lt it lighter, after the terrors she had gone through on the very
verge of despair; and now, even though she was still surrounded by
dangers, she was far from feeling oppressed or terrified. Now her heart
beat higher with hopeful gladness, and she was full of fervent gratitude
as she told herself with lively and confident assurance that she had
found a new guide, and, holding His loving and powerful hand, could walk
in the way in safety. She felt as though some beloved hand had given her
a vial of precious medicine that would cure every disease, when she had
learned this verse, too, by heart. She would never forget the friendly
promise and invitation that lay in those words. And to Alexander,
at least--poor, conscience-stricken Alexander--they might bring some
comfort, if not to her father and Philip, since the call of the Son of
God was addressed to him too. And she looked as happy as though she had
heard something to rejoice her heart and soul. Her red lips parted once
more, showing the two white teeth which were never to be seen but when
she smiled and some real happiness stirred her soul.

She fancied she was alone, but, even while she was reading the words
in which the Saviour called to him the weary and heavy-laden, the
lady Euryale had noiselessly opened a secret door leading to Melissa's
hiding-place, known only to herself and her husband, and had come close
to her. She now stood watching the girl with surprise and astonishment,
for she had expected to find her beside herself, desperate, and more
than ever needing comfort and soothing. The unhappy girl must have been
drawn to the window by the cries of the massacred, and at least have
glanced at the revolting scene in the stadium. She would have thought
it more natural if she had found Melissa overcome by the horrors she had
witnessed, half distraught or paralyzed by distress and rage. And there
sat the young creature, whom she knew to be soft-hearted and gentle,
smiling and with beaming eyes--though those eyes must have rested on the
most hideous spectacle--looking as though the roll in her lap were the
first enchanting raptures of a lover. The book lying on Melissa's knees
was the gospel of Matthew, which she herself early this morning, while
the girl was still sleeping, had laid by her side to comfort her and
give her some insight into the blessings of Christianity. But these
scriptures, so sacred to Euryale, had seemed to count for less than
nothing to this h