Dr. Grey paused at the threshold, to admire the graceful pose of Jessie's fairy figure,--the lazy nonchalance of Stanley's posture,--and the finely shaped head that rose above both, like some stately lily, surrounded by clustering croci; but Salome was listening for his footsteps, and turned her head at his entrance. "Stanley, take Jessie up to my room, and show her your Chinese puzzle. When I want either or both of you, I will call you. Close the door after you, and mind that you do not get to romping, and shake the house down." "How very pretty Jessie has grown during the last year. Her complexion has lost its muddy tinge, and is almost waxen," said the doctor, when the children had left the room and scampered up stairs. "She is a very sweet-tempered and affectionate little thing, but I never considered her pretty. She is too much like her father." "Salome, death veils all blemishes." "That depends very much on the character of the survivors; but we will not discuss abstract propositions,--especially since I have resolved to follow the old oriental maxim,-- 'Leave ancestry behind, despise heraldic art, Thy father be thy mind, thy mother be thy heart. Dead names concern not thee, bid foreign titles wait; Thy deeds thy pedigree, thy hopes thy rich estate!' Dr. Grey, the week has ended, and I took the liberty of reminding you of the fact, as I am anxious to acquaint you with my purposes for the future." He drew a chair near hers, and seated himself. "Well, Salome, I hope that reflection has changed your views, and taught you the wisdom of my sister's course with reference to yourself." "On the contrary, the season of deliberation you forced upon me has only strengthened and intensified my desire to carry into execution the project I have so long dreamed of; and to-day I am more than ever firmly resolved to follow, at all hazards, the dictates of my own judgment, no matter with whose opinions or wishes they may conflict." She expected that he would expostulate, and plead against her decision, but he merely bowed, and remained silent. "My object in asking this interview was to ascertain how soon it would be convenient for you to place in my hands the legacy of one thousand dollars which was bequeathed to me on condition that I went upon the stage; and also to inquire what you intend to do with the children, of whom Miss Jane's will constitutes you the guardian?" "You wish me to understand that you are determined to defy the wishes of your best friend, and take a step which distressed her beyond expression?" "I shall certainly go upon the stage."