of the sea, instead of
on its brink. Let me go, and I will come back cool as a cucumber, and
well-behaved as Miss Muriel Manton. Please don't prohibit me; and I
promise I will lose my evil spirit in the sea, like that Gergesene
wretch that haunted the tombs. Here comes Stanley. Don't shake your
head. I am off."

Miss Jane would not receive the proffered farewell kiss, but tears
gathered and dimmed her eyes as she looked after the graceful, girlish
figure, swiftly crossing the lawn; and sad forebodings filled her
affectionate heart when she thought of the unknown future that
stretched before that impetuous, jealous, imperious nature.

Anxious that the strangers should feel thoroughly welcome and at home,
she joined them as soon as possible after their return from the
sheepfold, and exerted herself to keep the shuttlecock of conversation
in constant motion; but her brother's watchful eyes discerned the
perturbed feeling she sought to hide; and, when she insisted, for the
first time in two years, upon taking her seat and presiding at the
tea-table, he busied himself in arranging her cushions comfortably,
and whispered,--

"How good and considerate you are, my precious sister. A thousand
thanks for this generous effort, which I trust will not fatigue you."

He placed himself opposite, and was about to ask a blessing on the
meal, but paused to inquire,--

"Where are the children, Salome and Stanley?"

"They have gone down to the beach, and we will not wait for them."

Soon after, Muriel said,--

"I think Salome is almost beautiful. She has splendid eyes and hair.
Miss Edith, does she not remind you of a piece of sculpture at
Naples?"

"Yes; I noticed a resemblance to the _Julia-Agrippina_, and the
likeness must be remarkable, since it impressed us simultaneously.
Salome's brow is fuller, and her chin more prominent than that of the
Roman woman we admired so ardently; and, besides, I should judge that
she had quite as much or more will than the daughter of Germanicus,
for her lips are thinner."

Dr. Grey changed the topic of conversation, and Miss Dexter
courteously followed the cue.

The moon was high in heaven when Salome and her brother came up the
avenue; and, observing that the lights were extinguished in the front
rooms, she surmised that the new-comers had retired very early, in
consequence of fatigue from their long journey. Sending Stanley to
bed, she sat down on the steps to rest a few moments before