“Upon your escape. I knew it would be so. You have compelled me to defend myself, and I have done so; but I assure you, I have always regarded you as my friend, and I am rejoiced to find you relieved of this charge.” “You are very kind; but I should have preferred to be committed for trial.” “Why so?” “Because the truth has not come out yet.” “I am very sorry if it has not. My position from the beginning has been established. Of course I knew you were with Buckstone, but I was satisfied that it was for a good purpose.” “Dr. Bilks, as I look at the result just reached, I am ruined.” “Ruined?” “My character is spoiled, though I may keep out of prison. If this were the end, I would go into obscurity, and never show my face among men again.” “Nonsense, my dear fellow! You have been vindicated.” “No; to-day has plunged me deeper than ever in the mire.” “Mr. Birch, you made some heavy charges against me at one time. You told me to my face that I was the person with Buckstone,” said Dr. Bilks, with his heartiest laugh. “I will not repeat the charge.” “Do you still believe it?” demanded the doctor, who appeared to regard the charge as one of the pleasantest of jokes. “It does not matter now.” “Birch, let us be friends, as before. I am grateful to you for many kindnesses; and, whatever your opinion of me may be, I shall always hold you in the highest respect and esteem.” Dick was silent. The court had adjourned, and they were almost alone in the room. “Have I injured you, Birch?” demanded the doctor. “You know best.” “Let us be friends, Birch.” “Doctor, that can never be. I shall treat you like a gentleman, but you and I can never be friends. I believe you are my enemy.” “I am astonished, Mr. Birch!” exclaimed Dr. Bilks; and he looked astonished. “What have I done?” “I need not tell you--I will not. Your words, the very sight of you is loathsome to me.” “Why should it be so?” “I believe that, under the guise of friendship for Mr. Hungerford and for me, you have endeavored to poison his mind; to set him against me,” replied Dick, with energy. “Why should I, Mr. Birch?” “That is best known to you.” “Mr. Birch, I have been your friend in deed and in truth. I have never thrust myself in your friend’s way. I seldom saw him before the sickness of Julia. I have done what I could for her, and my professional duty to my patient required frequent visits.” “You saved her life; and for that I am as grateful to you as her own family.” “She is well--go and see her, Mr. Birch.” “Never, until the stains are washed from my good name!” “You judge yourself, as well as me, too harshly. Julia will be glad to see you.” “You know that I love her, and you mock me.” “Mock you, my dear fellow! I saved her from death for your sake.”