disease?--speak earnestly."

"I do not know--not epilepsy, certainly; partially nervous, I think--one
of Nature's strange safety-valves, I suppose."

"You would not deceive me?"

"Not under present circumstances, surely; not at any time after such an
appeal as yours."

"Did Dr. Physick ever pronounce my disease epilepsy? You consulted
together about it once, I believe. Do tell me the truth about this
matter," laying my hand on his arm.

"Never, so help me God!" he said, earnestly.

"You have relieved me greatly," I said, pressing my lips on that dear
and revered hand which had so often ministered to me and mine in sorest
agony--a hand spotless as the heart within--yet, brown and withered as
the leaves of autumn.

"Now you, in turn, must relieve me," he said, gravely. "Who was it that
alleged these things? They were slanders, and deserve to be nailed to
the wall, and shall be if power be mine to do so."

"I cannot tell you. Do not ask me. It was not asserted that you
pronounced my disease epilepsy, but insinuated that you thought so. Dr.
Physick's opinion was given to confirm this impression."

"Have you traitors in your own household, Miriam?" he asked, sternly.

I was silent--shedding quiet tears, however.

"I have thought so before," he said, low, between his set teeth. "But,
thank God, you can put your foot on them all before very long!--This
seems a nice young man you are going to marry, but I never liked his
father. I say this frankly to you, child; but, in truth, I have had no
sufficient reason for this distaste or prejudice--it is no more, I
confess. You are very much in their hands for the present, I fear; but I
hope they will do you justice."

"I shall not marry Claude Bainrothe," I rejoined at last, firmly. "Let
this be perfectly understood between us two, Dr. Pemberton. That
marriage will never take place!"

"Why, your own father told me you were engaged in October last!"

"I have changed my mind since then. Understand me, I admire Mr.
Bainrothe for many qualities--I am attached to him even; and he is
infinitely to be pitied for some reasons, certainly; but marry him I
never will!"

"And this is your resolution?"

"It is. But, on second thoughts, I will ask you to keep your knowledge
of it strictly to yourself. I cannot tell you my motives of action now,
but they are good."

"Miriam, you must not ask me to be your confederate in any scheme of
coquetry or caprice such as this concealment