arriving at the depot, and being conveyed to the Allen House--the
designation which the property retains even to this day. The furniture
was of the richest kind--the carpets, curtains, and mirrors, princely in
elegance. When all was ready for the proud owners to come in and enjoy
their splendid home, it was thrown open for examination and admiration.
All S----went to see the show, and wander in dreamy amazement through
parlors, halls, and chambers. I went with the rest. The change seemed
like the work of magic. I could with difficulty make out the old
landmarks. The spacious rooms, newly painted and decked out in
rich, modern furniture, looked still more spacious. In place of the
whitewashed ceilings and dingy papered walls, graceful frescoes
spread their light figures, entrancing the eyes with their marvelous
semblances. The great hall received you with a statelier formality than
before; for it, too, had received also its gift of painting, and its
golden broideries. As you passed from room to room, you said--"This is
the palace of a prince--not the abode of a citizen."

The grounds around the mansion had been subject to as thorough a
renovation as the mansion itself. The old gate had given place to one of
larger proportions, and more imposing design. A new carriage-road swept
away in a grander curve from the gate to the dwelling. Substantial
stone-stabling had been torn down in order to erect a fanciful
carriage-house, built in imitation of a Swiss cottage; which, from its
singular want of harmony with the principal buildings, stood forth a
perpetual commentary upon the false taste of the upstart owner.

I hardly think that either Mr. Dewey or his wife would have been much
flattered by the general tone of remark that ran through the curious
crowds that lingered in the elegant rooms, or inspected the improvements
outside. Nobody liked him; and as for his wife, fashionable associations
had so spoiled her, that not a single old friend retained either
affection or respect. It was sad to think that three years of a false
life could so entirely obliterate the good qualities that once blossomed
in her soul with such a sweet promise of golden fruitage.

Early in June, the family of Mr. Dewey took possession of their new
home, and the occasion was celebrated by a splendid entertainment,
the cost of which, common rumor said, was over two thousand dollars.
We--Constance and I--were among the invited guests. It was a festive
sc