ntitled to the epithet you give; and I warn you, not to repeat that, or
anything like it, in my presence."

"You warn me!"

A gleam shot towards me from his evil eyes.

"Ralph! silence!" The Judge spoke sternly.

"Yes, in all soberness, I warn you," said I, fixing my gaze upon him,
and holding his eyes until they fell to the floor. "Mr. Wallingford is
not the man to permit any one to use language about him, such as you
have indulged in. If you make use of another opprobrious epithet, I will
communicate the fact to him immediately. And let me say, that, unless
a different temper is manifested, I must terminate this interview at
once."

Judge Bigelow drew his nephew aside, and talked for some time with him,
in a low, earnest tone; after which the latter apologized, though with
an ill grace, for the intemperance of his manner--alleging that an old
wound smarted whenever Wallingford crossed his path.

The result of this confidential talk was not as favorable on my mind as
Judge Bigelow had hoped to make it. I pitied his embarrassment; but the
conduct of Dewey confirmed my previous view of the case, which was to
require a transfer of the property specified by Mr. Wallingford, or
press for an immediate foreclosure of the mill investments. There was, I
felt satisfied, hazard in delay.

When our next formal meeting took place, Dewey was again present. It was
in my thought to suggest that he was not a party covered by the business
to be considered, when Mr. Wallingford said, in his mild, grave way--

"I believe this is a meeting of the Executors under the two wills of
Captain Allen."

The meaning of his remark could not be misunderstood, for he glanced
towards Mr. Dewey as he spoke. That individual, however, did not choose
to regard himself as referred to, and made no sign. But Mr. Wallingford
was not the man to let a deliberate purpose fall to the ground. He
had come with the intention of objecting to Dewey's presence at the
conference, and to insist upon his retiring, as a preliminary to
business.

No one replying to Mr. Wallingford's remark, he said, further--

"I do not mean to be uncourteous, but I must suggest the propriety of
Mr. Dewey's withdrawal."

"I am an interested party," said Dewey, with ill-concealed anger.

"Ah! I was not before aware of this," replied Wallingford, and he
looked inquiringly towards the Judge and Squire. They showed an uneasy
perplexity of manner, but did not respond.

"In what