With this arrangement the Earl of Trimmerstone was perfectly satisfied; and had such a bequest come into his possession a few years before, he might have been delighted with it: but the time for his feeling strong emotions was past; his spirit was broken, and life had with him ceased to be holiday-time. Of the other legatees, Signora Rivolta, considering the circumstances of her birth, and recollecting the fears and prospects with which she had landed in England, was also perfectly satisfied. Markham, not knowing the extent of his legacy, but almost sorry that his name should have appeared at all in the document, felt embarrassed, and really did most heartily wish that what Sir Andrew Featherstone had told him might prove untrue: for the barrister, who would have delighted in opulence, as the result of professional diligence and skill, was not pleased at owing his wealth to a capricious stranger; and as it was his determination not to avail himself of this bequest, should it prove unreasonably large, he was greatly disturbed at the idea that by giving or offering it to those whom he thought the right owners, he should seem to be playing a part of ostentatious heroism. But, alas! for poor Mr. Price! His disappointment was severe indeed. Ever since he had had the management of Mr. Martindale’s property, he had been playing a deep game. It was his object to acquire a character with the old gentleman for strict and delicate honesty. He perceived that his employer was not fully aware of the value of his own property, and he saw that it was possible that advantage might be taken of this ignorance. But the crafty solicitor also knew that Mr. Martindale was a man of shrewd sense and great self-will; and therefore thought it most advisable so to manage and conduct the affairs, that if by any freak on the part of the rich man, there should be necessity for explanation and full statement, that explanation and that statement might be made without fear of disgrace and suspicion. By the habit of accuracy in his accounts, the lawyer became absolutely proud of the dexterity and scrupulosity with which he had attended to the affairs of his client; and oftentimes did he urge Mr. Martindale to pay more personal attention, and to inspect the accounts.