“If I had a doubt, it was only for a moment. I never had a real, substantial doubt--certainly not a suspicion--of you, Dick.” “But I am more under the shadow than ever before.” “Not with me--not with anybody. My dear fellow, will you forgive me?” “With all my heart--there is nothing to forgive.” “Dick, you are all--you are more to me than ever before. I believe every word you have said. Come, go home with me, and----” “I cannot do that, Hungerford.” “Why not?” “You heard what was dragged out of me.” “What of that?” “I have acknowledged the two reasons which induced me to propose the plan for Mary’s marriage to Buckstone. One was for her sake; the other still leaves me open to the charge of acting from interested motives.” “Dick, you never had a selfish thought in your relations with me. I believe in you as I would in my own mother.” “Enough, Hungerford!” exclaimed Dick, grasping his hand. “If there has been any breach, it is healed.” “Good! that sounds like you, old fellow!” “I have never wronged you or yours, Hungerford, in word or thought.” “I know it,” said Eugene, warmly. “If you had turned me out of your house, I would still have served you, and thought kindly of you.” “I have never thought unkindly of you for a moment, Dick. We are the same now as ever; so come home with me, and we will talk this matter over.” “No, Hungerford, I cannot do that.” “Why not?” “I should not dare to look Julia in the face after this exposure of my thoughts. I cannot go, Hungerford, and I will not.” “This is obstinacy.” “I can’t help it. She must not even think that I have mercenary motives; and she can’t help thinking it now. I will not go, Hungerford; I will not even see her.” “But you punish her more than yourself.” “I think not.” “Why should you punish her, or yourself?” “It cannot be helped. My self-respect will not permit me to go into her presence with such an infernal suspicion attached to me.” This was entirely a matter of feeling with Dick, and he could not be moved from his position. Eugene unwillingly assented to his view for the present. “Now, where is Mary?” asked Dick. “She has gone back to Poppleton, with Dr. Bilks.” “With Dr. Bilks!” exclaimed the lawyer, with something like contempt in his words and looks. “But I must leave you now, Hungerford. You can see Ross if you like.” “Where are you going?” “To Poppleton.” “We will go together.” “I do not go direct,” replied Dick. “I shall return by the way of the Point.” “What are you going to do?” “I am going to look for Dr. Bilks’s baby. I am determined that this baby shall be named after the doctor.” “Dick, what does all this mean?” demanded Eugene. “I can’t stop to explain now, Hungerford. I must find that baby before Dr. Bilks has time to do so.” “I will go with you.” “Very well.”