doing were
set forth in detail, and involved plausible arguments in favor of the
heirs whenever they should be found.

Mr. Wallingford had personal reasons for not wishing to oppose this
application. The executors had been his friends from boyhood. Especially
towards Judge Bigelow did he entertain sentiments of deep gratitude
for his many favors and kindnesses. But his duty, as counsel to Mrs.
Montgomery, left him no alternative. She was heir prospective to this
property, and he did not believe that the plans in view were best for
her interests, in case no other heir was found. So, he went before the
Court, and opposed the prayer of the executors. In doing so, he gained
their ill-will, but did not succeed in preventing a decree authorizing a
sale of the property. Dewey was present, a deeply interested listener to
the arguments that were advanced on both sides. After the decision, as
Wallingford was passing from the court-room, Dewey, who stood near the
door, talking with a gentleman, said, loud enough for the young lawyer
to hear him.

"The hound! He got on the wrong scent that time!"

A feeling of indignation stirred in Wallingford's bosom; but he
repressed the bitter feeling, and moved on without giving any intimation
that the offensive remark had reached him.

As soon as this decree, authorizing a sale of the property, was made,
Mrs. Montgomery began to make preparation for removal. At first she
seemed inclined to favor a return to England; but after repeated
conferences with Mr. Wallingford, she finally concluded to remain in
this country.

Nearly three years had woven their many colored web of events, since
Mrs. Montgomery had dropped down suddenly among us like a being
from cloudland. The friendly relation established between us in the
beginning, had continued, growing more and more intimate. My good
Constance found in her a woman after her own heart.

"The days I spend at the Allen House," she would often say to me, "are
days to be remembered. I meet with no one who lives in so pure and
tranquil an atmosphere as Mrs. Montgomery. An hour with her lifts me
above the petty cares and selfish struggles of this life, and fills my
mind with longings after those higher things into which all must rise
before that peace comes to the soul which passeth all understanding.
I return home from these interviews, happier in mind, and stronger for
life's duties. I do not know any term that so clearly expresses my idea
of t