our kindness in visiting my faithful old Elsie."

The tall, veiled figure had cut short his speech by a quick,
imperative gesture of her hand; and, turning instantly away,
disappeared in one of the densely shaded walks that wound through the
grounds.

Dr. Grey escorted the party to their carriages, and as he handed Mrs.
Spiewell in, she said, in her sharp nasal tones,--

"I heard that Mrs. Gerome was devotedly attached to the poor old
creature who had nursed her, but she certainly seems to me very
indifferent and heartless."

"She is more deeply afflicted by her loss than you can possibly
realize, and I am exceedingly apprehensive that she will be ill in
consequence of her inability to sleep or eat. My dear madam, we must
not judge too hastily from appearances, else we shall deserve similar
treatment. Who are those two ladies veiled so closely?"

"Friends, I presume, or they would not be here."

But the little woman seemed uneasy, and flushed under the doctor's
searching gaze.

"I hope dear Miss Jane is as well as one can ever expect her to be in
this life. Come, Charles; you forget, my dear, that we have a visit to
make before tea-time. I notice, doctor, that you have a new carpet on
the floor of your pew, and a new cushion-cover to match; and, indeed,
you are so fine that the remainder of the church seems quite faded and
shabby. Good evening, doctor; my love to all at home."

The clergyman's gray pony trotted off with his master and mistress,
and Dr. Grey returned to Salome, who waited for him at the steps of
the terrace.

"What do you suppose brought Mrs. Channing and Adelaide to the poor
old woman's funeral?" asked the orphan.

"How did you discover them?"

"I found this handkerchief, whose initials I embroidered two months
ago, and recognize as belonging to Mrs. Channing. As for Miss
Adelaide, when she moved her veil a little aside to peep at Mrs.
Gerome, I caught a glimpse of her pretty face. Do they visit here?"

"Certainly not; nobody visits here but the butcher, baker, and doctor.
Those ladies came solely on a tour of inspection, and to gratify a
curiosity that is not flattering to their characters. My dear child,
you look tired."

"Dr. Grey, what is there so mysterious about this house and its owner
that all the town is agog and agape when the subject is mentioned?
What is Mrs. Gerome's history?"

"I am totally unacquainted with its details, and only know that since
she became a widow, she h