For just then a mighty power of faith and love arose in her soul, casting out fear, casting out doubt, subduing pride and reserve. "What is it, then, my love? Have you formed any attachment of which you have hesitated to tell me? Hesitate no longer, my dearest Salome. Tell me all about it. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Love is natural. Love is holy. Oh, it is your mother that should be telling you all this, my poor girl, not your awkward, blundering old father," suddenly said the banker, breaking off in his discourse as his daughter hid her crimson face upon his shoulder. "My dear, gentle father, no mother could be tenderer than you," murmured Salome. "Tell me all, then, my darling. It is the first wish of my heart to see you happily married. And no trifling obstacle shall stand in the way of its accomplishment. _Who is he, Salome?_" he inquired, in a low whisper, as he passed his hand around her neck. She did not answer, but she kissed and fondled his hand. "You cannot bring yourself to tell me yet? Well, take your own time, my love. You will tell me some time or another," he continued, returning her soft caresses. "Yes, I will tell you sometime, dear, good, tender father. But now--when do we leave town papa?" "In less than three weeks, my dear." "And where do we go?" "To Lone Castle, if you like; if not, anywhere you prefer, my dear." "Then we _will_ go to Lone, if you please, papa." "Certainly, my dear." "Papa?" "Yes, love." "Will you do something for me before we leave town?" "I will do anything on earth that you wish me to do for you, my dear," said the banker, looking anxiously toward her. She hesitated for a few moments, and then said: "Papa, I want you to give just such a semi-political dinner party as that given by the Premier in the beginning of the season." "What! my little, pale Salome taking an interest in politics!" exclaimed the banker, in droll surprise. "Yes, papa; and turning politician on a small, womanish scale. You will give this semi-political dinner?" "Why of course I will! Whom shall we invite?" "Papa, the very same party to a man, whom we met at the Premier's dinner." "Let me see. Who was there? Oh! there were three members of Parliament and their wives; two city magnates and their daughters; you and myself, Lady Belgrade, and--and the Marquis of--John--Mr. John Scott, I mean." "Yes, papa, that was the company. Send the invitations out to-day, for this day week please--if no engagement intervenes to prevent you." "Very well, my dear. You see to it. I leave it all in your hands. Now you may ring for Potts, my dear. I have to dress and go down to the House. I am chairman of a committee there, that meets at two. And you, my love, must be off to your flower-show. You must not keep Lady Belgrade waiting." Salome touched the bell, and on the entrance of the valet, she kissed her father's hand and retired.