of the pillars of our
profession?«
    »I am inclined to think,« returned my guardian, »that Miss Summerson has
seen too much of the effects of the Court and the Cause to exert any influence
in their favour. Nevertheless, they are a part of the occasion of my being here.
Mr. Kenge, before I lay this paper on your desk, and have done with it, let me
tell you how it has come into my hands.«
    He did so shortly and distinctly.
    »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.
    »O 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 eye-glass, 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 considerably, though
still leaving it a very handsome one, still leaving it a very handsome one,«
said Mr. Kenge, waving his hand persuasively and blandly. »You would further
have seen, that the interests of Mr. Richard Carstone, and of Miss Ada Clare,
now Mrs. Richard Carstone, are very materially advanced by it.«
    »Kenge,« said