It was also unpleasant and almost distressing to Markham to notice how very courteously Lord Trimmerstone behaved to him, and indeed always had he behaved so. It was very unfortunate, but there appeared no remedy for it, that with the best and purest intentions on the part of the young barrister, he should be brought into such awkward and almost unexplainable difficulties. For Markham was not only a man of strict integrity, but he had also a very high degree of moral susceptibility, and was excessively anxious to possess a high moral reputation: perhaps it was unfortunate for him that his regard to appearances was so great. His object might have been ultimately as well answered had he paid his undivided attention to the substance, leaving the shadow to take care of itself. Our readers will perceive that in what we have here said concerning our friend Markham, that he possessed a small share of vanity: as however he had many truly excellent qualities, that may be pardoned. Now when Markham and his companions were thus cordially received, the whole party went into a consultation respecting the mode of the funeral; for as Mr. Price had said that there was no mention in the will of any desire on the part of the deceased as to funeral ceremony, the matter was open to discussion. In this consultation, Lord Trimmerstone and Mr. Markham were principally engaged; and it ended by resolving to have the funeral as plain as consistent with circumstances. This plainness was however composed of all the funereal practicabilities of Brigland. Mr. Denver hearing that Mr. Price had spoken of the will, ventured to say that there existed a will of later date than that to which Mr. Price alluded. At the mention of this Mr. Price turned exceedingly pale; nor was his agitation much alleviated by hearing that one purpose of this new will was to increase the bequest designed for himself. “Indeed! Mr. Denver,” said the man of law, trembling, “why that is very odd. I know that Mr. Martindale made several wills at different times, but this which I have was made so very recently, that there must be something very extraordinary to have occasioned it, and it is so strange that I should not have heard of it.” Mr. Denver hoping to surprise agreeably said, “The making of the will to which I refer was concealed from you, Mr. Price, out of a feeling of delicacy, that Mr. Martindale might not hear from you those objections to an increased legacy, which he took it for granted you would make, if the alteration of the will were given to you to draw up. So Mr. Martindale said that he would make his own will, and then you might see after his decease how highly he valued your services.”