e of Ayrshire, and some sheep that are handsome enough to
compare favorably with the best that ever browsed in the 'Court of
Lions.'"

He took his ward's hand and led her away to the cattle-yard, whither
Miss Dexter accompanied them.

As Salome looked after the trio her eyes flashed and scarlet spots
burned on her cheeks, while a feeling of suffocation oppressed her
heart.

"Why will you vex him, when you know that he tries so hard to like
you?" asked Miss Jane in a distressed tone, stroking the girl's hot
face, as she spoke.

The head was instantly lifted beyond her reach, and the answer came
swiftly, sharp and defiant,--

"Do you mean to say that it is so extremely difficult for him to
tolerate me?"

"You are obliged to know that you are not one of his favorites, like
that sweet-tempered Muriel, to whom he seems so warmly attached; and
it is all your own fault, for he was disposed to like you when he
first came home. Ulpian loves quiet and amiable people, who are never
rude and snappish; and it appears to me that you are trying to see how
hateful and spiteful you can be. Why upon earth did you not shake
hands with those strangers, and treat them politely?"

"Because I don't choose to be hypocritical,--and I don't like Miss
Muriel Manton."

"Nonsense! Stuff! I only wish you were half as well-bred and
courteous, and lady-like."

"Do you, really? Then, to be obedient and, oblige you, when they come
back, I will imitate her example, and throw myself into Dr. Grey's
arms, and rub my cheek against his shoulder, and fondle his hands. If
this be 'lady-like,' then, indeed, I penitently cry '_peccavi!_' and
promise that in future you shall not have cause to complain of me."

"Pooh, pooh, child! What ails you? Muriel has known Ulpian all her
life, and looks upon him now as her father. He has petted her since
she was a little girl, and loves her almost as well as if she were his
child, instead of his ward. You know she is an orphan; and it is very
natural for her to cling to her guardian, who was for a great many
years her father's most intimate friend."

"We are both orphans, and she is certainly not my junior, yet your
propriety would be shocked if I behaved as she does. Where is
Stanley?"

"Studying his geography lesson, with the assistance of the globe, in
the library. What do you want with him?"

"I am going to the beach, and wish him to walk with me."

"It is too late for you to start for the seaside, an