Litchfield enquirer., 1873-03-06
.sI know of none." There was a nsusa Nr Nerdock fook

the heart of long standing. Still none looked for his illness terminating fatally at so early date. His medical atten dant visited him frequently of late He was not present. however, when the sad eyene occurred. He is fully satisfied however, as to the cause of death. He attributes it to aneurismal hypertrophy oi the heart. I am not doctor enough te understand precisely his meaning"
 The young man dabbed his white face with his handkerchief. He was much moved. and his voice trembled as he con. timed,
 q need hardly say that my cousins death has been heavy blow to me. As you know, MT. Merdock, in times past there were many differences between us- due to my folly, to my misconduct, I am now prepared fully to admit. But we had been reconciled. We were on intimate and sffectionate terms. regarded him my benefactor, and deeply grateful fol all he had done for me- Most unfortu. natelyI was absent from the house at the time of his death.
 Mir. Merdock was silent, but he now seemed from under his beethng brows to eye his visitor with new curiosity. His attention was attracted perhaps by the restlessness that marked the young mans manner. He moved uneasily in his posi- tion constantly, and twisting his handker chief into string by the unconscious contortions of his hands.
 saI had left the house early in the morn ing to attend the meet at some few miles distance from Lupton. It was late when I returned. My cousin had then been dead some hours. Coming up to London, to transact some business that could not be postponed, resolved to call upon you, Mir. Merdock. In the first place, I have to request that you will attend the funeral, which is fixed for the 27th, at noon, and in the next place to beg that you will act on my behalf, as my legal adviser, in the new position that devolves upon me under the terms of MT. Delpratt's will"
 T shall attend the funeral, of course, ' said the lawyer. ''I have sincere respect for the memory of my late friend. I shall attend, if you please, in my character as professional adviser, during many years, of the deceased
 GA carriage shall meet the early train from town at .Andover-the nearest sta tion to Lupton Manor
 "Any business arrangements in regard to your own future position it may be well perhaps, to defer until after the funeral. '
 ''As you think best. Good morning, MT. Merdock. I will only add hope that you will dismiss any prejudice you may have formed against me in relation to my life in the past. I do assure you that l am a different man. I am not now as you once knew me. Good morning."
 H. Merdoek resumed his desk, after carefully rubbing his fingers with his silk handker- chief. They had been left so cold and by his visitors grasp.
 Apparently MT. Merdock was not indus triously inclined that day, or he was preoc- cupled his attention was absorbed by the news of the deatis oS his friend and client, Ens:ace We're Delp-es5. He found diff Sa1lty in deyoting himself to other matters. flsssat idly in his chair, glancing now at the tin box, now at the first column of the 11lnes newspaper, now at the graveyard outside his window. And at intervals he stndied the card of MT. Ernest Delpratt.
 Later in the day the lawyers room was abruptly entered by MT. Pixley. secretary of the Albatross Insurance Company, of which Mir. Merdock had been for many years solicitor.
 'tI was passing, Merdock, so thought I'd look in, said MT. P1xley, an active, busthng gentleman, who always declined a chair, finding that he could talk with greater ease if permitted an erect posture, with space for free movement and gesticu- lation. "We're in for a heavy claim. The matters not ripe for discussion, but it's worth mentioning. I don't say that it's suspicious as yet; but sooner or later, take it, you'll have to look into it for us. Yet the parties are of great re- spectability they always are, notice, in cases of an unpleasant complexion. And it's odd, as said. The life only dropped four days ago. Yet already it's been thought advisable to notify the fact to us, and the person most interested has called in person at the office. Now consider that rather sharp work. What can be the reason of it? It's policy of long stand ing-a heavy risk-we divided it of course with other offices, but still we stand to lose large amount. The sum insured, with accumulated bonuses, makes heavy total Is it all fair? That's the ques- tion."
 s'That's the name of the gentleman who called upon you," said MT. Merdock, and he handed the secretary MT. Ernest Del pratt's card.
 s"The very man! You've seen him al- SO? Upon my word he doesn't let the grass grow under his feet"
 ssHe didn't come here about the insu- rance; but happen to know 6 aood deal about the case. The late MT. Delpratt was a client of mine. was through me the insurance was effected. He was the natural son of old Joshua Delpratt, who bequeathed to him absolutely the Lupton Manor estate-a property of considerable value in Hampshire. Joshua Delpratt was never married. His presumptive heir was his nephew, Delamere Delpratt, the father of Ernest You follow me ?'
 ''You're getting complicated. But at present, I understand"
 'sDelamere Delpratt was ascoundrel, ,and Joshua proclaimed his intention to leave all he possessed to Eustace, rather than to his nephew, Delamere, who had brought disgrace upon the family. To assist Del amere Eustace borrowed large sum of money This was in Joshua's lifetime, mind. Eustace could not of course charge the estates, which he was only to acquire under the will of man who was still iv- ing, and who might at any time change his mind as to the disposal of his proper ty. The only security Eustace could of fer was his reversionary interest in sum in the funds invested for the benefit of his mo. her, and the subject indeed of the Del pratt Trust, the deeds and papers of which arein that tln box beside you. Further, he could, as he did, insure his life heavily, lodge the policies, and bind himself to pay the premiums regularly. Of the mon- ey advanced Eustace never touched half penny. All was absorbed by Delamere. On coming into possession of the estates, Eustace paid of the loan, but thought, it worth while to keep mp the policies. He had especially in view the benefit of the legitimate. members of the family. Oi these the man you saw to-day"- 'sI did not sec him." interrupted MT. Pixly. .I was engaged when he called. But heard of his visit from the assis. tant-secretary, who had some conversation with him.
 "Well, of these Ernest Delpratt is now the sole representative; for Delamere, his father, died of drink, many years ago, leaving no other issue. Eustace, my old