ng night she
crossed the gloomy forest, where a whippoorwill was drearily
lamenting, and, walking over an unfrequented portion of the lawn, went
up to her own room.

She bathed and bound up the wound as securely as the use of only one
hand would permit, and put on a dress whose sleeves fastened closely
at the wrist.

Ere long, Dr. Grey's clear voice echoed through the hall, and the
sound made her wince, like the touch of some glowing brand.

"Jessie, where is sister Salome? Tell her tea is ready."

The orphan went down and took her seat, but did not even glance at
the master of the house, who looked anxiously at her as she entered.

During the meal Jessie asked for some sweetmeats that were placed in
front of her sister, and, as the latter drew the glass dish nearer,
and proceeded to help her, the child exclaimed,--

"Oh, look there! What is that dripping from your sleeve? Ugh! it is
blood."

"Nonsense, Jessie! don't be silly. Hush! and eat your supper."

Two drops of blood had fallen on the table-cloth, and the girl
instantly set her cup and saucer over them.

She felt the slow stream trickling down to her wrist, and put her arm
in her lap.

"Is anything the matter?" asked Dr. Grey, who had observed the quick
movement.

"I hurt my arm a little, that is all."

Her tone forbade a renewal of inquiry, and, as soon as possible, she
withdrew to her room, to adjust the bandage.

The children were playing in the library, and Muriel was walking with
her governess on the wide piazza.

While Salome was trying by the aid of fingers and teeth to draw a
strip of linen tightly over her wound, a tap at the door startled
her.

"I am engaged, and can see no one just now."

"Salome, I want to speak to you, and shall wait here until I do."

"Excuse me, Dr. Grey. I will come down in ten minutes."

"Pardon me, but I insist upon seeing you here, and hope you will not
compel me to force the door open."

She wrapped a towel around her arm, drew down her sleeve, and opened
the door.

"To what am I indebted for the honor of this interview?"

"To my interest in your welfare, which cannot be baffled. Salome, what
is the matter? You looked so pale that I noticed you particularly, and
saw the blood on the table-cloth. My dear child, I will not be trifled
with. Tell me where you are hurt."

"Pray give yourself no uneasiness. I merely scraped and bruised my
arm. It is a matter of no consequence."

"Of that I beg to be c