It was also generally conceded that as, through their partner, Mr.Dewey, this firm of Floyd, Lawson, Lee, & Co., had invested a large amount of capital in S----, and by their liberality and enterprise greatly benefited the town, they were entitled to all the favors it was in the power of the bank to give; more particularly as the firm was one of great wealth--"solid as gold"-- and the interests of the stockholders would, therefore, be best served by keeping the line of discount mainly in so safe a channel.
Now and then a disappointed storekeeper, whose small offerings were thrown out, would inveigh bitterly against the directors, calling hard names, and prophesying "a grand explosion one of these days;" but these invectives and predictions hardly ever found a repetition beyond the narrow limits of his place of business.
And so the splendid schemes of Ralph Dewey and Company went on prospering, while he grew daily in self-importance, and in offensive superciliousness toward men from whom he had nothing to expect.

In my own case I had little to complain of, as my contact with him was generally professional, and under circumstances that caused a natural deference to my skill as a physician.
Nothing out of the ordinary range of things transpired until towards Christmas, when my wife received a note from Mrs.Dewey, asking her as a special favor to call at the Allen House.

She was there in half an hour after the note came to hand.
I was at home when she returned, and saw the moment I looked into her face that she had been the witness of something that had moved her deeply.
"Is anything wrong with Mrs.Dewey ?" I asked.
"Yes." Her countenance took on a more serious aspect.
"In what respect ?" "The story cannot be told in a sentence.

I received a note from her as you are aware.

Its earnest brevity forewarned me that the call involved something of serious import; and I was not mistaken in this conclusion.
On calling, and asking for Mrs.Dewey, I noticed an air of irresolution about the servant.