ever
recover, which is very doubtful, is but little suited to matters of
business; and as it is not a case where any adverse litigation is to
be apprehended--What do you mean by that shake of the head? You surely
would not imply that the estate, or any part of it, could be contested
at law?"

"Who could say as much for any property, sir?" said Crowther,
sententiously.

"I know that; I am well aware that there are fellows in your tribe who
are always on the lookout for a shipwrecked fortune, that they may earn
the salvage for saving it; but here, if I mistake not very much, is an
estate that stands in need of no such aids. Carew may have debts."

"Very large debts,--debts of great amount indeed!"

"Well, be it so; there ends the complication."

"You have a very concise and, I must say, a most straightforward mode
of regarding a subject, sir," said Crowther, blandly. "There is an
admirable clearness in your views, and a most business-like promptitude
in your deductions; but we, poor moles of the law, are condemned to
work in a very different fashion; and, to be brief, here is a case that
requires the very nicest management. To enable Madame Carew to take out
letters of administration to her late husband's property, we must
prove her marriage. Now, so far as I can see, sir, this is a matter of
considerable difficulty."

"Why, you would not dare to assert--to insinuate even--"

"Nothing of the kind, sir. Pray be calm, Mr. Mac-Naghten. I am as
incapable of such a thought as yourself. Of the fact, I entertain no
more doubt than you do. The proof of it,--the legal proof,--however, I
am most anxious to obtain."

"But, with search amongst his papers--"

"Very true, sir; it may be discovered. I have no doubt it will be
discovered. I only mean to say that such a document is not to be met
with amongst those in my hands, and I have very carefully gone over a
large packet, labelled 'Papers and letters relating to France during my
last residence there in '80-81,' which, you may remember, was the period
of his marriage."

"But he alludes to that event?"

"Not onc