er head, had sufficed to
still the rising storm.

Conscientiously the passionate, exacting woman was striving to bring
her heart and life into subjection to the law,--into conformity with
the precepts of Christ; and though she was impulsive, proud Salome
still,--the glaring blemishes in her character were gradually
disappearing.

One bright balmy spring morning previous to the day appointed for
Muriel's marriage, and for her guardian's departure for the fleet in
Asiatic waters, where he had been assigned to duty, Dr. Grey drove up
the avenue of elms and maples that led to Salome's pretty villa; and
as he ascended the steps, Jessie sprang into his arms, and almost
smothered him with caresses.

"Oh, doctor! something so wonderful has happened,--you never could
guess, and I am as happy as a bee in a woodbine. Sister will tell
you."

"Where is she?"

"In the parlor, waiting for you."

The child ran off to join Stanley, who was trying a new pony in the
yard, and Dr. Grey went into the cool fragrant room, which was fitted
up with more taste than in earlier years he would have ascribed to its
owner.

Salome sat before the open piano, and at his entrance raised her face,
which had been bowed almost to the ivory keys.

"Good morning, Dr. Grey. I am glad you have come to rejoice with me,
and I was just thanking God for the unexpected restoration of my
voice. Once when it seemed so necessary to me. He suddenly took it
from me; and now, when it is a mere luxury to own it, He as
unexpectedly gives it to me once more. Verily,--strange as it may
appear, my voice is really better than when Professor V---- pronounced
it the first contralto in Europe."

She had risen to greet him, and as he retained her hand in his, she
stood close to him, looking earnestly into his face.

There were tears hanging like tremulous dewdrops on the long jet
under-lashes,--and the bright red in her polished cheeks, and the
crimson curves of her parted lips made a picture pleasant to
contemplate.

"My dear child, I do indeed cordially congratulate you. God saw that
your voice might possibly prove a snare and a curse, by ministering to
false pride and exaggerated vanity, and in mercy and wisdom He
temporarily deprived you of an instrument that threatened you with
danger. Now that you are stronger, more prudent, and patient, He
trusts you again with one of the choicest blessings that can be
conferred on a woman. You have deserved to recover it,