He gathered her slight form in his strong arms, before she was aware of his intention, and, bearing her across the room, laid her gently upon her bed; then once more touching her forehead with his lips, he went away, and ten minutes later Salome was quietly sleeping, but with a smile of perfect content lighting her pale face. CHAPTER VI. SALOME GOES “HOME.” Salome was surprised, when she awoke, to find that she had slept only half an hour, for she usually had a nap of two hours during the afternoon. But she felt refreshed and very happy, and it was such a delightful sensation, after all the sorrow and loneliness of the past, to feel that she belonged to some one who was so tenderly thoughtful of her comfort and pleasure, and to know that she need have no care or anxiety for her future. Her diamonds were still clasped in her hands, and her heart thrilled anew with deepest joy as she recalled her husband’s fond words upon presenting them to her; how he had sued for her first caress and the response to it. “He loves me. I will believe that he loves me as fondly as I love him,” she murmured; “and yet I wish he were a little more free—a little less self-contained and dignified or reserved. Perhaps,” she added with a faint sigh, “it will wear away as we grow to know each other better.” By and by the nurse came to her for directions for the packing of her trunk, and before this was completed she caught the sound of her husband’s step in the corridor, and the red blood mounted to her brow, her lips quivered in a happy smile, and her eyes grew luminous with joy. “My husband!” she murmured, and turned her glad face toward him as he came into the room, while she noticed that he carried a large box in his hand. “Have you rested well, my Peace?” he asked, in a low tone, as he reached her side. Her heart leaped at his tone. Surely it was fonder than she had ever heard it before! “Yes, thank you; but—why do you call me that?” she asked, wondering at the form of his address. “Salome means peaceful, does it not?” he said, smiling, “and you always give me a feeling of peace when I come near you.” She flushed again happily at his words, and put out her hand to him with a confiding movement. He caught it and pressed it fondly. “Are you ready to go with me?” he asked. “Oh, yes; quite ready, if you wish me to go now.” “I have arranged to go to an hotel for to-night near the station, where we shall take the train for New York to-morrow at nine o’clock, so you will not be fatigued with a long ride before starting. Now, nurse, please bring Mrs. Winthrop’s wraps, for our carriage is at the door.” Salome was quickly clad in the long, dark ulster and the same simple brown felt hat and thick veil which she had worn when she first came to the hospital. She wondered with a quiet smile, as she put them on, if ever a bride was fitted out for her wedding journey with so little fuss before.