“It may, but it will not,” laughed Dick. “I shall have plenty to do in searching into this matter.” “I hope you will get at the truth. Dick, I want to go over to the island. I have not seen Mary, except in the court-room, since my return. Perhaps she may know what the doctor did at the Settlement.” “Don’t mention the matter to her. Have you any particular business there?” asked Dick. “I have; very important business.” “Hungerford, I remember what you said last night.” “What?” “That you would marry Mary if she were not the legal wife of Buckstone.” “I did say so; I meant so. As the author of her miseries and misfortunes, it is my duty, as well as my desire, to give her back the good name of which the way of the world would deprive her.” “If she was ever a wife, she is a widow now,” said Dick, suggestively. “Speak out, Dick, if you have anything to say.” “Hungerford, do you mean to marry her?” “I do.” Dick shook his head. “I love her, and to me she is the same she always was. I believe she married Buckstone, without true love, in a frenzy of despair, when she was driven from her father’s house.” “But think what she is.” “You know what she is, Dick. She has violated no law of God or man. She has not sinned; she has been sinned against. There is no contamination of impurity about her; if there were, I should spurn her.” “Without any sin, with nothing worse, at most, than indiscretion, she has become notorious in connection with these disgusting events.” “Dick, I would have counted myself happy if I could have married her at the sacrifice of every dollar of my fortune, real and prospective, _before_ these events. This was not to be. I have spent months of misery under the blow. I cannot have her as she was; I will take her as she is: and a thousand times better to me as she as she is than any other could be as she was.” “Hungerford, I have much to say to you about this matter. Don’t be rash or hasty.” “I will not.” “I will ask only one favor of you to-day: do not commit yourself if you see her.” “Dick, I have already told my mother and sister what I intended to do.” “What did they say?” “They are of your opinion.” “Then, for their sake, do not be hasty.” “Dr. Bilks knows my intention.” “What did he say?” “He was of my opinion.” “Of course!” “Dick, one thing more. When I am married, your position will be changed.” “My position?” “You certainly could not be suspected----” “Bah!” exclaimed Dick, turning red. “I should not be suspected if you had a wife. Hungerford, I am unalterably opposed to your marriage with Mary, whatever may be the result to me. My hopes were exposed to-day in the court-room, which shows that what did not occur to me till last night filled the thoughts of everybody else. My duty to Julia requires me to keep away from her. I shall do so. Never mind me, Hungerford. Don’t commit yourself to-day.” “I will remember your wish; but I will not promise.”