“I kept these things, for the time being, to myself, and pondered over them in some perplexity as to the best course to take.  But from these thoughts, my mind was soon turned by the illness of my oldest daughter.  After a lingering sickness of many weeks, she died.  It seemed almost impossible to arouse myself from the stunning effects of this blow.  It crushed me down more than any previous sorrow, for it fell upon a heart weakened by pain.  It was many months before the discipline of this affliction awakened me to thoughts of a higher life.  Then I began to rise into serener heights—­to see as by an interior vision, to believe that even our saddest things may fall upon us in mercy.

“Finally, circumstances of which I need not speak, made me resolve to leave England, and under legal advice of the highest authority, take quiet possession of this estate, which is mine.”

Mrs. Montgomery ceased speaking.

“Perhaps,” she resumed, after a moment, “it may be as well, all things considered, that you do not speak of this for the present.  I shall, as soon as my daughter’s full recovery gives me time to enter into the subject, place my affairs in the hands of a safe legal agent, in order that they may assume due form and order.  You can, no doubt, refer me to the right individual.”

“I can,” was my reply.  “Judge Bigelow, of our town, is the man.  I speak of him with the utmost confidence.”

“Thank you, Doctor.  You lay me under additional obligation,” she said.  “I will, at an early day consult him.”

Thus closed this deeply interesting interview.

CHAPTER X.

I attended Blanche Montgomery through her slow convalescence, and had many opportunities for observing her and her mother closely.  The more intimately I knew them the higher did they rise in my estimation.  A purer, sweeter, truer-hearted girl than Blanche I had never seen.  There was an artlessness and innocence about her but rarely met with in young ladies of her age.  Especially was she free from that worldliness and levity which so often mars young maidenhood.  Her mind was well stored and cultivated, and she was beginning to use her mental treasures in a way that interested you, and made you listen with pleased attention when she spoke on even common-place subjects.  Her manners had in them a grace and dignity that was very attractive.  As she advanced towards health her deportment took on an easy, confiding air, as if she looked upon me as a true friend.  Her smile, whenever I appeared, broke over her gentle face like a gleam of sunshine.