He came into the room ceremoniously, prepared to measure his words and reception by his visitor's rank; but no sooner did he perceive who it was than his calculating features relaxed into a professional smile, and he advanced rapidly toward Gustave with outstretched hands.
"How are you, how are you, my dear sir ?" said he.

"I have been expecting you for several days, and I am really happy to see you at last.

I am greatly flattered by the confidence you are disposed to place in me, and am ready, whenever you please, to devote myself to your affairs.
By-the-way, I suppose there is a will ?" A shadow passed over Gustave's brow and his face became serious as he took a portfolio from his overcoat and drew forth a package of papers.
"I am pained, sir, at your loss," said the notary.

"Your excellent uncle was my friend, and I deplore his death more than that of any one else.
It pleased God that he should die far away from his home.

But such, alas! is man's fate.