The sudden and painful event recorded at the close of the last chapter, presented a momentary interruption to the negotiations with Mr. Martindale on the subject of the living of Trimmerstone. The Dowager Lady Martindale would not use any importunities on the business; and as for the young man himself for whom the living was supposed to be destined, Mr. Robert Martindale, he was too indifferent to the profession to have any wishes or to feel any interest about it. Poor Mr. Henderson was not as yet aware that any such expectations might be entertained by him. Hearing of the death of Lord Martindale, he designed to pay a visit of condolence to his lordship's relative; but he was too diffident to be very hasty in that visit, leaving early calls to those who were more in the intimacy of Mr. Martindale. But there was not quite so much consideration on the part of those who were interested in the disposal of the living: they were prompt in their application, and more importunate in their solicitations. Among other visitors in the way of condolence to Mr. John Martindale was Sir Gilbert Sampson. From the marriage of his daughter into the Martindale family he felt some right to claim kindred with him, and we must do Mr. John Martindale the justice to say that he did not disallow that claim. He always had behaved with familiarity and cordiality towards the city knight. When Sir Gilbert Sampson was announced, he was readily admitted and well received; and, after a few half-formed sentences and muttering clumsinesses about the recent melancholy event, the knight proceeded to business. It was with no small share of diplomatic pomp that the worthy knight gravely informed Mr. Martindale of his having been that very morning honored with a call from a certain nobleman high in office and powerful in influence. Mr. Martindale received the information with a cynical attempt at indifference, but he was not really and soundly proof against the fascinations of high rank and mighty consideration. After, therefore, a very few, and those but faint sneers, he condescended to ask what might be the business on which this high and mighty potentate had designed to call upon Sir Gilbert Sampson. Now Mr. Martindale guessed the business to be about the living of Trimmerstone; but though he did so guess, and though he was sure that he had guessed rightly, and though he had made up his mind that nothing should induce him to give the living otherwise than he had designed, that is, to Mr. Henderson, yet he was not unwilling to hear what the great man had said to Sir Gilbert. Poor Mr. Martindale was but half a cynic; he had not quite so thorough a contempt for the world as he endeavoured to affect. He listened very attentively, therefore, to Sir Gilbert when he related the visit of the morning, and the conversation which he had had with the great man.