“We are willing to be so held, madam, for—the usual considerations,” the man returned, with the politest of bows; “that is a part of our business. When will madam bring the young lady?” “To-morrow, but I do not know just how to arrange for her coming,” Mrs. Rochester said with a slight show of nervousness. “I certainly cannot accompany her, as she imagines that I have become her enemy,” and the lady wiped away an imaginary tear. “Ah, it often occurs that people in her unfortunate condition, acquire sudden aversion to their best friends,” the learned doctor sympathetically remarked. “And—and you may even find some difficulty about persuading her to enter this institution; she is very wilful at times, and cunning as well,” said his companion. “I understand, madam, she is unconscious of her malady, and does not like to be governed; we will arrange everything to your satisfaction. We will send our own carriage for mademoiselle; there is an entrance to the institution that is like a private house; the driver will be ordered to stop just opposite and discover that a portion of the harness has suddenly given out, and must be repaired before the young lady can go on; she will be cordially invited to step inside during the delay, and—all the rest will be easily arranged. Does the little stratagem please madam?” “Perfectly,” responded Mrs. Rochester, with a sigh of relief, as she arose to leave. “At what hour shall I expect the carriage?” “Not until the cool of the evening. It is not well for an invalid to travel during the heat of the day, and it will be better that it should be dusk when mademoiselle arrives, lest her suspicions be aroused and we have trouble.” “Very well; I leave it all with you,” Mrs. Rochester said, as she poured a handful of glittering gold coins into the doctor’s soft palm. Then she went away, well pleased with the success of her errand and congratulating herself that Salome was well disposed of, at least for the present; what future disposition should be made of her, she would have to decide later. CHAPTER XXXI. SALOME WITNESSES A HEART-RENDING TABLEAU. After Mrs. Rochester’s departure for Paris, which, however, was known only to her daughter, Salome, who had been sitting up for the second time, although she had not yet been dressed, thought she would try to put on her clothing, and thus get a little accustomed to exertion, preparatory to going away the next day. She was still very weak, and the effort made her weary and almost faint, so that she was obliged to lie down again upon her bed, where she instantly dropped asleep. She slept for more than an hour, and felt greatly refreshed when she awoke. “I wonder if I could walk about a little,” she said to herself. “I must get accustomed to the use of my feet. I wish Harriet were here to lend me her strong arm; I wonder why she has not been out to inquire for me! I hope she has not been ill again.”