I turn lawyer.
I watched the countenance of the agent, who appeared at last to be
satisfied that there had been some mistake; at least he became more
communicative, and as I no longer put any questions to him relative to
Sir Henry, we had a long conversation. I spoke to him about the De
Benyons, making every inquiry that I could think of. He informed me that
the deceased earl, the father of the present, had many sons, who were
some of them married, and that the family was extensive. He appeared to
know them all, the professions which they had been brought up to, and
their careers in life. I treasured up his information, and, as soon as I
had an opportunity, wrote down all which he had told me. On our arrival
at Holyhead, the weather was very boisterous, and the packet was to
depart immediately. Mr M'Dermott stated his intentions to go over, but
Mr Cophagus and the professor declined, and, anxious as I was to
proceed, I did not wish to be any longer in company with the agent, and,
therefore, also declined going on board. Mr M'Dermott called for a glass
of brandy and water, drank it off in haste, and then, followed by the
porter, with his luggage, went down to embark.
As soon as he was gone, I burst into a fit of laughter. "Well, Mr
Cophagus, acknowledge that it is possible to persuade a man out of his
senses. You knew me, and you were perfectly right in asserting that I
was Japhet, yet did I persuade you at last that you were mistaken. But I
will explain to you why I did so."
"All right," said the apothecary, taking my proffered hand, "thought
so--no mistake--handsome fellow--so you are--Japhet Newland--my
apprentice--and so on."
"Yes, sir," replied I, laughing, "I am Japhet Newland." (I turned round,
hearing a noise, the door had been opened, and Mr M'Dermott had just
stepped in; he had returned for an umbrella, which he had forgotten; he
looked at me, at Mr Cophagus, who still held my hand in his, turned
short round, said nothing, and walked out.) "This is unfortunate,"
observed I, "my reason for not avowing myself, was to deceive that very
person, and now I have made the avowal to his face; however, it cannot
be helped."
I sat down with my old master, and as I knew that I could confide in
him, gave him an outline of my life, and stated my present intentions.
"I see, Japhet, I see--done mischief--sorry for it--can't be help'd--do
all I can--um--what's to be done?--be your friend--always like you--help
all I can--and so on."
"But what would you advise, sir?"
"Advice--bad as physic--nobody takes it--Ireland--wild place--no
law--better go back--leave all to me--find out--and so on."
This advice I certainly could not consent to follow.
We argued the matter over for some time, and then it was agreed that we
should proceed together. I was informed by Mr Cophagus that he had
retired with a very handsome fortune, and was living in the country,
about ten miles from the metropolis; that he had been summoned to attend
the funeral of a maiden aunt in Dublin, who had left him executor and
residuary legatee, but that he knew nothing of her circumstances. He was
still a bachelor, and amused himself in giving advice and medicines
gratis to the poor people of the village in which he resided, there
being no resident practitioner within some distance. He liked the
country very much, but there was one objection to it--the cattle. He had
not forgotten the _mad bull_. At a very late hour we retired to our
beds: the next morning the weather had moderated, and, on the arrival of
the mail we embarked, and had a very good passage over. On my arrival at
Dublin I directed my steps to the F----t Hotel, as the best place to make
inquiries relative to Mr De Benyon. Mr Cophagus also put up at the same
hotel, and we agreed to share a sitting-room.
"Waiter," said I, "do you know a Mr De Benyon?"
"Yes, sir," replied he; "there is one of the De Benyons at the hotel at
this moment."
"Is he a married man?"
"Yes--with a large family."
"What is his Christian name?"
"I really cannot tell, sir; but I'll find out for you by to-morrow
morning."
"When does he leave?"
"To-morrow, I believe."
"Do you know where he goes?"
"Yes, sir, to his own seat."
The waiter left the room. "Won't do, Japhet," said Cophagus. "Large
family--don't want more--hard times, and so on."
"No," replied I, "it does not exactly answer; but I may from him obtain
further intelligence."
"Won't do, Japhet--try another way--large family--want all uncle's
money--um--never tell--good night."
This remark of Mr Cophagus gave me an idea, upon which I proceeded the
next morning. I sent in my card, requesting the honour of speaking to Mr
De Benyon, stating that I had come over to Ireland on business of
importance, but that, as I must be back if possible by _term_ time, it
would perhaps save much expense and trouble. The waiter took in the
message. "Back by term time--it must be some legal gentleman. Show him
up," said Mr De Benyon.
I walked in with a business-like air. "Mr De Benyon, I believe?"
"Yes, sir; will you do me the favour to take a chair?"
I seated myself, and drew out my memorandum-book.
"My object, Mr De Benyon, in troubling you, is to ascertain a few
particulars relative to your family, which we cannot so easily find out
in England. There is a _property_ which it is supposed may be claimed by
one of the De Benyons, but which we cannot ascertain until we have a
little search into the genealogical tree."
"Is the property large?" inquired Mr De Benyon.
"Not very large," replied I; "but still a very handsome property, I am
told." The reader may surmise that the property referred to was my own
pretty self. "May I ask you a few particulars relative to the present
earl and his brothers?"
"Most certainly, sir," replied Mr De Benyon; "any information I can give
you will be at your service. The Earl has four brothers. The eldest
Maurice."
"Is he married?"
"Yes, and has two children. The next is William."
"Is he married?"
"No; nor has he ever been. He is a general in the army. The third is
myself, Henry."
"You are married, I believe, sir?"
"Yes, with a large family."
"May I request you will proceed, sir?"
"Arthur is the fourth brother. He is lately married, and has two
children."
"Sir, I feel much obliged to you; it is a curious and intricate affair.
As I am here, I may as well ask one question, although not of great
consequence. The earl is married, I perceive, by the peerage, but I do
not find that he has any children."
"On the contrary, he has two--and prospects of more. May I now request
the particulars connected with this property?"
"The exact particulars, sir, I cannot well tell you, as I am not
acquainted with them myself; but the property in question, I rather
think, depends upon a _name_. May I venture to ask the names of all your
children?"
Mr De Benyon gave me a list _seriatim_, which I put down with great
gravity.
"Of course, there is no doubt of your second brother not being married.
I believe we ought to have a certificate. Do you know his address?"
"He has been in the East Indies for many years. He returned home on
furlough, and has now just sailed again for Calcutta."
"That is unfortunate; we must forward a letter through the India Board.
May I also be favoured with your address, as in all probability it may
be advisable?"
Mr De Benyon gave me his address. I rose, promised to give him all the
particulars as soon as they were known to me, bowed, and made my exit.
To one who was in his sober senses, there certainly was not any
important information gained; but to me, it was evident that the Mr De
Benyon who was a general in the army was to be interrogated, and I had
almost made up my mind to set off for Calcutta.