It was therefore a matter of concern to him that he had not been able to prevail on the barrister to take quietly the bequest which was his by law. The feeling of generosity was also strongly excited in his mind by means of sympathy with Markham. There was something so accurately and purely honorable in Markham’s conduct on this occasion, that the force of it was irresistible; and a much less liberal mind than that of Lord Trimmerstone could not deliberately, coolly, and selfishly, have taken advantage of it. Nor was it till Markham had represented how much his mind was oppressed by the reflections which he anticipated would be cast on him by the world, that Lord Trimmerstone would consent to have any thing whatever to do with it. When, however, Markham made his lordship understand that the favor was conferred by him who received, and not by him who surrendered the doubtful bequest, then did he accept the disposal of the property in question. CHAPTER XVIII. “Had many a man such fortune as I, In what a heaven would they think themselves.” TAILOR. It now became necessary for Markham to return to London; but he forgot not, in his way thither, to pay his dutiful respects to his parents. It is true that he had been placed in a very unpleasant situation, by the unexpectedly large bequest of the late Mr. Martindale; so that, however pleased he might be with an opportunity afforded him of being serviceable to his father, there was an alloy in that pleasure by means of the error in the will, or rather the misapprehension of the devisor. So mingled is the complexion of life’s events, that our brightest days are not cloudless, and our darkest nights are not without some glimmering of a friendly star; and surely we may be content to have our joys a little abated, when by the same token we may anticipate that our sorrows will be somewhat alleviated. After the interview which Markham had had with the Earl of Trimmerstone he felt his mind lightened of burden, and his spirits were greatly revived. And, considering that he wore the habiliments of sorrow, he carried on his countenance the aspect and look of much cheerfulness and composure of mind: for he was happy in the consciousness of having done that which he knew and felt to be right.