ies,
and lead to an easy arrangement. But if that cannot be--if the present
owners, to use Mr. Dewey's words, will not let it go back--then my
suggestion falls to the ground, and we must look to the investments as
they stand. We do not press the matter."

I observed Mr. Dewey closely; the amount of feeling he displayed having
drawn my attention upon him. Once or twice I saw him dart malignant
glances towards Mr. Wallingford. And so, by degrees, I began to have
a glimpse of what was passing in his mind. To go out from that elegant
home, and let Wallingford succeed him as the owner, was something to
which his proud heart could not submit--Wallingford, the once despised
and contemned student of his uncle! That was too bitter a humiliation.

As nothing could then be decided, another meeting, to take place in
three or four days, was agreed upon, and we separated.

CHAPTER XXVI.

As my profession kept me going about all the while, I had opportunities
for observing the movements of other people. The day following the
meeting referred to in the last chapter, I saw Dewey, the Judge, and
the Squire together several times, and always in earnest talk. As I came
home, towards evening, I saw them all entering Mr. Dewey's residence. It
was plain that there was trouble in the camp.

On the next day, Mr. Dewey left town. I noticed him going into a car at
the depot. When the time came for our meeting, a postponement was asked
for. I felt like demurring, but Mr. Wallingford readily consented.

"Give them a little more time," said he, as we walked away from Judge
Bigelow's office. "It will come out as we desired. The easiest way for
them to arrange with us, is to let us have the Allen House property,
which is owned by the firm of which Dewey is a member; and it is with a
view to this, I have no doubt, that he is now in New York."

So we waited a few days longer. The return of Mr. Dewey took place in
the course of a week, when I received a note from Judge Bigelow, asking
a private interview. I found him and his nephew alone. They received me
in a pleasant, affable way; and the Judge said that he wished to have
a little talk with me before another formal meeting of the executors.
I answered that it would give me pleasure to confer with him; though I
could neither accept nor propose any thing, standing alone.

"It is not with a view to that, Doctor," replied the Judge, his
countenance putting on a shade of gravity that nearly