Julia grew worse. Her mother began to be alarmed about her, and sent for Dr. White, a young practitioner, who had charge of Dr. Bilks’s patients during his absence. Her symptoms did not yield to the usual remedies, and Mrs. Hungerford was not satisfied with the physician. On the morning after Mr. Lester’s departure, the indications were still less hopeful. Julia had been delirious during the night, and in the morning she was stupid and wandering in her mind. “We must have another physician, Eugene,” said Mrs. Hungerford, at breakfast time. “Dr. White does not understand the case.” “Certainly, mother; but whom shall we have?” “Could you get Dr. Hobhed?” “I will try.” Eugene hastened to the dilapidated mansion of the author of the “Chemical Theory.” He was in his library, and the visitor was shown into the apartment. “Good morning, Dr. Hobhed,” said Eugene. The philosopher did not raise his head from his book. Eugene spoke again, and touched his shoulder. “O, Mr. Hungerford!” said he, rather vacantly. “I am glad you have come. Sit down, and I will explain the chemical theory to you.” “Excuse me, Mr. Hobhed. My sister is very sick.” “You are aware that certain sea shells have been found in coal mines----” “Excuse me, Mr. Hobhed,” interrupted Eugene. “Will you go and see my sister?” “These sea shells prove that the salt water----” “I cannot stay to listen to your theory now. My sister is very sick.” “Salt water is the principle from which all minerals have been created.” “Will you go and see my sister?” “All minerals exist in salt water. Gold and silver can be extracted from salt water, when----” Eugene interrupted him again. It was impossible to get an idea into his head outside of the “chemical theory,” and the visitor departed. There was no other physician at the Port, and Eugene returned to Pine Hill. There were two doctors at the Mills, and while they were considering which of them should be called, Dr. Bilks drove up to the door. It was evident that he had just come from the railroad station. “Shall we have Dr. Bilks?” asked Eugene of his mother. “Certainly; he is a very skilful physician,” replied Mrs. Hungerford, all of whose doubts seemed now to be removed. “I believe he is a villain.” “All we want is his medical skill.” “As you please, mother.” Dr. Bilks had already been shown to the library; and when Eugene appeared, he was warmly greeted by the doctor, as though nothing had occurred to mar the harmony of their relations. “I called up to see you for a moment, before I go to the office. I have just returned from New York. I am very sorry not to have met your friend Mr. Lester,” said the doctor, as volubly as ever. “I am glad you called, Dr. Bilks,” replied Eugene, rather coldly. “I merely came up to ask for our friend Mr. Birch. I have done nothing but think of him ever since I left Poppleton. How is he?” “He is as well as usual.”