but watch over
Mrs. Gerome and see that no one disturbs her?"

"You may trust me to execute her wishes and your orders."

"Thank you. There certainly is no one except you whom I would trust in
this emergency. One thing more; if Mrs. Gerome leaves the house, do
not lose sight of her. It may be necessary to keep a very strict
surveillance over her, and I will return as soon as possible, and
relieve you."

As they entered the house, Salome said,--

"You will stop at home and get your breakfast?"

"No, I shall not have time."

"Let me make you a cup of coffee before you start."

"Thank you, it is not necessary; and besides, the house is in such
confusion that it would be difficult to obtain anything. Come with
me."

She followed him into the dim room, where the tall but emaciated form
of Elsie Maclean had been dressed for its last long sleep. The
housemaid sat at the bedside, and Robert stood at one of the windows.

The first passionate burst of grief had spent itself, and the son was
very calm.

At a sign from Dr. Grey he came forward, and bowed to the stranger.

"Robert, I am obliged to be absent for several hours, and Miss Owen
will remain until I return. If you need advice or assistance come to
her, and do not disturb Mrs. Gerome, who is lying on a sofa in the
parlor. I will drive through town, and send your minister out
immediately."

"You are very good, sir. Do you think the funeral should take place
before to-morrow? I want to speak to my mistress about it."

"For her sake, it is advisable that it should not be delayed beyond
this afternoon. It is very harrowing to know that the body is lying
here, and I think she would prefer to leave all these matters to you.
It would be better for all parties to have the funeral ceremonies
ended this evening."

"I suppose, sir, you know that my poor mother will be buried here, in
the grounds."

"For what reason? The cemetery is certainly the best place."

Robert handed a slip of paper to Dr. Grey, who read, in a remarkably
beautiful chirograph, the following words,--

"Robert, it was your mother's desire and is my wish that she should be
buried near that cluster of deodar cedars, just beyond the mound. Send
for an undertaker, and for the minister who visited her during her
illness; and let everything be done as if it were my funeral instead
of hers. Put some geranium leaves and violets in her dear hands, and
upon her breast."

"When did you receive this?"