t allow yourself to be annoyed by any
want of courtesy which she may unfortunately have displayed. Although
a member of the household, Salome has no right to dispense or to
withhold the hospitalities of my sister's home, or to insult her
guests; and I trust that her individual whims will have no effect
whatever upon you, unless they create a feeling of compassion and
toleration in your kind heart. She has some good traits hidden under
her _brusquerie_, and when you know her better you will excuse her
rudeness."

"Why is she so moody? I have not seen a pleasant smile on her face
since I came here."

"My dear child, let us select some more agreeable topic for
discussion. Gerard will probably arrive on the early train, which will
enable him to breakfast with us to-morrow. He will endeavor to
persuade you to return at once to Europe; but I must tell you, in
advance of his proposal, that I hope you will not yield to his wishes,
since it would grieve me to part with you so soon."

Muriel turned aside her head to avoid her guardian's penetrating gaze,
and silently listened to his counsel concerning the course she should
pursue towards her betrothed.

For a year they had been affianced without the knowledge of her
father, from whom she had been separated; but the frankness with which
both had discussed the matter with Dr. Grey forbade the possibility of
his withholding his approbation of the engagement; though he assured
them he could not consent to its speedy consummation, as Muriel was
too young and childish to appreciate the grave responsibility of such
a step. Gerard Granville was several years older than his betrothed,
and Dr. Grey had been astonished at his choice; but a long and
intimate acquaintance led him to esteem the young man so highly, that,
while he felt that Muriel was far inferior, he strove to stimulate her
ambition, and hoped she would one day be fully worthy of him.

To-day Dr. Grey drove for an hour through quiet, unfrequented country
roads; and finally, when Muriel expressed herself anxious to catch a
glimpse of the sea and a breath of its brine, he turned into a narrow
track that led down to some fishermen's huts on the beach.

While they paused on the edge of the low, yellow strand, and inhaled
the fresh ocean air, Dr. Grey grew silent, and his companion fell
into a blissful reverie relative to to-morrow's events. Suddenly he
placed his hand on her arm, and said, "Listen! What a wonderfully
sweet