nd improvement, and have a faint
brotherly affection for her; but I thoroughly comprehend my own
feelings when I assure you, Janet, that were Salome and I left alone
in the world I could never for a moment entertain the idea of calling
such a wayward child my wife. Are you satisfied?"

"Convinced, at least, that you are not deceiving me. But, Ulpian, the
girl is growing very beautiful--don't you think so?--or, is it my love
that makes me see her through flattering lenses?"

"Her lips are too thin, and her eyes too keen and restless for perfect
beauty, which claims repose as one of its essential elements; but,
notwithstanding these flaws, she has undoubtedly one of the handsomest
faces I have ever seen, and certainly a graceful, fine figure."

"And you are such an admirer of beauty," said Miss Jane, slipping her
fingers caressingly into her brother's hand.

"Yes; I shall not deny that I yield to no one in appreciation of
lovely faces; but, if I am aware that, like some rich crimson June
rose whose calyx cradles a worm, the heart beneath the perfect form is
gnawed by some evil tendency, or shelters vindictive passion and
sinful impulses, I should certainly not select it in making up the
precious bouquet that is to shed perfume and beauty in my home, and
call my thoughts from the din and strife of the outer world to
holiness and peace."

"You have no mercy on the child."

"I ought to have no mercy on glaring faults which she should ere this
have corrected."

"But she is so young--only seventeen! Think of it!"

Dr. Grey frowned, and partially withdrew his hand from his sister's
clasp.

"Janet, you grieve me. Surely you are not pleading with me in behalf
of Salome?"

Tears trickled over Miss Jane's sallow cheeks and dripped on the
doctor's hand, as she replied,--

"Bear with me, Ulpian. The girl is very dear to me; and, loving you as
she unquestionably does, I know that you could make her a noble,
admirable woman,--for she has some fine traits, and your influence
would perfect her character. Believe me, my dear boy, you, and you
only, can remould her heart."

"Possibly,--if I loved her; for then I would be patient and forbearing
towards her faults. But I cannot even respect that handsome, fiery,
impulsive, unreasonable child, much less love her; and, if I ever
marry, my wife must be worthy to remould my own defective life and
erring nature. I am surprised, my dear sister, that you, whose sincere
affection I