ver her retreat would prove
futile, as she was resolved to preserve her incognito, and wished her
friends in America to remain in ignorance of her mode of life.
Professor V---- surmises that she is in Paris, but gives no good
reason for the conjecture, except that she possibly sought the best
medical advice for the treatment of her throat and recovery of her
voice. His last letter, received yesterday, informed me that one of
Salome's most devoted admirers, a Bostonian of immense wealth, was so
deeply grieved by her inexplicable disappearance that he was
diligently searching for her in Leghorn and Monaco. She left Palermo
alone, and with a comparatively empty purse."

"Dr. Grey, are you aware of the suspicions which Muriel has long
entertained with reference to Mr. Granville's admiration of Salome,
and the efforts of the latter to encourage his attentions?"

"I have very cogent reasons for believing that however amenable
to censure Mr. Granville doubtless is, Muriel's distrust of Salome
is totally unjust. If she were capable of the despicable course my
ward is disposed to impute to her, I should cease to feel any
interest in her career or fate; but I cherish the conviction that
she would scorn to be guilty of conduct so ignoble. Her defects of
character I shall neither deny nor attempt to palliate, but I trust
her true womanly heart as I trust my own manly honor; and a stern
sense of justice to the absent constrains me to vindicate her from
Muriel's hasty and unfounded aspersions. So strong is my faith in
Salome's conscientiousness, so earnest my friendship for her, that
since the receipt of Professor V----'s letter I have determined to
go immediately to Europe, and if possible discover her retreat. My
sister's adopted child must not and shall not suffer and struggle
among strangers, while I live to aid and protect her."

Miss Dexter rose and laid her thin, feverish hand on his arm, while
embarrassment made her voice tremble slightly,--

"I am rejoiced to learn your decision, and God grant you speedy
success in your quest. Do not deem me presumptuous or impertinent if,
prompted by a sincere desire to see you happy, I venture to say, that
he who lightly values the pure, tender, devoted love of such a woman
as Salome Owen,--tramples on treasures that would make his life
affluent and blessed--that neither gold can purchase nor royalty
compel. Under your guidance, moulded by your influence, she would
become a noble woma