ld,
and harmless, and well-mannered, in comparison with the demon that
takes bodily possession of me, and whose name is not '_Suset_'! but a
fearful _Ruach_ demanding the ban _Cherem_. I once thought all that
part of Scripture which referred to the casting out of devils was
metaphorical; but I know better now; for the one that Luther assaulted
with his inkstand was not more palpable than that which enters into my
heart every now and then, and overturns the altars of the 'true, good,
and beautiful,' and sets up instead a small hall of Eblis, as full of
horrible, mis-shapen things as that hideous 'Last Judgment' of
Orcagna, in the Campo Santo at Pisa, which you once showed me in a
portfolio of engravings. Oh, Dr. Grey! you ought to be merciful to me;
for indeed God gave me a fearfully wicked and cunning spirit for a
perpetual companion and tempter. Even Christ had Lucifer and
Quarantina."

"Yes, and conquered both, and promised assistance to all who earnestly
desire and resolve to follow his example."

"You cannot forgive my rudeness?"

"The act of incivility was very slight; but, my young friend, the
unaccountable perversity of your character certainly fills my mind
with serious apprehension concerning your future. Of course, I can
very readily forgive the occasion that displayed it, but I cannot
entirely forget the spirit that distresses me when I least expect
it."

"If you will dismiss this afternoon from your mind, I will never--"

"Stop! Make me no more promises till you are strong enough to keep
them inviolate. Promise less and pray more; I am not angry, but I am
disappointed."

She drooped her head to avoid his grave, sad gaze, and for a moment
there was silence.

"Dr. Grey, will you shake hands with me, in token of pardon?"

"Certainly, if you wish it."

He took her hand in both of his, pressed it kindly, and said, in a
low, solemn tone,--

"Good-night, Salome. May God guide, and strengthen, and help you to be
the noble woman, the consistent Christian, which only His grace and
blessing can ever enable you to become. Remember the cheering words of
Jean Paul Richter, 'Evil is like the nightmare, the instant you bestir
yourself it has already ended.'"

CHAPTER XIII.

"Ulpian, have you had any conversation with Salome?"

"Upon what subject?"

"Have you talked with her concerning her studies?"

"Not recently. Soon after Muriel and Miss Dexter came, I mentioned to
her the fact that I should