Markham, after a long conversation with Father Martini, retired. When he was gone, the priest observed to Signora Rivolta that he could not think that so ingenuous a young man could be a very obstinate heretic; but that, in all probability, if some few of his prejudices could be removed, he might be induced, as being a man of good sense, to embrace the Catholic faith. Precisely the same opinion did Markham entertain concerning Father Martini. It was a great pity, the barrister thought, that a man of such liberal feelings, enlightened views, and benevolent disposition, should have been brought up in a faith so contradictory to common sense, and so revolting to the understanding, and all the best feelings of the mind. Both were thus happy in their own thoughts, and pleased with their own theories. Clara Rivolta now listened with unusual interest and earnestness to the conversation which passed between her mother and Father Martini; and every moment was she in expectation, in trembling expectation, of hearing something said concerning the arrangement recommended, in order to keep herself in the steady profession of the Catholic faith. But the conversation took a more secular turn, and mention was made of the will of the late Mr. Martindale. Signora Rivolta was a little surprised at the very particular and earnest manner in which Father Martini inquired concerning the will and its particulars. “You should have inquired, father,” said she, “when the gentleman who has just left us was present. He is one of the executors, and is in possession of all the several specifications and items of the will.” “And who,” said the priest, “is inheritor of the greater part of the property?” “That,” replied the lady, “is doubtful. From the little that I can recollect of the will, I believe it was Mr. Martindale’s design to give the greater part of his property to the Earl of Trimmerstone; but, in consequence of some error or misapprehension as to the extent and value of the property, I understand that a very large proportion, perhaps nearly half, devolves to Mr. Markham as residuary-legatee.” “And was he related to Mr. Martindale?” “No, father,” replied Signora Rivolta; “but an accidental acquaintance led Mr. Martindale to think very highly of this gentleman’s moral and intellectual qualities; and observing his disinterestedness and good feeling in various instances, it was the intention of my late father to leave him a legacy; and the young gentleman has shown a proper, and perhaps an almost refined and fastidious feeling on the subject.” Hereupon Signora Rivolta went on to state the particulars, of which the reader is already in possession. Father Martini on this looked thoughtful; and several times he was about to speak, but he checked himself, and at last he abruptly said, “Of what does the property consist?”