During the few months that have passed since the opening of our story, the only matter that has occurred, of any interest to the reader, at the Allen House, is the fact that Judge Bigelow has undertaken the management of Mrs. Montgomery’s affairs, and the establishment of her claim to the possession, as only heir, of the whole of Captain Allen’s property.  Some legal difficulties, bearing upon her identification as his sister, were in the way; and in the effort to remove these, there had been considerable correspondence with persons in England.

The first fact to be clearly proved was the solemnization of a marriage between Mrs. Montgomery’s mother and the elder Captain Allen.  Next, the identity of Mrs. Montgomery as her child.  No marriage certificate, nor any record of the fact, as to the exact time and place, were known to be in existence; and without them, or evidence of a very conclusive character, the title of Mrs. Montgomery could not be clearly established.

This, Judge Bigelow stated to her in the beginning; but, up to this time, no such evidence had been found.

Mrs. Montgomery’s health was not good, and as she required occasional medical aid, my visits to the Allen House were continued.  The more intimately I came to know this lady, the higher did she rise in my esteem.  She united strength of mind with clearness of perception:  and decision of character with prudence and justice.  She had, likewise, a depth and tenderness of feeling that often exhibited itself in beautiful incidents.  The dignity of manner, which at first seemed touched with hauteur, now only gave grace to her fine proportions.

She had, from the beginning, spoken to me without reserve of her affairs, in which I naturally took deep interest.  One day she said:—­

“Doctor, I wish to get your opinion in regard to an individual whom Judge Bigelow proposes to send out to England for me on important business.  He is a young man, associated with him, as I understand it, professionally.

“Mr. Wallingford, you mean?”

“Yes, that is the name, I believe.  Do you know him?”

“Very well.”

“Is he prudent, intelligent, and reliable?”

“I think so.”

“You only think so, Doctor?”

“I can speak in stronger terms.  As far as one can know another, I am ready to say that he is prudent, intelligent, and reliable.  If I had important business to transact at a distant point, and needed a trusty agent, I would select him before any other man in S——.”

I wish no better testimony, Doctor, and am glad to know that I can procure an agent so well qualified.”

“Have you seen him?” I inquired.

“No.  But Judge Bigelow is to bring him here today, in order that I may see and converse with him.”

“You will find him,” said I, a young man of few words and unobtrusive manners—­but solid as a rock.  I have seen him under circumstances calculated to test the character of any man.”