r mutual good wishes, and separated. In the afternoon he
started for Boston, from whence he sailed, on the next day, for England.

This was towards the latter end of June. He was to write to Mrs.
Montgomery immediately on his arrival out, and again as soon as he had
obtained an interview with the Willoughby family. Early in August,
she received his first letter, which was brief, simply announcing his
arrival at Liverpool.

About three weeks after the coming of this letter, I received a note
from Mrs. Montgomery asking me to call. On meeting her, I noticed
something in her manner that struck me as unusual. She did not smile, as
was her wont, when we met, her countenance retaining its usual serious
expression. I thought she looked paler, and just a little troubled.

"Thank you for calling so promptly, Doctor," she said. "I am afraid you
will think me troublesome. But you have always shown a kindly interest
in me, though a stranger; and have proved, in all cases, a sound
adviser."

I bowed, and she continued:

"I have a second letter from Mr. Wallingford. He has, he writes,
been well received by my relatives, who had placed in his hands,
for examination, a large quantity of papers that belonged to Colonel
Willoughby."

"If they contain any evidence in the right direction, he will be sure to
find it," said I.

"No doubt of that. But"--I thought her voice faltered a little--"the
question is solved, and he may return."

"Solved! How?" I asked quickly.

"I have found the will."

"What?"

"I have found the will," she repeated, in a steady tone, "and that
solves the question."

"Is it in your favor?" I asked, and then held my breath for a reply. It
came in a firmly uttered--

"No."

We looked steadily into each other's face for several moments.

"In whose favor?"

"In favor of Theresa Garcia his wife," she replied.

"But she is dead," I answered quickly.

"True--but I am not his heir."

She said this resolutely.

"She died childless," said I, "and will not the descent stop with
her?--the property reverting to you, as next of kin to Captain Allen?"

"She may have relatives--a brother or sister," said Mrs. Montgomery.

"That is scarcely probable," I objected.

"It is possible; and in order to ascertain the fact, all right means
ought to, and must be, taken."

"Where did you find the will?" I inquired.

"Blanche was examining a small drawer in an old secretary, when she
accidentally pressed her ha