"Yes, I had great difficulty in obtaining him. My agent assures me that he belongs to the best that are reared in the tribe of Beni Lam; and that he is a genuine Arab, there can be no doubt." "How long have you owned him?" "Two years. Unfortunately he was bitten by a snake one day while wandering with me among the ruins at Paestum, and was so singularly affected that I was forced to leave him at Naples. Various causes combined to delay his restoration to me until last week, when he crossed the Atlantic; and yesterday he went into ecstasies when I received him from the express agent. Hush! no growling! Down, sir! Take care, Dr. Grey; he will bear no hand but mine, and it is rather dangerous to caress him, as you may judge from the fangs he is showing you." The dog was remarkably tall, silky, beautifully formed, and of a soft mole-color; and around his neck a collar formed of four small silver chains, bore an oval silver plate on which was engraved in German text, "_Ich Dien--Agla Gerome_." "I congratulate you upon the possession of such a treasure," said the visitor, with unfeigned admiration,--as, with the eye of a _connoisseur_, he noted the fine points about the sleek, slim animal, who eyed him suspiciously. "Thank you. How is Elsie to-day?" "More nervous than I have seen her since the accident, and some of her symptoms are rather discouraging, though there is no immediate danger. Do not look so hopeless; she may be spared to you for many months." "Why will you not let me hope that she may ultimately recover?" "Because it is utterly futile, and I have no desire to deceive you, even for an instant. Good morning, Robert." The gardener approached with a large basket filled with peaches and nectarines, and, taking off his hat, bowed profoundly. "My mistress ordered these placed in your buggy, as I believe our nectarines ripen earlier than any others in the neighborhood." "Thank you, Maclean. Mrs. Gerome is exceedingly kind, and I have an invalid sister who will enjoy this beautiful fruit. Those nectarines would not disgrace Smyrna or Damascus, and are the first of the season." Robert passed through the hall, bearing the basket to the buggy; and at that instant there was a startling crash, as of some heavy article falling in the parlor. The dog sprang up with a howl, and Dr. Grey followed Mrs. Gerome into the room to ascertain the cause of the noise. A glance sufficed to explain that a picture in a heavy frame had fallen from a hook above the mantelpiece, and in its descent overturned some tall vases, which now lay shattered on the hearth. Dr. Grey lifted the painting from the rubbish, and, as he turned the canvas towards the light, Mrs. Gerome said,--