“Mr. Birch,” said Parkinson, opening the door of the library. “Mr. Birch!” exclaimed Dr. Bilks. Eugene rushed to the entry, grasped the hand of his friend, and returned to the library with him. Dick was rather cold, stiff, and formal in his manner. “I have called up to see you on business, Hungerford,” said he. “I am glad to see you on any terms,” replied Eugene, warmly. “If Dr. Bilks will excuse you for a few moments, we will go into the office. Or perhaps the doctor will join the ladies in the drawing-room for half an hour,” added Dick; and there was a certain bitterness in his tones which did not escape the keen ear of Dr. Bilks. “Certainly, Mr. Birch; do not let me interrupt you for a moment. I must go to my office,” replied the doctor. “Dick, we have been talking about you and these affairs since tea. Dr. Bilks knows all about the business.” “If you desire his presence, it will not disturb me,” added Dick, indifferently. “If I have been the subject of your conversation, it may be as well that he remain.” “Dick, don’t be so stiff.” “I am under the shadow just now,” he replied. “I came to deliver the books and papers to you.” “No, no, Dick! Don’t begin in that strain.” “I came on business only.” Dick went to the office, opened the iron safe there, and took out the books and papers, which he brought into the library. “Here are the day-book and ledger, the latter posted to May,” he continued. “I have kept them with the utmost care, and you will find them plain and intelligible. They need no explanation. Here is your letter-book; it contains a copy of every business letter I have sent; while every one I have received is on file. Here is your check-book. Here is a record-book, containing a full history of all I have done since I managed your affairs.” “Dick, I will hear no more of this!” exclaimed Eugene. “Burn the books and papers; and I am still satisfied with what you have done.” “There was a time when you would have been--not three hours ago,” replied Dick, as he carried the books and papers back to the office, restored them to the safe, and, locking it, brought the key to Eugene. “Here is the key, Hungerford. You will find everything straight and correct. To-morrow, when you have had time to examine my personal account, I shall trouble you to give me a check for the balance of my salary.” Dick Birch, though his hand trembled, and his lip quivered, buttoned his coat, and took up his hat, which lay on the library table. “Dick, have you joined the conspiracy against me?” demanded Eugene. “No.” “You know how all this vexes me; how it wounds and crushes me.” “I will leave you, then.” He moved towards the door. “Stop, Dick; you cannot mean to give me the cold shoulder now?” “Hungerford, I am the sufferer, not you. You have nothing to lose; I, everything. You banish me, and I go.” “What do you mean by that? Sit down, Dick, and let us talk over this matter.”