re was limited to the date at which Bulpit Brothers had a right to
claim the repayment of their loan. The Will was a matter of no earthly
importance to him, by comparison with the infinitely superior interest
of the Marriage. It was only when the lawyer's brutally plain language
forced his attention to it that the question of his pecuniary interest
in his father-in-law's death assumed its fit position in his mind.

_His_ color rose; and _he_ too showed that he was offended by what Mr.
Dicas had just said.

"Not a word, Richard! Let me speak for you as well as for myself," said
Sir Joseph. "For seven years past," he continued, turning to the lawyer,
"I have been accustomed to place the most unlimited trust in Richard
Turlington. His disinterested advice has enabled me largely to increase
my income, without placing a farthing of the principal in jeopardy. On
more than one occasion, I have entreated him to make use of my money
in his business. He has invariably refused to do so. Even his bitterest
enemies, sir, have been obliged to acknowledge that my interests were
safe when committed to his care. Am I to begin distrusting him, now
that I am about to give him my daughter in marriage? Am I to leave it on
record that I doubt him for the first time--when my Will is opened after
my death? No! I can confide the management of the fortune which my child
will inherit after me to no more competent or more honorable hands than
the hands of the man who is to marry her. I maintain my appointment, Mr.
Dicas! I persist in placing the whole responsibility under my Will in my
son-in-law's care."

Turlington attempted to speak. The lawyer attempted to speak. Sir
Joseph--with a certain simple dignity which had its effect on both of
them--declined to hear a word on either side. "No, Richard! as long as
I am alive this is my business, not yours. No, Mr. Dicas! I understand
that it is your business to protest professionally. You have protested.
Fill in the blank space as I have told you. Or leave the instructions on
the table, and I will send for the nearest solicitor to complete them in
your place."

Those words placed the lawyer's position plainly before him. He had no
choice but to do as he was bid, or to lose a good client. He did as he
was bid, and grimly left the room.

Sir Joseph, with old-fashioned politeness, followed him as far as
the hall. Returning to the library to say a few friendly words before
finally dismissing the subje