Agnes Vol. 2 — page 214: what you’re looking at

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

AGNES; any apecial ebject in being ef the party, remains to be seen. “ Now, gentleman,” said Mr. Timperley, “if you will be kind enough to take your seats, 1 will lose no time in communicuting the contents of the lamented Sir Jolin Dalham’s will.” Sir Roderick was tho first to place himsolé at the table ; and ho unhesitatingly tuok the upper seat, ag if he wero the master there. Mr. Devon modestly touk the lowest seat; and the other guests sat down without reforence to any parti- cular degroes of order. Mr. ‘Timperley unlocked a writing-desk which had just been brought in by one of the foulmen; and he produced a sealed packet. Then, placing himeelf on Sir Roderick Dalham’s right hand, be proceeded to break the seal,—asaying, “ Gentlemen, you are about to learn the testamentary wishes of the deceased friend whose remains we have just consigned tu tho tomb.” ‘But perhaps thero may be others,” said Sir Roderick Dalham, “ who are interested in hearing this will read :”—and while the words wero sfill floating from Jus lips, yo rose from his seat and rang tho bell. “ Qlhers, Sir Roderick &* hia brows corrugating with “yf rage. * What does tha mean? Whu pre on to be the master here P” “ Not I assuredly, Mr. Timperley,” responded Dalbam., “ From the day of my father’s death, until within these two hours, I have not crossed the threshold of the villa. But though I do not affect any authority which I have no right tu ex- ercise———”’ Sir Roderick’s speech was abruptly cut short by the throwing open of the door of the drawing- youm ; and it was the valet James Nash who made his appearance, simply saying, “ Sumo gentlemon, if you please, Sir toderick.” ‘Gentlemen ?”’ echoed Timperley: and leaning with his two hands upon the table as he kicked back the chair from which he had started up, he bent forward with eager looks to catch the first glimpse of those whu were about to enter. There was the tread of several fuotsteps up the staircase ; and behold! a procession of the late Sir John Dalbam’s creditors entered the apartment. The van was led by the Jawyers whu had conducted the Chancery suit: then came wine-merchants, upholsterers, and jewellors, and several other tradesmen,—the number being about fourteen or fifteen in all. For a moment an ashy pallor over- spread ‘limperley’s countenance: then it flusied with the hectic glow of excitement ;—and with an ironical smile he flung a look upon Sir Roderick, saying in a voice that was barely audible, “ This 18 a protty farce that you have prepared as a sequence tu the tragedy !” Sir aderick disdained to reply, — disdained even to notive the lawyer by a look: but bowing courteously to the procession of creditors, he suid, “Be seated, gentlemen. You are even more in- terested in the present ‘proceedings than most of us,” ‘“‘T am sure, Sir Roderick,” said Mr. Timperley, now assuming the most lable look that ho could possibly put on—for he thought that though the Proceeding was a vexing and annoying one, yet there was really naught im it which ueed fill him with any more serious appreheusivn ; “ 1 aio Timperley, OR, REAUTY AND PLEASURT. 207 ‘sure, Sir Roderick, that if it were your wish for these gentlemen to be present, ] could not pos- sibly entertain the slightest objection. On the contrary, lam glad to meet them. There are some with whom I have long been acquainted-— my brotker-professionals for instanee:” and Mr. Timperley endeavoured to smile jocosely. The brother-professionals, however, to whom he alluded, did not svem to be at all inclined tu place themselves on familiar terms with that individual: for they only bowed coldly and distantly. “J will proceed, gontlemen, to read the will,” said Mr. Timporley: and now, as he slowly looked around him, his eyes were again met by the keen regards of Mr. Devon. Timperley had forgotten him for the last fow minutes, during the excite- menf produced by the entranco of the creditors; and now he was reminded of his presence with a suddenness and # vividness that carried an ominous and nervous sensation to tho lawyor’s heart. His lips were observed to quiver and his | hands trembled as he unfolded the testamentary 'document; and holding up his double eye-giass, She affected tu study the contents of the paper for a fow moments—but it was really to gain time in order that he might recover his sclf-posséasion. Ile beheld ny definite danger before him he could not see how any real peril could possibly smite him; but, as we have before said, his svul was a proy to vague terrors and an irresistible uncasiness, Ho began to read the will very slowly and de- liberately, measuring his words in such a way that he exercised a sufficient control over his voice to prevent it from trembling. The document was very short, and was simply to the effect that after the payment of all just debts and liabilities, the testator disposed uf the resilue of his property, whatsoever might be the amount, in the way already known to the reader: namely, that one- third should be distributed amongst certain hos- pitals and philanthropic institutions, and the re- maining two-thirds should go “to bis faithful friend Thomas Timperley,” &c. ° No astonishment was evinced by anybody pre- sent at‘the provisions of this will; for its natnre had been pretty widely whispered abroad within the first two or three days after the breath was out of Sir John Dalham’s body. But there were many angry and threatening regards fixed upon Mr. Timperley ; for when the creditora sold him their claims at ten ur twenty per cent., they were of course very far from forese:ing that he was Sir John Dalham'’s heir—that he knew exactly what amount of property tho deceased Baronet would leave bebind him — and that he was therofore making anu excellent bargain for himself by the purchase of those debts. * ‘You have heard the will, gentlemen,” said Sir Roderick Dalham, when Mr. Timperley had con- cluded the rcading of the document; “and I beg vou at once to understand that on my own per- sonal account I offer it not the slightest oppusi- tion, Qn the contrary, I am anxious that its provisions should be carried out to the vory letter yes, to the very letter, mind /” ejaculated Sir Roderick with emphasis. “And you may r/@t assured, sir,” said Mr. Tim- perley, with a 8 Pd: euried ows to the very lette ar Oe ee oe (C NOOKKS (C@