“It could not, sir,” said Mr. Kenge, “have been stated more plainly and to the purpose if it had been a case at law.”
“Did you ever know English law, or equity either, plain and to the purpose?” said my guardian.
“Oh, fie!” said Mr. Kenge.
At first he had not seemed to attach much importance to the paper, but when he saw it he appeared more interested, and when he had opened and read a little of it through his eyeglass, he became amazed. “ Mr. Jarndyce,” he said, looking off it, “you have perused this?”
“Not I!” returned my guardian.
“But, my dear sir,” said Mr. Kenge, “it is a will of later date than any in the suit. It appears to be all in the testator’s handwriting. It is duly executed and attested. And even if intended to be cancelled, as might possibly be supposed to be denoted by these marks of fire, it is not cancelled. Here it is, a perfect instrument!”
“Well!” said my guardian. “What is that to me?”
“ Mr. Guppy!” cried Mr. Kenge, raising his voice. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Jarndyce.”
“Sir.”
“ Mr. Vholes of Symond’s Inn. My compliments. Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Glad to speak with him.”
Mr. Guppy disappeared.
“You ask me what is this to you, Mr. Jarndyce. If you had perused this document, you would have seen that it reduces your interest