“The trustees are not prepared to admit your claim without further investigation.” “Certainly; any time you may desire will be cheerfully granted on my part.” “Perhaps Mr. Hungerford, who is the only party concerned in opposition to your interests, may be willing to admit your claim.” “I am not willing to admit it,” said Eugene, whose breast was racked with terrible emotions. “It would be well to settle the matter as quietly as possible,” suggested the distinguished lawyer from Baltimore. “Perhaps Dr. Lynch requires nothing more than the payment of his claim, and will be willing to permit a quiet and amicable adjustment.” “Dr. Lynch is not disposed to put any one to unnecessary inconvenience; though he cannot forget that he has been banished from this house like a knave, and treated as one unworthy to associate with the magnates of Pine Hill,” added the doctor. “And you are unworthy; if they were all beggars they would spurn and despise you,” said Dick Birch. “You hear, gentlemen, what inducements I have to pursue a conciliatory policy,” continued the doctor. “Pursue any policy you please,” added Dick. “Gentlemen, this is all a farce.” “Do you think so, Mr. Birch?” demanded Dr. Lynch. “I do; I know it.” “Won’t you oblige the company present by proving that it is a farce,” sneered the doctor. “I purpose to do so.” “Will you deny that this gentleman is Mr. Eliot Buckstone?” “I will not; that gentleman undoubtedly is Mr. Eliot Buckstone, in spite of some prejudices we might have to the contrary.” “He was married to the lady who has for several years been known as Mrs. Eugene Hungerford. Can you deny this?” “No,” replied Dick. “Do not be alarmed, Mrs. Hungerford.” “And the marriage was a legal one.” “No; it was not!” shouted Dick. “Mr. Birch, you are a rash man to make such a statement.” “If my rashness does not lead me to put my hand upon your throat, you need not complain of it.” “Your threats are idle. Can you prove what you say?” continued Dr. Lynch, with a sneer. “I can.” “Well, why don’t you?” All eyes were now directed towards Dick Birch. It was an exciting moment. Even Mary, who would have given all the world six years before to prove her first marriage, was painfully anxious to have it declared illegal. “Do not mock us, Dick,” said Eugene, fearfully agitated. “I speak only the truth, Hungerford. The God of eternal justice does not permit this wretch to desolate your happy home. Be calm, Mary,” added Dick, as he moved towards the door. “The proof, Mr. Birch--the proof!” said Dr. Lynch, with triumphant assurance. Dick left the room. “That is the last of him,” sneered the doctor. “Abuse proves nothing. I have been foully wronged and ill-treated by that man. Yet I am expected to be patient, and to be gentle and conciliatory. Mr. Hungerford, it has been your misfortune to have a bad adviser.” “Silence, sir!” said Eugene, sternly.