dropped.

What she had escaped! It was a dark day in the calendar of her life,
when she made that escape; and I think there must have been times when
a consciousness of this fact pressed upon her soul like a suffocating
nightmare.

CHAPTER XVI.

Spring opened again, and the days glided swiftly on towards summer; and
yet, so far as the movements of the executors could be traced, nothing
had been done in the work of searching for the heirs. One day, early in
June, Mrs. Montgomery sent for Mr. Wallingford. On attending her, she
placed in his hands a communication which she had just received. It was
from the executors, giving notice in a kind and respectful way, that,
for the interest of the legal heirs, and their own security, it would be
necessary for them to assume full possession of the mansion and grounds,
unless she felt willing to pay a rental that was equivalent to the
interest on their value.

"I have expected this," said the lady; "and, so far from considering
myself aggrieved, feel grateful that a quiet residence here has been so
long accorded me."

"You will remove?"

"There is no other course left. My income will not justify a rent of
some three thousand dollars."

"As the property is unproductive, no such rent as that will be
required."

"The letter says, 'a rental equivalent to the interest on their value.'"

"I will see Judge Bigelow this morning, and ascertain precisely what
views are held in regard to this matter."

They were sitting near one of the parlor windows that looked out upon
the portion of the grounds that sloped away towards the stream, that
threw its white folds of water from one rocky ledge to another
in graceful undulations. As Mr. Wallingford ceased speaking, Mrs.
Montgomery turned her head quickly and looked out. The sound of voices
had reached her ears. Three men had entered the grounds, and were
passing the window at a short distance.

"Who are they?" asked Mr. Wallingford. Then, answering his own question,
he said, "Oh, I see; Judge Bigelow, Squire Floyd, and Ralph Dewey, his
son-in-law."

The three men, after going a few hundred rods in the direction of the
stream, turned and stood for some minutes looking at the house,
and talking earnestly. Dewey appeared to have the most to say, and
gesticulated quite freely. Then they moved on to that portion of the
stream where the water went gliding down the mimic rapids, and remained
there for a considerable time. It was