g across the lawn.
His step was quiet,--neither slow nor hasty, and she could not
conjecture the result; but as he approached, she rose, wrapped her
shawl about her, and advanced to meet him. He paused, took off his
hat, and she knew all before a syllable passed his lips.

"Salome, God has heard my prayers,--has mercifully taken my darling
from the arms of death, and given her to me. I do not think I am too
sanguine in saying that she will ultimately recover, and my heart can
not find language that will interpret its gratitude and joy."

Never before had such a light shone in his clear, calm blue eyes, and
illumined his usually grave countenance; and though continued vigils
and keen anxiety had left their signet on his pale face, his great
happiness was printed legibly on every feature, and found expression
even in the deepened and softened tones of his voice.

The girl did not move or speak, but looked steadily into his
bright eyes, and the calmness with which she listened, comforted
and encouraged him to hope that ere long she would conquer her
preference.

How could he know that at that instant she was impiously vowing that
heaven had heard her last prayer?--that never again should a petition
cross her lips? God had granted one prayer,--had decided against
hers,--had denied her utterly; and henceforth she would not weary
Him,--she would not mock herself and her misery.

Dr. Grey saw that there was no quiver on the still, pale lips, no
contraction of the polished forehead; but the rigidity of her face
broke up suddenly in a smile of indescribable mournfulness,--a smile
where self-contempt and pity and hopeless bitterness all lent their
saddest phases.

"Dr. Grey, in your present happy mood, you certainly can not be so
ungracious as to deny me a favor?"

"Have I ever refused my little sister anything she asked?"

"The only favor you can ever grant me will be to persuade Miss Jane to
consent to my departure. Look to it, sir, that I am allowed to go, and
that right speedily; for go I certainly shall, at all hazards.
Convince your sister that it is best, and let me go away forever,
without incurring the displeasure of the only friend I ever had or
ever shall have."

She moved away as if to leave the grounds, but he caught her arm.

"Wait five minutes, Salome, and I will take you home in my buggy. It
is not right for you to walk alone at this early hour, and I will not
allow it."

She shook off his hand as i