in the silver casket, and had been folded in a
sheet of paper containing these words,--

"According to the teachings of the Buddhists, 'the sapphire produces
equanimity and peace of mind, as well as affording protection against
envy and treachery. It produces also prayer and reconciliation with
the Godhead, and brings more peace than any other gem of necromancy;
_but he who would wear it must lead a pure and holy life_.' Finding my
sapphire asp mockingly inefficacious in its traditional talismanic
powers, I conclude that my melancholy career has been a violation of
the stipulated condition, and therefore bequeath it to the only human
being whom I deem worthy to wear it with any hope of success."

While awaiting orders from the naval department, Dr. Grey purchased
"Solitude," whither he removed, with Muriel and Miss Dexter, and
temporarily established himself, until the arrival of Mr. Granville.

Immediately after her return from Europe, Salome invested a portion of
Mr. Minge's legacy in the site of the old mill that had fallen to
ruin. Here she built a small but tasteful cottage _orne_ on the spot
where her father had died, and here, with Jessie and Stanley, she
proposed to spend her winters; while Mark and Joel were placed at the
"Grassmere Farm," a mile distant, and entrusted with its management
until the younger children should attain their majority.

Too proud to accept the home which Dr. Grey had tendered her,
Salome was earnestly endeavoring to imitate the noble example of
self-abnegation that lifted him so far above all others whom she had
ever known; and the most precious hope of her life was to reach
that exalted excellence which alone could compel his admiration and
respect.

From the day of Mrs. Carlyle's death, the orphan had been a
comparatively happy woman, for jealousy could not invade or desecrate
the grave and its harmless sleeper; and Salome fervently thanked God,
that, since she was denied the blessing of Dr. Grey's love, at least
she had been spared the torture of seeing him the fond husband of
another.

Time had deepened, but refined, purified, and consecrated her
unconquerable affection for the only man who had ever commanded her
reverence, and whose quiet influence had so happily remoulded her
wayward, fiery nature.

There were seasons when the old element of innate perversity
re-asserted itself, but the steady reproving gaze of his clear, true
eyes, or the warning touch of his hand on h