he face, which from under a small straw hat
anxiously watched hers, was infinitely handsomer, more attractive,
more delicate, and intellectual; and the miller's child felt that she
had little to apprehend from the merely personal charms of the wealthy
ward.

Salome felt injured as she eyed the doctor's arm, which had never
touched even her shoulder; and it was painful and humiliating to
notice the affectionate manner in which his hand stroked one of
Muriel's that lay on his knee,--and to remember that his fingers had
not met hers in a friendly grasp since long before his visit to
Europe,--had only clasped hers twice during their acquaintance.

"Come in, Salome, and let me introduce you to my ward Muriel, and to
Miss Dexter, who is prepared to receive you as a pupil."

Muriel silently held out her hand; but Salome only bowed and ran
lightly up the steps, as if she did not perceive the outstretched
fingers. Miss Dexter rose and advanced to meet her, saying, in a tone
that indexed great kindness of heart,--

"I am exceedingly glad to meet you, Miss Salome; for Dr. Grey has
promised that I shall find in you a most exemplary and agreeable
pupil."

"Thank you. I am indeed glad to hear that he has changed his opinion
of me; and I must endeavor not to lose my newly acquired amiable
character,--but he was rather rash to stand security for my good
behavior."

She saw that Dr. Grey was surprised at her cold reception of his pet
and _protege_, and perversity took possession of her. Going to the
back of Miss Jane's old-fashioned rocking-chair she put her arms
around her, and, leaning over, kissed her cheek several times. It was
not her habit to caress any one or any thing,--not even her little
brother,--and this unusual demonstrativeness puzzled and surprised the
old lady who said, fondly,--

"I presume Ulpian is brave enough to encounter all the risks of
standing security for your obedience and docility."

"Certainly I appreciate his chivalry, since none knows better than he
the danger--nay, probability, of a forfeiture of the contract on my
part."

Dr. Grey rose, and, looking steadily at her, said, in a tone which she
well understood,--

"Promises are, in my estimation, peculiarly sacred things; and that
which I made to Miss Dexter in your behalf was based upon one that I
gave you some time since, namely, that I would have faith in you. Come
with me, Muriel; I want to show you and Miss Dexter the finest cow
this sid