“But I am afraid of you, mademoiselle,” he returned, while he regarded her searchingly and with a peculiar smile. “There is no reason why you should not have more freedom if you will only be reasonable and promise me that you will not make trouble for me by trying to escape.” Salome smiled scornfully. “Monsieur Arnot must have a strange distrust of his own power if he imagines that a weak girl can escape through solid brick walls, or between iron bars, or elude the vigilance of his many attendants,” she sarcastically returned. “I do not say,” she continued, “that I should not avail myself of the opportunity of walking out of this institution if the way were opened for me; but since your precautions are sufficient to restrain your hundreds of other patients, they surely ought to be sufficient for me also. I must at least have the liberty of the ward with your harmless patients, if nothing more.” “Have you no fear of them, mademoiselle?” the physician asked with evident curiosity. “No; why should I fear them more than they fear each other?” “But they are mad, and do not know the difference.” “And I am sane, consequently I do know the difference. Thank you, Dr. Arnot, for the admission, unintentional though it may have been,” said Salome dryly, while the man flushed, and thought her very quick-witted. “Well,” he returned, after considering a moment, “you shall have the liberty of the ward, if you so desire,” and walking to the door, he opened it, and held it for her to pass out. Salome was not slow to avail herself of this privilege, and walked immediately and fearlessly into the long and lofty room, or hall, into which twenty or more smaller rooms opened, and where there were assembled as many women of various ages and appearances. The portières, which she had noticed on the night of her arrival, and which had been so cleverly arranged to cut off the end of the hall, had been swept aside, and she could now look down the whole length of the vast room. It was lighted by immense grated windows at either end, and also by a rotunda in the centre, and was clean, airy, and cheerful. Salome passed slowly down the ward, her keen glance taking in every detail of persons and things about her, while she was no less curiously scrutinized by the other occupants of the place, who were quick to recognize the fact that there was a stranger in their midst. She spoke a kind word here and there, for her sympathies were readily enlisted, gave a smile to others, and it was evident, from the friendly glances which were bestowed upon her by all, that she would soon become a favorite with those harmless but pitiable creatures. Dr. Arnot watched her, a troubled look on his face.