can not doubt, should be willing to see me link my life
with that of one so much younger, and, I grieve to say it, so far
inferior in all respects. What congenial companionship could I
promise myself? What confidence could I repose--what esteem could I
entertain--for a silly girl, who, without warrant and utterly
unsought, bestows her love (if, indeed, what you say be true) upon a
man who never even dreamed of such folly, and is old enough to be her
father?"

"I can not comprehend the logic that condemns Salome, and justifies
your own mother; for, if there be any difference in their lines of
conduct, I am too stupid to see it."

Miss Jane lifted her head from her brother's shoulder, resolutely
dried her eyes, and settled her cap.

"My mother's tombstone should shelter her from all animadversion,
especially from the lips that owe their existence to her. Do not, my
sister, disturb the mouldering ashes of the long-buried past. The
unfortunate fact you have mentioned, and which I should gladly doubt
if you would only permit me to do so, renders it necessary for me to
be perfectly candid with you, and you will, I trust, pardon what I
feel compelled to say to you. I have remarked that you watch me quite
closely whenever I am engaged in conversation with my ward or her
governess, and yesterday, when Muriel came, stood by me, and leaned
her arm on my shoulder, you frowned and looked harshly at the child.
Once for all, let me tell you that there is no more possibility of my
loving Muriel or Edith, than Salome. Of the three, I care most for
Muriel, who looks upon me as her second father, and to whom I am
deeply attached. If I caress the poor, stricken child, and allow her
to approach me familiarly, you ought to understand your brother
sufficiently well not to ascribe his conduct to any feeling which he
would blush to confess to his sister. The day before Horace died, he
said, 'Be a father to my daughter; take my place when I am gone.' If I
were at liberty to divulge some matters confided to me, I could easily
assure you that there is not a shadow of possibility that Muriel will
ever grieve and mortify me as Salome has done. Now look at me, dear
Janet, and kiss me, and trust your brother; for he will never deceive
you, and can not endure a moment's estrangement from you."

Miss Jane put up her lips for the caress, and, after a short silence,
Dr. Grey continued,--

"Tell me now what you think best under the circumstances, and