She felt attracted toward this woman, in spite of her eccentricities, and she believed that, with the exercise of a little tact, she would have no difficulty in living amicably with her, and might, perhaps, even help to smooth off some of her rough corners. “All right; but I shall want you immediately,” said Miss Leonard imperiously. “I am at liberty, and can come to you whenever you wish,” Salome answered. “This afternoon, then, at four o’clock,” was the brief command of her new employer. She rang a bell as she spoke, and the servant who had ushered Salome in immediately made her appearance. “Harriet, show Miss Howland out; then come back and get my writing-desk for me,” said her mistress. She waved her hand authoritatively, and Salome felt herself dismissed without further ceremony. She bowed politely, as she turned to leave the room, but though her salute was not returned, she caught sight of the quizzical smile that wreathed the strange woman’s lips as she went out. “Well, did you suit her?” asked the girl, as they were on their way downstairs. Salome laughed out softly. “I am afraid that would be a hard question to answer,” she said. “However, I am coming to stay with her on trial for a month.” “If she keeps you, and you can stand it, for a month, you’ll stay longer,” returned Harriet. Then she added kindly: “Let me give you a bit of advice, young woman. You see, I like your looks, and I think it might be pleasant to have you in the house. Just make up your mind that Miss Leonard is the crankiest old woman you ever saw, and lay in an abundant stock of patience for your month of trial—and it will be trial, you may depend. If you can endure her whims for that length of time, she’ll gradually come around all right, you’ll learn how to manage her, and you’ll have no great trouble afterward.” “Thank you; I will remember what you tell me,” Salome said gratefully. “Now, please, tell me what I shall call you?” “Harriet’s my name—Harriet Winter.” “And mine is Salome Howland. I hope we shall be good friends, Harriet,” the young girl said, smiling, and holding out her hand to her fellow-servant, and from that moment Miss Leonard’s maid was her sworn ally. Salome had her dinner, after which she made some needful purchases, which she put into a small trunk, and ordered the whole sent by express to Miss Leonard’s residence. Then, having a couple of hours at her disposal, she slipped into a gallery to look at some new pictures which had been advertised as on exhibition. They were in an upper room; finding a comfortable seat, she sat down to examine them at her leisure. She had been there alone for, perhaps, half an hour, when two ladies entered and sat down behind her. They conversed for a few moments; then one of them suddenly exclaimed: “Mrs. Rogers, do look at that portrait in the corner—whom does it resemble? Do you see a likeness to any one whom you know?”