w to her. I want your promise that what you may hear or
witness in this house shall not travel beyond its walls to feed the
worse-than-Ugolino hunger of never-satiated scandal and gossip."

Salome's brow contracted and darkened.

"Do you class me among newsmongers and character-cannibals?"

"If I did, you certainly would not be here at this instant. I sent for
you to come and take my place temporarily, as I am compelled to see a
patient many miles distant, who is dangerously ill. The majority of
women might go away, and comment upon the occurrences of this
melancholy day, but I wish to keep sacred all that Mrs. Gerome desires
to screen from public gaze and animadversion. Because she is not fond
of society, it revenges itself by circulating reports detrimental to
the owner of a house which is elegantly furnished, not for popular
praise, but solely for her own comfort and gratification. While I
regard her course as very deplorable, and particularly impolitic for
one so young and unprotected, I am totally unacquainted with the
reasons that control her; and, in this hour of grief and bitterness, I
earnestly desire to shield her from intrusion and impertinent
scrutiny."

"In other words, you wish me to have eyes and yet see not,--and having
ears to hear not? You must indeed have little confidence in my good
sense, and still less in my feminine sympathy for the afflicted, if
you suppose that under existing circumstances I could come to the
house of mourning to collect materials to be rolled as sweet morsels
under the slanderous tongues, that already wag so industriously
concerning 'Solitude' and its solitary mistress. Verily, I occupy a
lofty niche in your estimation, and it would doubtless be pardonably
prudent in you to reconsider, and bid Elbert take me home with all
possible dispatch, before I see Fatima or Bluebeard."

"When will you cease to be childish, and remember that a woman's work
lies before you?"

"You may date that desirable transmogrification from the hour when you
cease to stir up the mud and dregs in my nature, by doubting the
possibility that they will ever settle, and leave a pure medium
between your soul and mine. Just so soon,--and no sooner."

"My young friend, you are too sensitive. I now offer you the strongest
proof of confidence that I can ever hope to command. Will you take
charge of this stricken household in my absence, and not only
superintend the arrangements necessary for the funeral,