The Washington herald., 1906-11-21
CHAPTER III.
The VIII.

Mr.. Durham was a smart young lawyer
Of the new school. The business was an
old one. and lucrative; but while its pres
ent owner was still under thirty, his
father died. and he was left solely in
charge. Wiseacres prophesied that. IN
guided by the shrewdness Of the old
solicitor, Durham, junior would lose the
greater part, If not an, Of his clients
But the young man had an old head on
young shoulders. He was clever and
hard-worked. and, moreover, possessed
a great amount of tact The result was
that he not only retained the old clients
of the firm, but secured new ones, and
under his sway the business was more
fourishing than ever. Also Mark Dur
ham did not neglect social duties, and by
his charm Of manner, backed by unde-
niable business qualities, he managed to
pick up many wealthy clients while en-
joying himself He always had an eye
to the main chance, and mingled business
judiciously with sober pleasures.
The office Of Durham & Son-the firm
still retained the old title although the
son alone owned the business-was near
Chancery Lane, a large. antique house
which had been the residence of u noble
during the reign of the Georges. The
rooms were nObly prOportioned, their cell
ings painted and decorated, and attached
to the railings which guarded the front
of the house could still be seen the eX-
tinguishers into which servants had thrust
torches in the times they lighted bellies
and beaux 70 splendid sedan chairs A
plate on the front intimated that a
famous author had lived and died within
the walls; so Durham & Son were housed
in a way not unbecoming 70 the dignity
Of the firm. Mr. Durhsnlss own room
overlooked a large square filled with
anchient trees, and was both well furnish
ed and well lighted. Into this Sir Simon
and his nephew were ushered, and here
they were greeted by the young lawyer "
Il hope I see you well. Sir Simon?"
said Durham, shaking hands He was
a smart. welI-dressed, handsome young
fellow with an up-tO-date air. and formed
a striking contrast to the baroBet in his
antique garb. As the solicitor spoke
he cast a side glance at Beryl, whom
he knew slightly. and he mentally won
dered why the old man had brought him
along. Sir Simon had never spoken
well Of Julius, but then he rarely said
a good word Of any one.
L am dS wen do tctu bG tApSNttus SiAu
Sir Simon, grumpily, taking his seat near
the table, which was covered with books.
and papers, and briefs, and red tape, and
all the paraphernalia of legal affairs.
About that Will of mine
'Yes?" inquired Durham, sitting with
another glance at Beryl, and still more
perplexed as TO the baronets motive for
bringing the young man. Il have had
il drawn out in accordance with your
instructions. 1t is ready for signing. I"
Read it,
In the presence Of" Durham indi-
Gated Beryl in a puzzled way.
Il can go. uncle, If you wish, said
Julius hastily, and rose.
''Sit down." commanded the old man.
You are interested in the will.
"AlI the more reason I should not hear
il read" said Julius, still on his feet
Sir Simon shrugged his shoulders and
turned his back on his too particular
nephew. "Get the will, Durham, and
read IT,"
1t was not the lawyers business TO
argue IN this especial instance. so he
speedily summoned a clerk. The will