"I believe they met once or twice a few years ago," replied Hubert. Apparently Aaron saw the expediency of taking his grandson's advice, for in the morning he made himself ready for the visit to Nullington. Hubert chanced to pass through the kitchen when the old man was having his gaiters buttoned by Phemie, Eliza standing by. "I wonder you did not take the dog-cart, sir," said Hubert. "What do I want with the dog-cart?" contended the old man, in an irate tone. "Do you think I've not got strength enough left in me to walk into Nullington?--There, there, girl, that will do," he added, "giving a stamp or two to his umbrella, as Phemie came to the last button. "As you please," said Hubert, who never allowed himself to be put out of temper by the old man. "And if you chance to call at the saddler's, tell him I find the new stirrups a great success." His umbrella in one hand, his thick walking-stick in the other, Aaron set out. Hubert put on his hat, and walked with him through the shrubbery at the back of the house. The clocks were striking ten. The clouds were gathering, as if for rain. At eleven o'clock Charles Plackett and his managing clerk, Mr. Foxey, drove up to Heron Dyke, and stopped at the main entrance. They were admitted by one of the housemaids, and found Hubert Stone waiting to receive them. Mr. Charles Plackett was a short rubicund man of fifty-five, with a quick eye, a ready smile, and a chirruping voice. He had far more the look of a gentleman-farmer than of a busy London lawyer. Young Mr. Foxey was a placid-faced individual in spectacles and a suit of unimpeachable black. "Mr. Charles Plackett, I believe?" said Hubert, as he came forward. "Yes, I am Charles Plackett; and this is my managing clerk, Mr. Foxey. I have the pleasure of speaking to----" "My name is Hubert Stone. I am Mr. Denison's secretary, and have the general control of all his business affairs." "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Stone. I presume you are aware of the purport of my visit--the cause which brings me here?" "I am perfectly aware of it," replied Hubert. "Mr. Denison has no secrets from me." "I suppose there is no objection to my seeing Mr. Denison at once?" "None whatever. He is quite ready to receive you. But before going to his room, it would be as well if you exchanged a few words with his medical attendant, who is waiting to see you." "As you please about that," responded Charles Plackett. "My interview with Mr. Denison need not necessarily last more than a very few minutes." Chairs were placed for the visitors in the large drawing-room, and they sat down. Hubert touched a hand-bell, and Dr. Jago entered. As Hubert introduced him, he drew up a chair by the side of the lawyer. "I am sorry to say that my patient is in a very low way this morning," began the Doctor. "I must therefore press most earnestly upon you the necessity of making your visit as brief a one as possible."