about the settlement of the property, and she was boarding in the city
until matters should be adjusted, when she contemplated going abroad.

She seemed to be an entire stranger to every one, and very much alone,
save for the companionship of a maid, by whom she was always attended,
except at meal-time. Mr. Appleton was called from the city about ten days
after his attention was first called to her, but his friend, Mr. Cutler,
was still a guest at the hotel, and before the expiration of another week
he had managed to make the acquaintance of the fascinating widow.

The more he saw of her the more deeply interested he became, until he
began to realize that his interest was fast merging into a sentiment of a
more tender nature.

Mr. Cutler was an energetic young broker, and report said that he was
rapidly amassing a fortune, and ere long would be rated rich among rich
men. He was fine-looking, very genial and social in his nature, and so,
of course, was a general favorite wherever he went.

His admiration for Mrs. Bently soon became the subject of remark among
his acquaintances at the hotel, and they predicted that the fair and
wealthy widow would soon capture the gallant and successful broker.

Six weeks spent in the attractive widow's society convinced Justin Cutler
that she was as lovely in character as in person. She was remarkably
sweet-tempered, very devout, and charitable beyond degree. She would
never listen to or indulge in gossip of any kind; on the contrary, she
always had something kind and pleasant to say to every one.

Upon several occasions, Mr. Cutler invited her to attend the theatre,