Montgomery would swerve a hair's breadth
from justice. I have been in the position to see her tempted; have,
myself, been the tempter over and over again during the ten years in
which I represented her claims to the Allen estate; but her
principles were immovable as the hills. Once, I shall never forget
the incident--I pressed her to adopt a certain course of procedure,
involving a law quibble, in order to get possession of the property.
She looked at me for a moment or two, with a flushing face. Then her
countenance grew serene, almost heavenly, and she gave me this
memorable reply--'Mr. Wallingford, I have a richer estate than this
in expectancy, and cannot mar the title.' And she has not marred it,
Doctor."
"How did her daughter receive the news?" I inquired. I thought he
turned his face a little away, as he answered.
"Not so well as her mother." I knew his voice was lower. "When I
announced the fact that the claims of young Garcia had been admitted
by the court, tears sprung to her eyes, and a shadow fell upon her
countenance such as I have never seen there before.
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