out of
the earth, it took refuge in your eyes. There, I am satisfied. You
never loved her. I think I must have been insane, or I would not have
imagined it possible. No, no; she never touched your heart, save with
a feeling of compassion. Don't go, I want to say something to you. Sit
down, and let me think."

She walked up and down the room for ten minutes, and, with his face
bowed on his hand, Dr. Grey watched and waited.

Finally he stooped to pick up the crushed rose on the floor, and then
she came back and stood before him.

"I promise you I will not lay a straw in the path of Muriel's
happiness, and it shall not be my fault if Mr. Granville fails in a
lover's _devoir_. I was tempted to entice him from his sworn
allegiance. Why should I deny what you know so well? But I will not,
and when I give my word, it shall go hard with me but I keep it;
especially when you hold the pledge. Are you satisfied? I know that
you have little cause to trust me, but I tell you, sir, when I deceive
you, then all heaven with its hierarchies of archangels can not save
me."

After all, Ulpian Grey was only a man of flesh and blood, and his
heart was touched by the beauty of the young face, and the mournful
sweetness of the softened voice.

"Thank you, Salome. I accept your promise, and rely upon it. As a
pledge of your sincerity I shall retain this rose, and return it to
you when little Muriel is a happy wife."

She clasped her hands, and looked at him with a mournful, wistful
expression, that puzzled him.

"My friend, my little sister, what is it? Tell me, and let me help you
to do your duty, for I see that you are wrestling desperately with
some great temptation."

"Dr. Grey, be merciful to me. Send me away. Oh, for God's sake, send
me away!"

She had grown ghastly pale, and her whole face indexed a depth of
anguish and despair that baffled utterance.

"My dear child, where do you desire to go? If your wishes are
reasonable they shall be granted."

"Will you persuade Miss Jane to take Jessie in my place, and send me
to France or Italy?"

"To study music with the intention of becoming a _prima donna_?"

"Yes, sir."

"My young friend, I cannot conscientiously advise a compliance with
wishes so fraught with danger to yourself."

"You fear that my voice does not justify so expensive an experiment?"

"On the contrary, I have not a doubt that your extraordinary voice
will lift you to the highest pinnacle of musical cel