Yet the invitation was tempting; the stranger had spoken of his wife—he seemed a gentleman, and had addressed her most courteously, while she judged from his tone and appearance that he must be a middle-aged man. She glanced toward the house he had indicated. The lights were glimmering cheerfully through the trees, and she could plainly discern the figure of a woman sitting upon the broad porch. It was warm and close and lonely in the carriage, and it looked very inviting within the inclosure. “Has the sister travelled far?” inquired the gentleman, who was becoming a trifle impatient over her evident hesitation and reluctance to accept his offer. “Six or seven miles,” Salome replied. “Ah! doubtless upon some errand of mercy, and surely you must be weary. Pray, good sister, come in and be refreshed.” The invitation was heartily, yet courteously, given, while he at the same time turned the handle and opened the door for her to alight. Salome’s scruples were overcome, and she acceded to his request. He helped her to the ground, and then she followed him inside the adjacent grounds, without a suspicion of the trap into which she had so readily fallen. Reaching the house, the gentleman explained briefly the accident to the lady sitting upon the porch whom he introduced as his wife—Madame Arnot. Madam greeted the sister with charming frankness and cordiality, regretted the accident which had caused such delay and annoyance, and, bringing forward a comfortable chair, invited her to be seated. She then began chatting in an easy manner, while now and then monsieur would join in the conversation. Thus an hour passed, and Salome began to grow anxious and impatient to resume her journey. At last she suggested that it was getting late, whereupon monsieur sprang to his feet, remarking he would go to the gate and ascertain if her coachman had returned. He soon came back, saying the carriage was still there, but there were no signs of the driver. Salome looked troubled, but madam said never mind, all would soon be well; then she laughingly quoted the proverb, “Be careful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” at the same time ringing a little silver bell. A servant appeared almost immediately, bearing a tray upon which there was arranged a dainty meal. She deposited it upon the table, which she wheeled forward into the centre of the porch, and set chairs for three around it. Madam then rose and politely invited Salome to join herself and her husband, and at once began to serve them in an easy and graceful manner. The young girl was hungry, and really enjoyed the delicious meal, although she was conscious of a feeling of uneasiness and anxiety to get away to her own quiet little home and Harriet. Another hour passed thus, for monsieur and madam were both good eaters as well as good talkers, and they had not finished their meal when there came a loud ring at the gate.