with his energetic and self-reliant helpmate. There is a lack of
shrewdness and an utter want of that keen discriminating power,
which can give at first glance the full numerical value of all
exterior objects. The owner of "Gladswood" belonged to that
"come-easy-go-easy" class, who, unless circumstances come to their
relief, are ever being duped or made a prey to the avaricious. But
Mr. Montgomery had a source of never-failing strength in his wife.
"Had William Montgomery married a different kind of wife he would
have become a poor man," had grown into a proverb regarding matters
at "Gladswood." All business transactions and pecuniary affairs
always received the approval of Mrs. Montgomery before they took
effect; while each and every individual about the farm well
understood the business-like capacity of their respected mistress.
But it must not be supposed that Mrs. Montgomery was the ruling
spirit of "Gladswood." She displayed no strong-minded nor
dictatorial manner; no arrogant gestures or inclinations to
combativeness; but seemed as one endowed with the happy faculty
of presenting herself at the right time and right place, and by
her motherly counsel to superintend the working of her household
in a perfect and unconscious manner.

There are several younger members of this family, but as they are
not necessary throughout the work we will not make mention of them
here.

On the morning when Marguerite Verne sat in the luxurious crimson
velvet arm-chair reading Cousin Jennie's letter, the latter was
engaged in fashioning some dainty scraps of wool and silk into
various little knick-knacks for a bazaar.