There was manifest embarrassment on the part of Judge Bigelow and his associate; while Dewey looked stern and dogged.  We soon got into the centre of the business, and found it pretty earnest work.  It was admitted by the executors that the greater portion of the estate was in the cotton mills.  How to get it out was the question.

“I had always understood,” said Mr. Wallingford, “that the mills were chiefly owned in New York.”

“The New York interest is large,” replied Squire Floyd, in a husky voice.

“And can be increased, no doubt, to almost any extent, in order to enable you to withdraw the trust investments” resumed Mr. Wallingford.

“Why cannot you let it remain where it is for the present?  The investment is safe and the interest sure,” said Judge Bigelow.

“There isn’t safer security in the state,” spoke up Mr. Dewey, with animation.

“It isn’t the kind of security we wish to hold,” said Mr. Wilkinson firmly.  “We have given heavy bonds, and prefer to get the property in a different shape.”

Here followed a chilling silence, which was broken by Mr. Wallingford.

“There is one way in which this can be arranged,” said he.

All eyes were turned upon him.

“If it is not convenient to transfer to new parties interests of such magnitude, we will take, at a fair valuation, the Allen House and grounds appertaining thereto, including the mill site.”

Mr. Dewey was on his feet in a moment, and said—­

“Never!” with considerable excitement of manner.

Judge Bigelow and Squire Floyd looked at each other in a bewildered manner, and then at Mr. Dewey, who was walking the floor with many signs of disturbance.

“This is the family property,” continued Mr. Wallingford, coolly—­” and ought never to have been sold.  It is but fair that it should come back.”

“It can’t go back,” spoke up Mr. Dewey.  “The present owners will not let it pass out of their hands.”

“If that is the case,” said Mr. Wallingford, “we shall have to look in another direction.  It occurred to me that this might suit all parties, 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.