This was the finale which he reached at last by a series of arguments pro and con, and when it was reached, he was anxious to commence the task at once.

He presumed he could love Alice Johnson; she was so pretty; but even if he didn't, he would only be doing what thousands had done before him.

He should be very proud of her, and would certainly try to make her happy.
One long, almost sobbing sigh to the memory of poor Lily, who had loved so much and been so cruelly betrayed, one faint struggle with conscience, which said that Alice Johnson was too pure a gem for him to trifle with, and then, the past, with its sad memories, was buried.
"Not going to church twice in one day!" Mrs.Richards exclaimed as the doctor threw aside the book he had been reading, and started for his cloak.
"Why, yes," he answered.

"I liked that parson so much better than I expected, that I think I'll go again," and hurrying out, he was soon on his way to St.Paul's.
"Gone on foot, too, when it's so cold!" and the mother, who had risen and stood watching him from the window, spoke anxiously.
The service was commencing, but the doctor was in no hurry to take his seat.

He would as soon be seen as not, and, vain fop that he was, he rather enjoyed the stirring of heads he felt would ensue when he moved up the aisle.