“You must be satisfied that he loves you. Why, he spent seven eighths of his time at Pine Hill, when you were sickest! I don’t think he slept an hour a night for a fortnight. The whole town began to cry out against him because he neglected other patients for you. When you were out of danger, he still came six times where he need have come but once. He has sent special messengers to Boston after grapes and flowers for you. Does all this mean nothing?” “I think he likes me--loves me, if you please,” replied Julia, more seriously than she had before spoken. “And you encourage him?” “He is my physician; I cannot very well discourage him. He has never spoken a word to me of love. I cannot refuse his flowers, or decline to ride or walk with him, without giving him pain. I am very grateful to him for what he has done. What can I do, Eugene?” “If you do not love him, you ought not to encourage him.” “I do not dislike him; and I cannot decline his attentions. If he asks me to walk, it is for my health; if he asks me to ride, it is because a ride will benefit my health. He has done nothing which any one might not do for a sick friend.” “Of course you expect him to make some progress.” “What do you think I am, Eugene?” demanded she, impatiently. “I expect nothing. I do not dislike him; that is all I can say.” “Julia, Dick Birch says that Dr. Bilks is an artful, cunning villain.” “I do not think any better of Dick for saying so,” replied Julia, indignantly. “Dick honestly believes it.” “He must not expect me to believe it.” “You used to think that what Dick said was law and gospel.” “He did not use to say such things as that.” “Julia, Dick is going to leave Poppleton--never to return, he says.” “Of course he has good reasons for going.” “Do you condemn him, Julia?” “Far from it! I am sorry for him. I should not think he would go away while everybody doubts his integrity.” “Julia, have you lost all your regard for Dick?” “No, Eugene.” “Which do you like best--him or Dr. Bilks?” “I cannot answer such questions. I don’t know. I always liked Dick very much. I looked upon him as my best friend, as well as yours. After his confessions on the stand, I thought it best that we should be less intimate. It seems that Dick thought so himself, for I have not seen him since.” “The best evidence in the world of his noble and generous nature! He loved you too well even to subject you to any invidious remark. He suffers himself to save you from annoyance.” “Poor fellow!” “Dr. Bilks is near you all the time, while Dick is self-banished from your presence. But, Julia, you must not encourage Dr. Bilks.” “Must not?” “Of course I mean you ought not to do so--at least for the present.” “I do not mean to encourage him. I am not a beau-hunter.”