These papers are the title
deeds of Ivy Cottage, executed in your favor. There are memories and
associations connected with this dear spot, which must for ever be
sacred in the hearts of myself and wife; and it would be pain to us
to see it desecrated by strangers. In equity and love, then, we pass
it over to you and yours; and may God give you as much happiness
beneath its roof as we have known."
Surprise kept me silent for some time. But as soon as my thoughts
ran free, I answered--
"No--no, Mr. Wallingford. This is fixing the sum entirely beyond a
fair estimate. I cannot for a moment--"
He stopped me before I could finish the sentence.
"Doctor!" He spoke with earnestness and deep feeling. "There is no
living man to whom I am so heavily indebted as I am to you. Not
until after my marriage was I aware that your favorable word, given
without qualification, bore me into the confidence of Mrs.
Montgomery, and thus opened the way for me to happiness and fortune.
My good Blanche has often repeated to me the language you once used
in my favor, and which awakened in her mind an interest which
gradually deepened into love.
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