Great Possessions | Page 3

David's who
had been with him in Egypt. She hesitated a moment between two
objects--one, a good silver-mounted leather purse, and the other an
inkstand of brass and marble. These two things were the recipients of
her unjust aversion for long after that moment.
Simmonds, the butler, opened the door, quite certain that the visitor he
announced must be admitted, and conscious of the fitness of the big
study for his reception. It was Sir David's solicitor. But the butler was
disappointed at the manner of his entrance. He did not analyse the

disappointment. He was half conscious of the fact that the rôle of the
family lawyer on the occasion was so simple and easy. He would
himself have assumed a degree of pomp, of sympathy, of respect,
carrying a subdued implication that he brought solid consolation in his
very presence. Simmonds grieved truly for Sir David, but he felt, too,
the blank caused by the absence of all funeral arrangements in a death
at the war. He had been butler in more than one house of mourning
before, and he knew all his duties in that capacity. After this he would
know how to be butler in the event of death in battle. But now, when
the memorial service had taken, in a poor sort of way, the place of the
funeral, of course the solicitor ought to come, and past deficiencies
could be overlooked. Why, then, should the man prove totally unequal
to his task? Mr. Murray, Junior, had usually a much better manner than
to-day. Perhaps he was startled at being shown at once into the widow's
presence. Probably he might have expected to wait a few moments in
the big study, while Simmonds went to seek his mistress.
But there was Lady Rose turning round from the bookcase as they
came in. Mr. Murray stooped to-day, and his large head was bent
downwards, making it the more evident that the drops of perspiration
stood out upon his brow. He cast a look almost of fear at the fair face
with its gentle, benignant expression. He had seen Rose once or twice
before, and he knew the old-fashioned type of great lady when he met it.
Was it of Rose's gentle, subtle dignity that he was afraid?
Rose drew up a chair on one side of the big square writing-table, and
signed to him to take the leather arm-chair where he had last seen Sir
David Bright seated. Mr. Murray plunged into his subject with an
abruptness proportioned to the immense time he had taken during the
morning in preparing a diplomatic opening.
"May I ask, first of all," he said, "whether you have found any will, or
any document looking like a will, besides the one I have with me?"
"No," said Lady Rose in surprise, "there are no papers of any
importance here, I believe; there is nothing in the house under lock and
key. Sir David gave me a few rings and studs to put away, but he never
cared for jewellery, and there is nothing of value."

"And do you think he can have executed any other will or written a
letter that might be of use to us now?"
Rose looked still more surprised. Mr. Murray held some papers in his
hand that shook as if the wintry wind outside were trying to blow them
away. Rose tried not to watch them, and it teased her that she could not
help doing so. The hand that held them was not visible above the table.
Mr. Murray struggled to keep to the most absolutely business-like and
unemotional side of his professional manner, but his obviously extreme
discomfort was infectious, and Rose's calm of manner was already
disturbed.
"I cannot but think, Lady Rose, that some papers may be forwarded to
you through the War Office." He hesitated. "You had no marriage
settlements?" he then asked abruptly.
"No, there were no settlements," said Rose. She spoke quickly and
nervously. "We did not think them necessary. Sir David offered to
make them, but just then he was ordered abroad and there was very
little time, and my mother and I did not think it of enough importance
to make us delay the wedding. It was shortly after my father's death."
She paused a moment, and then went on, as if speech were a relief.
"You know that, when we married, Sir David had no reason to expect
that he would ever be a rich man. We hardly knew the Steele cousins,
and only had a vague idea that Mr. John Steele had been making money
on the Stock Exchange. When he left his fortune to Sir David, who was
his first cousin, and, in fact, his nearest relation, my mother did ask me
if my husband