Part 50 (1/2)
”It wouldn't be prudent.”
”Ho! ho!” laughed the clerk sarcastically.
”Once more,” said Ben. ”I request you to announce me to Mr. Brief.
He is executor of Mr. Baldwin's estate, I believe.”
”Yes.”
”Why didn't you tell me that was your business?”
”I couldn't see that it mattered to you.”
At this moment the inner door opened, and a tall man, with reddish hair and mutton-chop whiskers of the same hue, made his appearance.
”What's this Frederic? Who is this boy?”
”I wish to see you on business connected with Mr. Baldwin's estate sir,” said Ben; ”but this young man appears to have an objection to the interview.”
”Why don't you bring him in?”
”I didn't suppose he had any business with you.”
”Who const.i.tuted you a judge of that, sir? Hereafter leave me to decide. Boy, come in.”
Mr. Brief threw himself into an office chair.
”Well, who are you?” he asked.
”My name is Benjamin Bradford.”
”Well?”
”You wrote a letter to my aunt, Mrs. Jane Bradford, of Milltown, Ma.s.sachusetts, not long since.”
”Exactly. Do you represent her?”
”I do.”
”Very well. Did you bring the three hundred dollars which she owes to the estate of my client?”
”No, sir.”
”What then?”
”I came to repeat what I have written you, that my aunt was authorized to occupy the house rent-free.”
”It was hardly worth while to come so far to say that,” said Mr. Brief, with a sneer.
”I am here in Montreal on other business, and have taken the opportunity to see you about my own.”