ven us of this world's goods an
abundance. We did not even have to lift our hands to the ripe clusters.
They fell into our laps. And now, if, from our plenty, we take a small
portion and discharge a debt, will you push aside the offering, and say,
No? Doctor, this must not be!"

Again I essayed objection; but all was in vain. Ivy Cottage was to be
our pleasant home. When, on returning with Constance, I related to her
what had passed between Mr. Wallingford and myself, she was affected to
tears.

"If I have ever had a covetous thought," she said, "it has been when
I looked at Ivy Cottage. And to think it is to be mine! The sweetest,
dearest spot in S----!"

There was no putting aside this good fortune. It came in such a shape,
that we could not refuse it without doing violence to the feelings of
true-hearted friends. And so, when they removed to their new home, we
passed to Ivy Cottage.

The two years that followed were marked by no events of striking
interest. The affairs of Judge Bigelow continued to assume a better
shape, under the persistent direction of Mr. Wallingford, until every
dollar which he had invested in the cotton mills was withdrawn and
placed in real estate or sound securities. Long before this there had
come an open rupture between the old man and his nephew; but the Judge
had seen his real character in so clear a light that friendship was no
longer desirable.

CHAPTER XXX.

And now we have come down to the memorable summer and fall of 1857. No
gathering clouds, no far-distant, low-voiced thunder gave warning of an
approaching storm. The sky was clear, and the sun of prosperity moving
onward in his strength, when, suddenly, from the West came a quick flash
and an ominous roll of thunder. Men paused, looked at each other, and
asked what it meant. Here and there a note of warning was sounded; but,
if heeded by any, it came too late. There followed a brief pause, in
which people held their breaths. Then came another flash, and another
rattling peal. Heavy clouds began to roll up from the horizon; and soon
the whole sky was dark. Pale face looked into pale face, and tremulous
voices asked as to what was coming. Fear and consternation were in
all hearts. It was too late for any to seek refuge or shelter. Ere the
startled multitudes had stirred from their first surprised position,
the tempest came down in its fury, sweeping, tornado-like, from West to
East, and then into one grand gyration cir