ry to break the ice, because
she has spoken kindly of you several times since I have been so
helpless, and asked what she could do to show her gratitude for
your goodness to me. Yesterday she said she intended to direct
Robert to take some fine fruit to your house, and she remarked
that your eyes were, in comparison with other folks', what Sabbath is
to working week-days,--were so full of rest, that tired anxious
people might be refreshed by looking at them. Sir, that is more than I
have heard her utter for seven years about anybody; and, therefore, I
think you might do her some good."

Dr. Grey shook his head, but remained silent; and presently Elsie
touched his arm, and continued,--

"There is something I wish to say to you before I die, but not now. I
want you to promise me that when you see my end is indeed at hand,
you will tell me in time to let me talk a little to you. Will you?"

"You may linger for months, and it is possible that you may die quite
suddenly; consequently, it might be impracticable for me to fulfil the
promise you require. Still, if I can do so, I will certainly comply
with your wishes. Would it not be better to tell me at once what you
desire me to know?"

"While I live it is not necessary that any one should know, and it is
only when I am about to die that I shall speak to you. For my sake,
for humanity's sake, try to become acquainted with my mistress and
make her like you, as she certainly will, if she only knows you."

A tap at the door interrupted the conversation, and soon after, Dr.
Grey quitted the sick-room.

He paused in the hall to examine a fine copy of Landseer's "Old
Shepherd's Chief Mourner," and, while he stood before it, a large
greyhound started up from the mat at the front door, and bounded
towards him. Simultaneously Mrs. Gerome appeared at the threshold of
the parlor.

"Come here, sir! Poor fellow, come here!"

The dog obeyed her instantly; and, pressing close to her, looked up
wistfully in her face.

"Good morning, Mrs. Gerome. I must thank you for coming so promptly to
my assistance. I have never seen this dog until to-day, and,
consequently, was not on my guard."

"He arrived only yesterday, and is so overjoyed to be with me once
more that he allows no one else to approach."

"He is by far the handsomest dog I have ever seen in America."

"Yes, I had great difficulty in obtaining him. My agent assures me
that he belongs to the best that are reared in the t