uests and the delicacy of the
viands set before them, the meal passed in gravity and in almost total
silence, for the thoughts of the two companions were with the dying
man whom they had left in the Old Men's Home.

When they had finished dining, and had arisen from the table, a message
was delivered by one of the old nuns who had waited upon them, to the
effect that the lady superior desired to see the duke in the portress'
room for a few minutes, before his departure.

The duke immediately signified his readiness to wait on the lady,
and followed his conductress to the little room behind the wicket
appropriated to the portress.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

HUSBAND AND WIFE.

Two hours before this, the lady superior had conducted the young duchess
to the private apartment of the abbess, to await the issue of events.

Salome, pale, and trembling with excitement, sank into the nearest chair.

"You do not fear to meet the duke, my child?" inquired the abbess,
uneasily, as she also dropped into her seat.

"Fear to meet my own magnanimous husband? Oh, no, no! I do not fear to
meet him; but I long to meet him with an infinite longing!" fervently
exclaimed Salome.

"I am very glad to hear you say so. And you are sure of his prompt and
full forgiveness?" said the abbess, softly.

"'Sure of his forgiveness!'" echoed Salome, with a holy and happy smile.
"Yes, as sure of his forgiveness as I am of the Lord's pardon!"

"And yet when he hears the truth and understands all, he will know that
he has nothing to forgive. And he should know and understand everything
before he sees you. For this reason, as well as for several others, I
have brought you here, and I advise you to seclude yourself yet for a few
hours. I do not wish you to see the duke, or even to advise him of your
presence in the house, until he has seen the dying man and heard the
confession of the truth from his lips. That confession will prepare
your husband to receive and understand you, better than any explanation
you could possibly make would do. It will also save you from the distress
of having to make a long explanation. Do you understand me, my child?"

"Yes, dear mother, I understand, and thank you for your wise counsels."

"I have also given directions to Sister Dominica that after he shall have
concluded his interview with Mr. Scott, and partaken of dinner, which
will be prepared for him in the receiving parlor, he shall be requested
to meet me in t