“We will not discuss this question now,” interposed Eugene. “Let us do what we can for Ross. Dick, you must get the best lawyer in the state to defend him. Mary must be suffering terribly.” “Yes; I shall visit her at once,” said the doctor. Dick proposed that Dr. Bilks should be presented to the ladies, and they went to the sitting-room for this purpose. The story of the murder had to be told again; and Mrs. Hungerford and Julia were shocked at the tale. They wept for poor Mary, tortured anew by this agonizing event, and both of them anxiously studied the face of Eugene to discover the effect upon him. He was calm, but he was paler than usual. “But I must bid you good morning, ladies,” said Dr. Bilks. “My next visit will be to Mary.” “Mother, don’t you think I might do something for Mary? I suppose she is alone,” added Julia. “You might comfort her, Julia. It would be kind of you,” exclaimed Eugene, before Mrs. Hungerford had time to answer the question. “I think you would be of more service to her than I could,” continued Dr. Bilks. “We will both go, Julia,” said her mother. “Her sickness is of the heart rather than the body, and kind friends are better for her than medicines,” added Dr. Bilks. “But I think one would be better than two.” “I will go alone, mother. Mary and I were always good friends.” “Very well, if Dr. Bilks thinks best.” The doctor did think best, and gave his reasons for the opinion, which were quite satisfactory to Mrs. Hungerford. The carriage was ordered for Julia, and it was arranged that Dr. Bilks should join her at the wharf, where they would take a boat for the island. While they were considering the matter, the morning mail was brought in, and Eugene glanced at his letters. He opened one of them. “Mr. Lester is coming to Poppleton to spend a week with us,” said he. “I wrote to him from London that I should expect him.” “We’ll give the old fellow a jolly time,” added Dick, lightly. “Whom did you say?” asked Dr. Bilks. “Mr. Lester; he is one of the trustees of my uncle’s will.” “John Lester?” “Yes. Do you know him?” “Not personally; I think he had a son in college with me. When does he come?” “Next week. He is an excellent man, doctor, and you must know him. You must help us entertain him.” “This is very unlucky for me,” replied Dr. Bilks, evidently much troubled. “I must be absent from town next week.” “O, no; you must be here when the old gentleman comes,” said Dick. “We shall give him some big dinners.” “Nothing would afford me more pleasure; but I have an imperative engagement in New York. I am very sorry.”