"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 side of Ayrshire, and some sheep that are handsome enough to compare favorably with the best that ever browsed in the 'Court of Lions.'" He took his ward's hand and led her away to the cattle-yard, whither Miss Dexter accompanied them. As Salome looked after the trio her eyes flashed and scarlet spots burned on her cheeks, while a feeling of suffocation oppressed her heart. "Why will you vex him, when you know that he tries so hard to like you?" asked Miss Jane in a distressed tone, stroking the girl's hot face, as she spoke. The head was instantly lifted beyond her reach, and the answer came swiftly, sharp and defiant,-- "Do you mean to say that it is so extremely difficult for him to tolerate me?" "You are obliged to know that you are not one of his favorites, like that sweet-tempered Muriel, to whom he seems so warmly attached; and it is all your own fault, for he was disposed to like you when he first came home. Ulpian loves quiet and amiable people, who are never rude and snappish; and it appears to me that you are trying to see how hateful and spiteful you can be. Why upon earth did you not shake hands with those strangers, and treat them politely?" "Because I don't choose to be hypocritical,--and I don't like Miss Muriel Manton." "Nonsense! Stuff! I only wish you were half as well-bred and courteous, and lady-like." "Do you, really? Then, to be obedient and, oblige you, when they come back, I will imitate her example, and throw myself into Dr. Grey's arms, and rub my cheek against his shoulder, and fondle his hands. If this be 'lady-like,' then, indeed, I penitently cry '_peccavi!_' and promise that in future you shall not have cause to complain of me."