“But it seems dreadful to have such disagreeable matters to attend to when we are so happy, does it not?” Salome said with a sigh, as she put up one white hand to draw his face down upon a level with hers where she could look into his eyes. “I believe, Salome, you are ready to forgive everybody the wrong they have done you,” Dr. Winthrop returned, as he searched her thoughtful face. “But I am afraid I am not quite as merciful as you are. I am free to confess to a certain amount of satisfaction—of exultation, even, over the downfall of the plots that have been laid against us; while too, I am strangely curious to see how those wicked people, who have done so much to make us both miserable, will bear their punishment.” “Punishment!” repeated Salome, looking slightly troubled. “Yes, dear; they all deserve a severe lesson, and I mean they shall have it,” the young man replied, with some sternness. “Do not look so disturbed, love,” he added as he saw the cloud upon her brow. “I am not a vindictive or hard-hearted man, but I am determined that justice shall be done. I think you may safely trust me to manage it in a proper manner.” “I will leave it all with you,” Salome said confidingly, and feeling very sure that he would do nothing wrong, although she shrank with keen sensitiveness, from anything which would seem like revenge for her wrongs. “Then what do you say to a trip to Rome next week?” her husband asked. “Must I meet them?” she cried, shrinking closer to him. “Not if you recoil from it,” he responded, “but I promised my mother that I would join her at the end of two months. Six weeks have already passed, and I think it will be wise not to keep her longer in ignorance of what has occurred. I could go alone, only I cannot make up my mind to be separated from you——” “No—no, True, where you go, I must go,” Salome cried, clinging to him. “I thought that would be your decision, dear. You shall not meet any of them if you so desire it; still you can easily understand that all these recent developments must be explained, and business matters settled sooner or later. When I have anything disagreeable to do, I like to attack it boldly and get it off my mind,” Dr. Winthrop concluded, smiling. “That is the better way, of course,” Salome gravely answered. “I suppose I must meet them all again, some time and I may as well school myself to the ordeal first as last. As for Mrs. Rochester and her daughter, I believe I should be glad never to see them again, although I wish them no ill; but, True, for your sake, I would like to win the hearts of your mother and sister.” “Can you forgive them for all they made you suffer in New York, Salome?” her husband wonderingly asked as he searched her earnest face. The young wife flushed. It was not an easy matter to crush all sense of injury out of her heart, but strengthened by the great love which she bore her husband, she believed she could in time do even this.