Agnes Vol. 2 — page 213: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

206 AGNES? On, At this moment the juest who bad previously been awaited was announced; and Mr. Timpcrley said, ‘' Well, gentlemen, there is nothing to de- tain us-—-the party is complete—and I think we may set off.” As he slowly looked around, he met the keen eyes of Mr. Devon which were riveted upon him; and a cortain sensation of uneasiness crept shudderingly over Mr. Timperley. Not that any definite causo of fear suggested itself, beyond the notion that probably the will was to be disputed: but for this Mr. Timperley in reality cared very little, as he knew that it was perfectly valid, and that the disinheritance of Sir Roderick by his father was a deed which, considering the circum- stance of his marriage so entirely against wis sire’s wishes, would be sanctioned by the law-courts. Nevertheless though entertaining so strong a con- viction on this point, Mr. Timperley could not help quailing beneath the searching regards of Mr. Dovon-—for the simple reason perhaps that con- science, when making men cowarda, fills their minds with vague fears and unknown terrors ;— and of a surety tho conscience of Mr. Timperley was not the purest nor clearest in the world ! The coffin was conveyed down to the hearse; and Sir Roderick Dalham undisputedly took his position as chief mourner. Indeed, Mr. Timperley not merely resigned the post with an sppearance of the most delicate readiness; but he likewise took such a modest piace in the procession as it issued from the house, that it led him to occupy aseatin the third mourning coach. Indeed, he had carefully studied to avoid being in the same vehicle with Sir Roderick Dalham: but he now found himself precisely opposite to Mr. Devon, whose keen looks appeared tuo be fixed moro scrutinizingly than ever on the countenance of the quailing lawyor. Mr. Timperley plucked up his courage as the procession moved away; and he tried to browbeat Mr. Devon with his regards,— riveting hie gaze fiercely upon him, as much as tu say, “Why duo you stare at me, sir?” Mr. Devon's eyes did not however wink; but they slowly withdiew their looks, the whole dowesnour of the iodividual being perfectly calm and colf- possessed. * A very melancholy occasion this, Mr. Devon!” said Timperley, now adupting a conciliatury bear- ing. “ Melancholy fur whow, sir?” asked the in- dividual thus addressed. “ For Sir Roderick Dal- hamP If this be your meaning, it és a melau- choly vccasion:” — and he spoke with a calm severity of voice. “Ob, of course! of course!” said Mr. “Limper- ley, fidgetting nervously with his black gloves, whicb be had not as yet put on: then again pluck- ing up his presence of mind, be said, “ You knew the late Sir John, J preaume ?” “J have seen him, sir,” was the curt response. “Outy Twas thinkins,”” proceeded Timperley, “that L never Lad experienced the pleasure of weeting you before nt the villa.” “ Perhaps not, sir,” said Mr. Devon; and then he stared fixedly at the lawyer for a few momonts; but egain withdrawing his luvks as if there had really Deen nothing sizguilicunt in the survey, lie turned thom in a leisurely wil’ towards tie wn. dow, ‘ BEAUTY AND eehiseciiiidac —_—— ~~ . Youa are a iiendc of Sir Roderick’s, I preaume Pf” said, Timperley after a pause, “Tf J did not know Sir Roderick,” rejoined Mr. Dalham, “I should scarcely be here on the present occasion.” “ ifem!” said Mr. Timperley, now nervously drawing off one of those gloves which he had just put on. “A lawyer, I presume, sir P” “What makes you think sv, sir?” asked Mr. Devon. “QOome, sir,” said Timperley, bending still far- ther forward and speaking in a still iower tone so as not to be overheard by the other mourners pre- sent in the coach; “ there ought to be profes- sional confidence between us. If there is to be any legal squabbling, let it bé conducted in a straightforward manner. You know where to find me: I shall not run away 7 ‘IT don’t suppose you will, sir,” answered Devon; ( and again his keon eyes flung forth a glance of mystorious significancy at the lawyer, who quailed and shrank in spite of himself. “ But you are mistuken, Mr. Timperley : I do not belong to the same profession as you do.’”” Having thus spoken “air. Devon again looked out of thew: tow. h the air of one who did not wi ine a discourse in which he was made thi} o ject of a disagreeable catechising. Mr. Timperléy—half under the influence of a vague terror, and half enraged at the person who would not satisfy his curiosity—cvuuld scarcely prevent bim- self frorn askiny, “Then pray who the deuce are you, sir ”’-—but be bit his lip and held his peace. The placo of sepulture was soon reached ; and during the ceremony it twico or thrice struck Mr. Timperley that as he furtively looked towards Mr. Devun, that individual's cyes were riveted keenly upon him, so that it actually seemed to the af- frighted and bewildered utturney as if those eyes wore never hfted off him. At }ength tho ceremony was over; the mourners returned to the coaches“and the way was taken back to tho villa. This time Mr. Timperley purposely avoided being in the same velicle with Mr. Devon ; and when no Jonger under the influence of that porson’s keen searching eyes, he said to bimself, ‘After all, it was very tuolish on my part tu be intimidated ur apneyed by the feilaw ! Tfe can do rac no harm; aud ag he says be 19 not & lawyer, there is mut oven any objectian that be cun raise to the wall. Ue is doubtless only a witness whom Sir Roderick bas brought with hin.” The villa was reached; and as Sir Roderick alighted from tho first cuach which drow up, he exchanged a rapid glance of signilicaucy wiih the valet Jamus Nash, who slightly nodded bi hoad in token of an affirmative, The company of mourners ascended to the drawing-roow, where cake and wine were served up, according to custom, un such oecasiong; as if the saddest coremunies must neces: sarily be imbued with more or less uc the spirit of merry-making from the guzzling and wine-bibbing habits of the higher orders ! A few of the guests partook of a little refresh- ment; butit may be observed that meither Mr. Timperloy, nor Sir Roderick Dalham, nor Mr. Dovon, advanced towards the sideboard. Perhaps they ench thought that 16 was necessary to koep their heads clear for whatsvever business might be on hand, though whether Mr. Devon himself had CORNICE OO (C SS (CO