divided than if the ocean roared between us. Once
I struggled hard to cure myself of my faults,--to purify and fashion
my nature anew, but the incentive has died, and I have no longer the
proud aspirations that lifted me like eagle's wings high above the
dust into which I have now fallen,--and where I expect to remain. You
need not fear that I shall commit some capital sin, and go down in
disgrace to my grave; for there must be some darling hope, some
precious aim, that goads people to crime,--and neither of these have
I. I do not want your friendship, and I will not allow your dictation;
and, if you are as generous as I have believed you, I think you will
spare me the manifestation of your pity. Miss Jane was the only link
that united us in any degree, and now we are asunder and adrift. You
see at least I am honest, and since I have not your confidence, I
decline your compassion and espionage, and refuse to accept a sham
friendship,--to trust myself upon a gossamer web that stretches across
a dismal gulf of gloom, and wretchedness, and endless altercation.
When I am in one continent, and you are in another, we shall be better
friends than now."

Her cold, slow, measured accents, and the calm pallor of her features
told how complete was the change that had set its stern seal on body
and soul; and Dr. Grey's heart ached, as he realized how withering was
the blight that had fallen on her once buoyant, sanguine nature.

"My dear Salome, for Janet's sake, and in memory of all her love and
counsel, let me beg you not to indulge feelings that can only result
in utter--"

"Dr. Grey, let there be silence and peace between us, at least in the
presence of the dead. Expostulation from your lips only exasperates
and hardens me; so pray be quiet. No! do not touch me! Our hands have
not clasped each other so often nor so closely that they must needs
miss the warmth and pressure in the coming years of separation, and I
will not soil your palm with mine."

She coldly put aside the hand that endeavored to take hers, and, after
one long, sad gaze at the marble face in the coffin, turned away, and
went back to her own room.

Miss Jane's charities had carried her name even to the secluded nooks
of the county, and, when her death was announced, many humble
beneficiaries of her bounty came to offer the last testimonial of
respect and gratitude, by following the remains to their final
resting-place. As the hour approached for the solem