He arrived just as the Squire was in the full flow of his meditations,
and it would not have needed a man of Mr. Quest's penetration and
powers of observation to discover that he had something on his mind
which he was longing for an opportunity to talk about.
The Squire signed the lease without paying the slightest attention to
Mr. Quest's explanations, and then suddenly asked him when the first
interest on the recently-effected mortgages came due.
The lawyer mentioned a certain date.
"Ah," said the Squire, "then it will have to be met; but it does not
matter, it will be for the last time."
Mr. Quest pricked up his ears and looked at him.
"The fact is, Quest," he went on by way of explanation, "that there
are--well--family arrangements pending which will put an end to these
embarrassments in a natural and a proper way."
"Indeed," said Mr. Quest, "I am very glad to hear it."
"Yes, yes," said the Squire, "unfortunately I am under some restraints
in speaking about the matter at present, or I should like to ask your
opinion, for which as you know I have a great respect. Really, though,
I do not know why I should not consult my lawyer on a matter of
business; I only consented not to trumpet the thing about."
"Lawyers are confidential agents," said Mr.
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