Whether the skull and brain were ever returned to the body in the ground Eugene never inquired. He went home and reported what the doctor had said about coming to Pine Hill. Even Julia declared that he was too nice--more nice than wise. But, in less than a week from this time, Dr. Lynch did go to Pine Hill. It was midnight--dark, cold, and stormy. Mrs. Hungerford had been suffering, for several days, with a severe cold; and in the night her symptoms had suddenly assumed a form which alarmed Julia. The sufferer wanted Dr. Lynch, if she had any physician. She had unbounded confidence in him. Eugene went for the doctor himself. “Don’t you think you had better procure some other physician, Mr. Hungerford?” asked the doctor, who seemed to be much troubled at the idea of going to Pine Hill. “You surely will not refuse to go, Dr. Lynch?” “Of course I am entirely willing to go; I would do anything for your family; but don’t you think, under the circumstances, that it would be better to call another physician?” “My mother particularly desired to have you. If you are not willing to go----” “I am entirely willing to go, Mr. Hungerford. Do not misunderstand me.” “My mother is very sick; be as quick as possible.” “I will be with you in a moment,” replied the doctor, as he hastened his preparations. “I would go a thousand miles to serve your mother, but of course I must meet Julia.” “That cannot be avoided, even if you wish to avoid it.” Eugene thought that Dr. Lynch exhibited a degree of delicacy and consideration which few men possessed. He certainly appeared to be sincere in his purpose to renounce his claims, if any he had, upon Julia. The doctor was shown to the room of Mrs. Hungerford. Julia was there, sad and troubled. She gave her hand to the physician, and warmly greeted him. She thought only of her mother, and she believed that he would save her if human skill could do so. “I am sorry to meet you under such unpleasant circumstances, after my absence,” said the doctor, as he took off his overcoat, and opened his trunk. “Why didn’t you come when we sent for you? We should have been glad to see you.” “Thank you; but I did not feel like coming. You have learned to despise me, and I submit, for I deserve it.” “Far from it, doctor. We have never ceased to be grateful to you. I am afraid mother is very sick.” “I fear she is, from the sound of her breathing.”