Dr. Bilks was uneasy, and seemed to be thinking of some way by which he could postpone his engagement, and have the pleasure of meeting the eminent merchant from Baltimore. It was very unfortunate, but it could not be helped; this was the conclusion he had reached, as the carriage for Julia drew up at the front door. The doctor drove to the Port, and joined Julia on the wharf. A boatman rowed them across the channel, and they walked up to the house. Dr. Bilks was a gentleman of good taste, and of course he could not fail to appreciate the beauty and grace of his charming companion. He made himself very agreeable. They found Mary in the parlor below, and alone there. She was calm, though the evidences of her suffering were apparent in every line of her countenance. “I have brought you a new physician,” said the doctor, as they entered the room. “This is very kind of you, Julia,” replied Mary, taking the offered hand of the visitor. “I am very glad to see you. I hope you are better;” and Julia talked and acted like a true friend. The doctor gave his professional advice, and though he lingered much longer than was necessary, paying more attention to the visitor than to the patient, he departed at last, and left Julia to attempt the cure which he was powerless to accomplish. “I cannot help thinking how kind it is of you to come to me at such a time, Julia,” said Mary, wiping away the tears called forth by the sympathy of her early friend. “I could not help coming, when I heard how much you were suffering.” “None of my friends have been to see me before.” “Indeed!” “But I cannot blame them. What am I now?” “You are the same good girl you always were!” replied Julia, with generous earnestness. “I am afraid not.” “Yes, you are.” “No; I am an outcast now, scorned and despised. Julia glad as I am to see you, I am sorry you have come.” “Why should you be sorry?” “I’m afraid it will injure you. You know why my friends desert me.” “But I will not desert you. You have been wronged; but you are true and good, as you always were. It was not your fault.” “I’m afraid it was--partly, at least.” “It would have been better if you had never met Mr. Buckstone, it is true; but you are not to blame.” “I wish I could feel that I had not done wrong.” “You may have made a mistake, but you have done no wrong; and you shall not be cast down for your misfortunes.” “It is the way of the world, Julia; and I can never be to others what I was before.” “But you shall be, Mary. If all the rest of the world desert you, our family will still adhere to you.” “I am afraid you don’t understand it, Julia. Though I may not be guilty, I shall be shunned as one contaminated; those whom I have known in brighter days will no longer associate with me.” “We shall see, Mary,” said Julia, proudly. “You shall come to our house. You shall be our guest; and if other people dare to insult you by word or look, they are not our friends!”