"Good morning, sir," Arthur added, to his
master.
Mr. Galloway nodded a reply to the salutation. "Have you seen anything
of Yorke?" he asked. "I want that deed that he's about finished as soon
as possible."
"He will not be an instant," said Arthur. "I saw him coming up the
street."
Roland Yorke bustled in; a dark young man of twenty-one, with large but
fine features, and a countenance expressive of indecision.
"Come, Mr. Yorke, you promised to be here early to-day. You know that
deed is being waited for."
"So I am early, sir," returned Roland.
"Early! for _you_ perhaps," grunted Mr. Galloway. "Get to it at once."
Roland Yorke unlocked a drawer, collected sundry parchments together,
and sat down to his desk. He and Arthur had their places side by side.
Mr. Galloway stood at a table, and began sorting some papers that were
upon it.
"How is Mr. Channing this morning, Arthur?"
"Much as usual, thank you, sir. Certain news, which arrived last night,
has not tended to cheer him."
"It is true, then?" remarked Mr. Galloway. "I heard a rumour of it."
"Oh, it's true enough," said Arthur. "It is in all the morning papers."
"Well, there never was a more unjust decision!" emphatically spoke Mr.
Galloway. "Mark you, I am not reflecting on the Lord Chancellor's
judgment. I have always said that there were one or two nasty points in
that suit, which the law might get hold of; but I know the whole cause
by heart, from beginning to end; and that money was as much your
father's, as this coat, that I have on, is mine.
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