Dewey gave me a formal bow, and passed on his way.

About a week afterwards, Judge Bigelow inquired of Wallingford as to when he wished to get possession of the Allen House.

“Whenever Mr. Dewey finds it entirely convenient to remove,” was the unhesitating reply.

“Suppose it should not be convenient this fall or winter?”

“Very well.  The spring will suit me.  I am in no hurry.  We are too comfortable in Ivy Cottage to be in any wise impatient for change.”

“Then it is your pleasure that Mr. Dewey remain until spring?”

“If such an arrangement is desirable on his part, Judge, it is altogether accordant with my feelings and convenience.  Say to him that he has only to consult his own wishes in the case.”

“You are kind and considerate, Mr. Wallingford,” said the Judge, his manner softening considerably, for there had been a coldness of some years’ standing on the part of Judge Bigelow, which more recent events had increased.

“And why should it be otherwise, Judge?” inquired his old student.

“Mr. Dewey has not given you cause for either kindness or consideration.”

“It would hurt me more than it would him, were I to foster his unhappy spirit.  It is always best, I find, Judge, to be right with myself.”

“All men would find it better for themselves, were they to let so fine a sentiment govern their lives,” remarked Judge Bigelow, struck by the language of Wallingford.

“It is the only true philosophy,” was replied.  “If a man is right with himself, he cannot be wrong towards others; though it is possible, as in my case, that other eyes, looking through a densely refracting medium, may see him out of his just position.  But he would act very unwisely were he to change his position for all that.  He will be seen right in the end.”

Judge Bigelow reached out his hand and grasped that of Mr. Wallingford.

“Spoken like a man, Henry!  Spoken like a man!” he said, warmly.  “I only wish that Ralph had something of your spirit.  I have seen you a little out of your right position, I believe; but a closer view is correcting the error.”

Wallingford returned the pressure as warmly as it was given, saying, as he did so—­

“I am aware, Judge, that you have suffered your mind to fall into a state of prejudice in regard to me.  But I am not aware of any thing in my conduct towards you or others, to warrant the feeling.  If in any thing I have been brought into opposition, faithfulness to the interests I represented has been the rule of my conduct.  I have sought by no trick of law to gain an advantage.  The right and the just I have endeavored to pursue, without fear and without favor.  Can you give me a better rule for professional or private life?”

“I cannot, Henry,” was the earnest reply.  “And if all men would so pursue the right and the just, how different would be the result for each, as the sure adjustment of advancing years gave them their true places in the world’s observation!”