on at the beginning of the trial, he had become
convinced during its progress, and especially while his client was on
the witness-stand, that Dr. Medjora was entirely innocent of the crime
with which he was charged. This feeling was intensified when the jury
showed an agreement with him, by acquitting the Doctor, and, as a
result, an intense sympathy was aroused in his breast for one who
seemed to have wrongfully undergone such an ordeal. For a man must
suffer in reputation when once the finger of suspicion is pointed in
his direction, and it is out of the power of the State to repair the
harm which has been done. Thus, from the position of client, Mr.
Dudley elevated the Doctor into that place in his regard occupied by
his warmest friends.

Dr. Medjora had been quick to appreciate the affiliation of a man of
brains, such as he recognized Judge Dudley to be, and, therefore, the
friendship had thriven. None exalted the legal ability of Mr. Dudley
higher than did the Doctor, and no one valued Dr. Medjora's
professional skill more than did Mr. Dudley. Under these
circumstances, of course the Doctor was intrusted with the medical
care of the lawyer's family, and thus it was natural that he should
feel a paternal regard for his friend's daughter.

If he loved Agnes, she returned his affection in full measure. She
used to say, even when a little tot, that she had two papas, and if
asked which she loved best, she would reply: "Bofe of 'em."

As she grew older, of course she discriminated between her father and
the Doctor, but if Judge Dudley received the greater share of her
demonstrations of affection, the Doctor was more than satisfied with
what was allotted to him.

In proportion as the Doctor loved the child, so his wife disliked her,
though she never exhibited her feelings openly. Indeed, in this one
matter she had succeeded in deceiving her husband, who, astute as he
was in all other things, had never suspected that Madame harbored any
ill-feeling against the girl. But Agnes herself was not very old when
she began to understand, and as her wisdom increased with her years,
she became less and less demonstrative towards the Doctor when the
wife was present. Women detect these hidden heart-throbs with an
instinct which is peculiar to their sex, and which transcends reason,
in that it is unfailing, however illogical it may seem to a man.

Agnes was a rare child, a rarer girl, and one of the rarest of women
as she matur