ppose you suggest his name to her. Twelve years of such a life as she
has led may have almost obliterated the memory of that passage in her
life."

"Don't believe it. A woman never forgets a passage like that;
particularly when the events of every passing day but serve to remind
her of the error she once committed."

"I don't know what else to advise," said I. "She ought to have a good
and discreet man to represent her, or all may be lost."

"Would you have any objection to confer with Mr. Wallingford on the
subject in a private, confidential way?"

"None in the world," I replied.

"Will you see him at once?" The interest of Constance was too strongly
excited to brook delay.

"Yes, immediately."

And putting on my overcoat I went to the office of Mr. Wallingford. I
found him alone, and at once laid the whole case before him--relating,
with particularity, all that had occurred between my wife and Mrs.
Dewey. He listened with deep and pitying attention; and when I was
through, expressed his opinion of Dewey in very strong language.

"And now what is to be done?" I asked, going at once to the vital
question.

"Your wife is right," he answered. "I can hardly become her advocate. It
would involve humiliation on her part too deep to be borne. But my aid
she shall have to the fullest extent; and it will be strange if I do not
thwart his wicked scheme."

"How will you aid her?"

"Through her right attorney, if my advice as to the choice be followed.
You know James Orton?"

"Yes."

"He is a young man to be relied upon. Let Mrs. Dewey put the case in his
hands. If she does so, it will be, virtually, in mine."

"Enough, Mr. Wallingford," said I. "It looks more hopeful for our poor
unhappy friend, against whom even her own flesh and blood have turned."

When I gave Constance the result of my interview with Mr. Wallingford,
she was quite elated at the prospect of securing his most valuable aid
for Mrs. Dewey. Orton was young, and had been practising at the bar for
only a couple of years. Up to this time he had not appeared in any case
of leading importance; and had, therefore, no established reputation.
Our fear was that Mrs. Dewey might not be willing to place her case in
such inexperienced hands. In order to have the matter settled with as
little delay as possible, Constance paid an early visit to the Allen
House, and suggested Mr. Orton as counsel. Mrs. Dewey had not even heard
his name; but, after being assur