“One could almost believe that the two men were a pair of lunatics,” said Evelyn, somewhat impatiently, “and yet I imagine that, had I been in your place, I should not have been long in deciding to take a couple of splendid fortunes, and Sadie Rochester as a bride, in preference to a common nurse, without a penny. Frankly, True, I think you were a fool.” “Your frankness is, to say the least, rather lacking in courtesy,” her brother replied, with a curling lip. “But I am prepared to surrender Englehurst, and the money also, as soon as I can make arrangements to do so. I do not begrudge it, for this home, together with the handsome income which my practice will give me, will be ample for all my own and my wife’s needs.” “And have you no regret for what you thus compel Sadie Rochester to lose also?” questioned his mother excitedly. “I shall write to Mr. Rochester immediately—I ought to have done so before this—telling him what I have done, and no doubt he will make a new will, and provide handsomely for his daughter. By the way,” Dr. Winthrop added, “I have had no reply to the letter I wrote to him early last fall, telling him that I intended to go abroad, with the intention of meeting Miss Rochester. Did you ever meet any of the family in your travels?” “No; we were waiting for you to join us before going to Berlin, and now I feel as if I never wish to meet them,” returned madam, with more passion in her tone than she had yet exhibited. She arose as she spoke, and then added: “It is late, and time that we were all in bed. Come, Evelyn.” “Wait, mother, one moment,” said Dr. Winthrop, looking white and stern. “Is it peace or war upon this question? If you cannot be at peace with my wife, it will have to be war with me,” he concluded, in a tone which, she had long ago learned, meant a great deal. But she was too angry and upset to be very reasonable. “Find out who your wife is, and then I will answer you,” and with that curt reply she sailed majestically from the room, followed by her daughter. The young physician was in no enviable frame of mind, for he knew that, with such an ungracious disposition, his mother and sister would have it in their power to make it very uncomfortable for Salome. He sat with a thoughtful look on his face for a few moments, then he lifted his fine head with a haughty air. “Let them do as they will,” he said sternly, “Salome is my wife; that is a fact that cannot be contested, and she will be received, wherever I am received, with becoming courtesy, or my friends will get the cut direct from me. Dear child, how nobly she conducted herself to-night!” CHAPTER X. DR. WINTHROP RECEIVES AN IMPERATIVE SUMMONS ABROAD. When Salome awoke the next morning, she was conscious of a feeling of great nervousness and depression. Her head ached, her temples throbbed, and she felt both languid and weak.