would
be glad to have a word with his master.

"Tell Mr L---- to walk in. We have no secrets here. Excuse me, nephew;
this man is one of our lawyers. He has nothing to communicate but what
you may hear, I dare say. If he should have any private business, you
can step into the next room."

The attorney entering, I was introduced as nephew to Mr S----, just
arrived from the Indies, and so forth. Standing, Mr L---- made due
obeisance.

"Sit down; sit down, Mr L----," cried my uncle. "You need not be bowing
there for a job. Poor fellow, he has not much left to grease the paws of
a lawyer. Well, sir, your errand?"

I came, Mr S----, respecting the Manor-house. Perhaps you would not have
any objections to a tenant!"

"I cannot say just now. I have had some thoughts of pulling it down."

"Sir! you would not demolish a building, the growth of centuries--a
family mansion--been in the descent since James's time. It would be
barbarous. The antiques would be about your ears."

"I care nothing for the antiquities; and, moreover, I do not choose to
let the house. Any further business with me this morning, sir?"

"Nothing of consequence--I only came about the house."

"Pray, Mr L----," said I, "what sort of a tenant have you in view;--one
you could recommend? I think my uncle has more regard for the old
mansion-house than comports with the outrage he threatens. The will
says, if I read aright, that the house and property may be sold, should
the executor see fit; but, as to pulling it down, I am sure my father
never meant anything so deplorable. Allow me another glance at that
paper."

"Please to observe, nephew, that the will makes it mine, and as such I
have a right to dispose of the whole in such manner as I may deem best.
If you have any doubts, I refer you to Mr L----, who sits smiling at
your unlawyer-like opinions."

"Pray allow me one moment," said the curious attorney. He looked at the
signature and those of the parties witnessing.

"Martha S----; your late sister, I presume?"

My uncle nodded assent.

"Gilbert Hodgon--your servant?"

"The same. To what purpose, sir, are these questions?" angrily inquired
my uncle.

"Merely matters of form--a habit we lawyers cannot easily throw aside
whenever we get a sight of musty parchments. I hope you will pardon my
freedom?"

"Oh! as for that you are welcome to ask as many questions as you think
proper; they will be easily answered, I take it."

"Doubtless," said