I will
endeavor to cooperate with you. Does Salome know you are cognizant of
her weakness--her misfortune--"

He stammered, and again his face flushed.

"Upon my word, Ulpian, you are positively blushing! Don't worry
yourself, dear, over what can not be helped, or at least is
attributable to no fault of yours. No; you may be sure Salome would be
drawn, quartered, and broiled, before she would confess to me the
feeling which she does not suspect I have discovered. Poor thing! I
can't avoid pitying her whenever you take Muriel's hand or caress her
in any way. This morning you smoothed the hair back from her forehead
while she was stooping over her drawing, and poor Salome's eyes
flashed and looked like a leopard's. She clenched her fingers as if
she were strangling something, and an expression came over her face
that was dangerous, and made me shiver a little. Something must be
done; but I am sure I do not know what to advise."

"How futile and mocking are merely human schemes! My principal object
in bringing Muriel and Miss Dexter here, was to provide agreeable and
improving companions for your pet and to afford her the privilege of
sharing the educational advantages which Muriel enjoyed. _L'homme
propose, et Dieu dispose_, if, indeed, an occurrence so earnestly to
be deplored can be deemed providential. What are her plans relative to
Jessie?"

"If she has matured any, she keeps them shut up in her own heart. Once
she talked freely to me on all subjects, but recently she seems to
avoid acquainting me with her intentions or schemes. Of course,
Ulpian, you know I have always expected to leave her a portion of my
property."

"Certainly, dear Janet; you ought to provide comfortably for the girl
whom you have taught to rely upon your bounty. It would be cruel and
unpardonable to foster hopes that you could not fully realize."

"It was my intention to put into your hands the share I intended for
her, and to leave her also to your care, when I die; but now I know
not what is best. If she could be separated from you, she might divert
her thoughts and become interested in other things or persons; but so
long as you are in the same house I know there will be nothing but
wretchedness and disappointment for her."

After a long pause, during which Dr. Grey looked seriously pained and
perplexed, he said, sorrowfully,--

"You are right in thinking separation would be best; and I will go
away at once--"

"Go where?" exclai