ver man's conversation, which are apt to seem so
delightful to the sterner sex when exhibited by a pretty woman. At first
she had been just a little shy and constrained in her talk with John
Saltram. Her lover's account of this man had not inspired her with any
exalted opinion of his character. She was rather inclined to look upon
him as a person to be dreaded, a friend whose influence was dangerous at
best, and who might prove the evil genius of Gilbert Fenton's life. But
whatever her opinion on this point might remain, her reserve soon melted
before John Saltram's clever talk and kindly conciliating manner. He laid
himself out to please on this occasion, and it was very rarely he did
that without succeeding.

"I want you to think of me as a kind of brother, Miss Nowell," he said in
the course of their talk. "Gilbert and I have been something like
brothers for the last twelve years of our lives, and it would be a hard
thing, for one of us at least, if our friendship should ever be lessened.
You shall find me discretion itself by-and-by, and you shall see that I
can respect Gilbert's altered position; but I shouldn't like to lose him,
and I don't think you look capable of setting your face against your
husband's old friend."

Marian blushed a little at this, remembering that only an hour or two ago
she had been thinking that this friendship was a perilous one for
Gilbert, and that it would be well if John Saltram's influence over him
could be lessened somehow in the future.

"I don't believe I should ever have the power to diminish Gilbert's
regard for you, Mr. Saltram, even were I inclined to do so," she said.

"O yes, you would; your power over him will be illimitable, depend upon
it. But now I have seen you, I think you will only use it wisely."

Marian shook her head, laughing gaily.

"I am much more fitted to be ruled than to rule, Mr. Saltram," she said.
"I am utterly inexperienced in the world, you know, and Mr. Fenton is my
superior in every way."

"Your superior in years, I know, but in what else?"

"In everything else. In intellect and judgment, as well as in knowledge
of the world. You could never imagine what a quiet changeless life I have
led."

"Your intellect is so much the clearer for that, I think. It has not been
disturbed by all the narrow petty influences of a life spent in what is
called 'society.'"

Before they left the house, Gilbert and the Captain were obliged to
promise to dine at H