He is what is called a smart business man, and his employer has entire confidence in his fidelity and his good judgment. He is honored and respected, though certain people are impressed by the fact that he has killed a man, in avenging his sister’s honor; to such he is terrible. On this occasion the library had been prepared as a banquet hall, for the dining-room is not large enough to accommodate the company. Eugene is at the head of the table, with Mr. John Lester on his right. Dick Birch sits at the other end of the board. “What do you think of my brother-in-law now, Mr. Lester?” asked Hungerford, as the soup plates were removed. “You were not prejudiced in his favor the first time you came to Pine Hill, you remember.” “But, Mr. Hungerford, you placed him in a false position before me,” protested the eminent trustee. “And Dr. Bilks?” “Had you told me that Dr. Bilks was that scapegrace of a Tom Lynch, I should not have erred in judgment. Without correct premises, Mr. Hungerford, of course it is impossible to arrive at a correct conclusion.” Of course Mr. Lester could have made no mistake; it was not possible for an eminent merchant like himself to blunder on a question of human nature. “I did not know myself that Tom Lynch was amongst us.” “You were deceived, and unwittingly deceived me. I have the highest regard for your friend Mr. Birch.” The supper was finished, and Mr. Lester intimated that he should be happy to place Eugene Hungerford in possession of the deeds, bonds, notes, and other securities, which constituted the three millions. The party adjourned to the drawing-room. “I believe there is only one person not present who has had any contingent interest in the property,” said Mr. Lester, who, being an eminent man, was of course disposed to be formal and precise in the discharge of a duty so important as that which now devolved upon him. “Dr. Lynch,” added the lawyer. “His contingent interest ceases to-day.” “It is quite proper that he should be present, being an interested party, and I have taken the liberty to invite him to come here at nine o’clock,” continued Mr. Lester. “You will pardon me for inviting this unwelcome guest, Mr. Hungerford, but I deemed it best that he should be here,” he added, in a low tone, to Eugene, who stood by his side. “I am entirely satisfied.” “I do not think he will come,” said Mr. Lester. “His contingent interest no longer exists, and I doubt if he will care to see all the property slip into your hands.” The eminent trustee chuckled a little. He was so well satisfied that the doctor would not come, that he had not even deemed it worth his while to say before that he had invited him. “Dr. Lynch is not present,” continued the eminent trustee, “and we will proceed without him.” “Dr. Lynch,” said Parkinson, throwing open the door at this moment. “Ah!” ejaculated Mr. Lester, faintly.