The Allen House; Or, Twenty Years Ago and NowArthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)
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The Allen House; Or, Twenty Years Ago and Now
Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)
American fiction -- 19th century; Conduct of life -- Fiction
And she made a movement to rise. I took her arm and supported her to the
bed, where she quietly composed herself, and turned her face away, so as
almost to hide it from my view. At this moment Mrs. Floyd came in, and I
withdrew, leaving them together.
Memory had been restored. The accompanying shock was severe, but not
heavy enough seriously to retard her recovery, which went on slowly. She
still remained at the Allen House, rarely meeting her husband, who now
spent a large part of his time in New York.
The period fixed for a trial of the case between them was fast
approaching. He continued resolute, and she did not waver from her
purpose to defend her good name. The deep interest I took in the case,
led me to see Mr. Wallingford often, and make inquiry as to the evidence
which could be produced in Mrs. Dewey's favor, and the probable chances
of an honorable result. We both favored a settlement of the difficulty
without a trial and its consequent exposure, if that were possible.
But how to prevent this was the difficult question. Finally it was
determined to make a copy of the letter found by Mrs. Dewey, and enclose
it to her husband, giving him warning at the same time that the original
would be produced at the trial.
Nothing was heard in response to this movement, until within a week
of the day on which the case was expected to come up, when Mr. Dewey's
lawyer called on Mr. Orton to know if it was still his intention to meet
them in open court and resist their application for a divorce. On being
assured that such was their purposes he expressed some regret at the
consequent damage to the lady's reputation, as they had evidence against
her of the most conclusive character. Finally he wished to know whether,
in case a new ground were taken--one not touching the lady's good
name--any opposition would be made. Mr. Orton said that he would consult
his client, and answer the query with as little delay as practicable.
Mrs. Dewey expressed a willingness to remain passive, provided no
allegations were made in the new bill that even remotely cast a shadow
upon her virtue.
But Mr. Wallingford, on taking the matter into further consideration,
advised a different course altogether--no less than an application
from the other side, on the ground of neglect, ill-treatment, and
constructive conjugal infidelity, based on the important letter already
referred to. Mrs. Dewey caught eagerly at this suggestion, as soon as it
was presented to her. If a divorce were thus obtained, her vindication
would be complete.
The ranks of the enemy were thrown into confusion by this diversion. Mr.
Dewey was violent, and threatened most terrible consequences. But when
the time set for the case to come up arrived, he failed to appear.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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