“Mr. Birch, I am no hypocrite, however much I have erred in this unpleasant business. I will not deny that half a million of dollars was not a disagreeable prospect to contemplate;” and the doctor added one of his most ghostly grins to this speech. “Doubtless you have felt the same yourself.” “I never contemplated any such prospect,” replied Dick, his cheek flushing as he thought what motives might be attributed to him in making love to Julia. “Doubtless you loved Miss Hungerford; perhaps you still love her, Mr. Birch. You were honest and sincere in your love, but at the same time you could have no possible objection to her being the possessor of half a million of money.” “Silence, sir! I will listen to none of your insinuations.” “O, I didn’t intend anything disagreeable,” added the doctor, humbly. “Then you acknowledge that you sent for Buckstone to forward your own views?” “Partly for that; mainly for Miss Kingman’s sake.” “Put that in your confession.” The doctor complied, with some objections. “Why did you wish to prove that I was the person with Buckstone?” “I thought it would injure you less than me. I was led from one thing to another, in order to make good my first statements.” The doctor added to the confession till Dick was satisfied. “Now I will call in two persons to witness your signature.” “Then I am ruined!” “Not at all: they need not even know the contents of this paper.” “But what use do you intend to make of the document, Mr. Birch?” “If you keep your promise in the court-room to-morrow, no use whatever.” “Will you give it to me then?” “No; but I will promise that no one shall see it while you behave like an honest, upright man.” “I understand you, Mr. Birch,” replied Dr. Lynch, gloomily. “You mean to hold it over me, as a guaranty that I shall do as you bid me.” “I will make no unfair use of the paper.” “I am helpless, Mr. Birch; you can do with me as you please.” “I can; but no advantage shall be taken of you. I will call in Mr. Lowe and Mr. Darling as witnesses.” The paper was duly signed and witnessed. Dick put it in his pocket, and felt that he had the enemy within his grasp; as though he had conquered the serpent of evil, and had him in chains at his feet. Dr. Lynch did not think so. “You haven’t been to supper, doctor,” said Dick, when the witnesses had departed, as they did without asking a question. “I have no appetite.” “I am not surprised.” “I feel like a ruined man.” “Dr. Lynch, you have wronged me as one man never wronged another.” “I confess it. I am sorry for it. I will do all I can to atone for my error.” “That is all I ask.” “I will leave Poppleton at once.” “You need not.” “I will go to Pine Hill no more,” added the doctor, significantly. “Go there as often as you please.” “The family feel that they are under some obligations to me; Julia feels so.” “They are. She is.” “I will keep out of your way,” replied Dr. Lynch, more plainly.