"You are very considerate, Salome, and I am much obliged for your thoughtfulness; though I regret that the messenger waked you, instead of Rachel or me. I have never before known Rachel fail to hear the bell, and I was so weary that I think a ten-inch columbiad would scarcely have aroused me." "I was not asleep,--was sitting at my window; and hearing some one slam the gate and gallop up the avenue, I went to the door and opened it, to prevent the ringing of the bell and waking of the entire household." "You should have been asleep four hours ago, and I had no idea you were still up, when I came home. There was no light in your room. Are you quite well?" "Thank you, I am quite well." She was dressed as he had seen her at dinner, and now, as she stood resting one hand on the balustrade of the stairway, he thought she looked paler and more weary than he had ever observed her. The scarlet spray of pelargonium had withered from the heat of her head, where it had rested all the evening, and the large creamy Grand Duke jasmine fastened at her throat by a sprig of coral, was drooping and fading, but still exhaled its strong delicious perfume. "Your appearance contradicts your assertion. Is your wakefulness attributable to any anxiety or trouble which I can remove?" "No, sir. I hear Elbert opening the gate. Who is sick at 'Solitude'?" "The servant who was so severely injured many months ago, by a fall from a carriage, has grown suddenly worse." Salome accompanied him to the front door, in order to lock it after his departure; and, as he descended the steps, he turned and said, in a subdued voice,-- "You have probably heard that Mrs. Gerome is a very peculiar,--indeed, a decidedly eccentric person?" "Yes, sir; it is reported that she is almost a lunatic." "Which is totally false. She is very sensitive, and shrinks from strangers, and consequently has no friends here. If I should find Elsie dying, or if I need you, I wish you to come promptly. It may be necessary to have some one beside the household, and you are the only person I can trust. Try to go to sleep immediately, for I may send for you very early in the morning." "I shall be ready to come when I am needed." The buggy rolled up to the steps, and Dr. Grey sprang into it and drove swiftly down the avenue. Salome crept softly back up stairs, but Miss Jane called out,-- "Who is there, in the hall? What is the matter?" The girl opened the door, and put her head inside. "Dr. Grey has been called to see a sick woman at 'Solitude,' and I have just locked the door after him." "Why could not Rachel do that, and save you from coming down stairs? What time of night is it?" "About half-past two. Rachel is asleep. Good-night." "'Solitude,' did you say?" "Yes, madam." "Well, if people will persist in burrowing in that unlucky den, they must take the consequences. Ulpian, poor fellow, will be completely worn out. Good-night, dear; don't get up to breakfast, if you feel sleepy."