ad not left the house, and the third day after the funeral she
laid her head down on the pillow from which it seemed probable she
would never again lift it.

A low steady fever seized her, and at length her brain became so
seriously affected that all hope of recovery appeared futile and
delusive. In the early stages of her illness, Dr. Grey requested
Salome to assist him in nursing her, but the girl dared not trust
herself to witness the manifestations of an affection that nearly
maddened her, and had almost rudely refused compliance.

As the days wore drearily on, and Dr. Grey's haggard, anxious
countenance, told her that her rival was indeed upon the brink of
dissolution, a wild hope whispered that perhaps she might be spared
the fierce ordeal she so much dreaded; that if Mrs. Gerome died, the
future might brighten,--life would be endurable. In her wonted
impulsive manner, the girl had thrown herself on her knees, and
passionately prayed the Almighty to remove from earth the one woman
who proved an obstacle to all her hopes of peace and contentment.

She did not pause to inquire whether her petition was not an insult to
Him who alone could grant it; she neither analyzed, nor felt
self-rebuked for her sinful emotions and intense hatred of the sick
woman,--but vowed repeatedly that she would lead a purer, holier life,
if God would only interpose and prevent Dr. Grey from becoming the
husband of any one.

She had no faith in the superior wisdom of her Maker, and would not
wait patiently for the developments of His divine will toward her; but
chose her own destiny, and demanded that Omnipotence should become an
ally for its accomplishment. Like many who are less honest in
confessing their faith, this girl professed allegiance to her Creator
only so long as He appeared a coadjutor in her schemes; and, when
thwarted and disappointed, fierce rebellion broke out in her heart,
and annulled her oaths of fealty and obedience.

Dr. Grey was not ignorant of the emotions that swayed and controlled
her conduct, and when she declared herself ready to attend the
invalid, he was thoroughly cognizant of the fact that she longed to
witness the death which she deemed impending; and he could not consent
to see her eager eyes watching the feeble breathing of the woman whom
he now loved so fervently.

While he believed that in most matters Salome would not deceive him,
he realized that in one of her passionate moods of jealous hate,