But he had lived amongst people who never did anything for nothing, who spoke only a friendship when they proposed to borrow money, and at the back of his mind suspicion and incredulity were still at work.

Somehow Jarvice would be getting the better of him.
In his dull way he began to reason matters out.
"But suppose I died before my uncle, then you would get nothing," he objected.
"Ah, to be sure! I had not forgotten that point," said Mr.Jarvice.

"It is a contingency, of course, not very probable, but still we do right to consider it." He leaned back in his chair, and once again he fixed his eyes upon his visitor in a long and silent scrutiny.

When he spoke again, it was in a quieter voice than he had used.

One might almost have said that the real business of the interview was only just beginning.
"There is a way which will save me from loss.