diation of Fagan. Every weak point in my mother's position
became, of course, exposed by these fruitless communications; while, by
his own change of purpose, he grew to be distrusted by each in turn.

It was a theme that he avoided speaking on; but when questioned closely
by me, he has owned that Curtis exercised a kind of sway, a species of
terror-like influence, over him that totally overcame him.

"That old, besotted, crazy intellect," said he, "appeared to have
recovered freshness and energy with prosperity; and, animated with
almost diabolical acuteness, to profit by every weakness of my own
nature. Even Fagan, with all his practised craft, had to succumb to the
shrewd and keenwitted powers of the old man; and Crowther owned that
all his experience of life had not shown him his equal in point of
intelligence."

A misanthropic, bitter spirit gave him a vigor and energy that his years
might have denied him; and there was a kind of vindictive power about
him that withstood all the effects of fatigue and exhaustion.

The law had now begun its campaign in right earnest. There were two
great issues to be tried at bar, and a grand question, involving
any amount of intricacy, for the Chancery Court. The subject was the
possession of a large estate, and every legal celebrity of the day was
engaged by one side or the other. Of course such an event became the
general topic of discussion in all circles, but more particularly in
those wherein my father had once moved. Alas for the popularity of
personal qualities,--how short-lived is it ever! Of the many who used
to partake of his generous hospitality, and who benefited by his
friendship, how few could now speak even charitably of his acts! Indeed,
it would appear, from the tone in which they spoke, that each, even the
least observant or farseeing, had long anticipated his ruin. Such absurd
extravagance, such pretension! A house fit for a sovereign prince, and
a retinue like that of royalty! And then the daily style of
living,--endless profusion and waste! The "French connection"--none
would say marriage--also had its share of reprobation. The kindly
disposed only affected to deplore and grieve over the unhappy mistake.
The rigidly right seemed to read in his own downfall a justice for a
crime committed; while another section, as large as either, "took out"
their indignation at his insolence in having dared to present her to the
world as his wife!

And yet his once warm he