d I have not deserved the kindness which
she has lavished on me, for Jessie and Stanley I gratefully accept her
noble gift, and it will place them far beyond the possibility of want;
while the only regret of which I am conscious, is, that I feel
compelled to pursue a career, which my best, my only friend
disapproved. In the name of poor little Jessie and Stanley, I thank
you, sir, for consenting to such a generous bequest of property that
is justly yours. You, who--"

"Pray do not mention the matter, for independent of the large legacy
left me by my sister, my own fortune is so ample that I deserve no
thanks for willingly sharing that which I do not need. My little
sister, you must not rashly decide a question which involves your
future welfare, and I can not and will not hear your views at present.
Take one week for calm deliberation, weigh the matter prayerfully and
thoughtfully, and at the expiration of that time, meet me here, and I
will accept your decision."

She shook her head, and a dreary smile passed swiftly over her
passionless face.

"Twenty years of reflection would not alter, or in any degree bend my
determination, which is as firmly fixed as the base of the Blue-Ridge;
and--"

"Pardon me, Salome, but, until the week has elapsed, I do not wish or
intend to receive your verdict. Before this day week, recollect all
the reasons which dear Janet urged against your scheme; recall the
pain she suffered from the bare contemplation of such a possibility,
and her tender pleadings and wise counsel. Ah, Salome, you are young
and impulsive, but I trust you will not close your ears against your
brother's earnest protest and appeal. If I were not sincerely attached
to you, I should not so persistently oppose your favorite plan, which
is fraught with perils and annoyances that you can not now realize.
Hush! I will not listen to you to-day."

He rose, and laying his hands softly on her head, added, in a solemn
but tremulously tender tone,--

"And may God in His infinite wisdom and mercy overrule all things for
your temporal and eternal welfare, and so guide your decision, that
peace and usefulness will be your portion, now and forever."

CHAPTER XXIV.

"Yes, Dr. Grey, I am better than I ever expected or desired to be in
this world."

"Mrs. Gerome, this is scarcely the recompense that my anxious
vigilance and ceaseless exertions merit at your hands."

The invalid leaned far back in her cushioned easy-