perspective, and pastel. Dr. Grey, have you been to Europe?"

"Yes, madam; on several occasions."

"You visited Dresden?"

"I did."

"Step forward a little,--there. Now, sir, do you know that painting
hanging over my _escritoire_?"

"It is Ruysdael's 'Churchyard,' and, from this distance, seems a
remarkably fine copy of that sombre, desolate, ghoul-haunted
picture."

"Thank you. That is the only piece of work of which I feel really
proud. Some day, when the light is pure and strong, come in and
examine it. Now there is a greenish tinge over all things in the room
thrown by sea-shimmer through the clustering leaves. Ah, what a long,
low, presageful moan that was, which broke from foaming lips, on
yonder strand!"

"Good morning, Mrs. Gerome. The inspection of your pictures has
yielded me so much pleasure that I must tender you my very sincere
thanks for your courtesy."

She bowed distantly; and, when he reached his buggy, he glanced back
and saw that perfect, pallid face, pressed against the cedar facing of
the oriel, looking seaward. He lifted his hat, but she did not observe
the salute; and, as he drove away, she kept her eyes upon the
murmuring waves, and repeated, as was her habit, the lines that
chanced to present themselves,--

"Listen! you hear the solemn roar
Begin, and cease, and then again begin,
With tremulous cadence, slow, and bring
The eternal note of sadness in.
Sophocles, long ago,
Heard it on the AEgean, and it brought
Into his mind the turbid ebb and flow
Of human misery."

CHAPTER XV.

"Miss Dexter, where is Muriel?" asked Dr. Grey, glancing around the
library, where the governess sat sewing, while Salome read aloud a
passage in Ariosto.

"She is not very well, and went up stairs, two hours ago, to rest. Do
you wish to see her immediately?"

"Yes. Call her down."

When the teacher left the room, Dr. Grey approached the table where
Salome sat, and looked over her shoulder.

"I went to the Asylum to-day, and found little Jessie very well, but
quite dissatisfied because you visit her so rarely. You should see her
as often as possible, since she is so dependent upon you for sympathy
and affection."

"I do."

"Miss Dexter gives a flattering report of your aptitude for acquiring
languages, and assures me that you will soon speak Italian fluently."

"Miss Dexter doubtless believes that praise of a pupil reflects credit
on the skill of the teacher. Unfortun