“It grieves me more than I can tell you, Salome, to have to leave you here,” he resumed; “as much on your account as upon mine; but I know that you could never endure the rough voyage and severe weather; and, besides, I am afraid that my father will not live through this attack—he has had one before—and I may have sad duties before me on the other side. I shall go and return as soon as possible—I hope not to be absent over a month, if as long. Cannot you be content to do without me for so short a time? Do not grieve, dear, for that will make you ill, and I shall be very anxious. Try to get strong and well while I am away; drive somewhere every pleasant day, and breathe all the fresh air you can, so that I may find roses on these cheeks when I come back.” Salome had grown gradually more quiet and composed while he was talking, and she began to realize that it would be better for her to stay where she was; that she would only add to his care and anxieties if she went with him. A month would soon pass, and she could best please him by striving to be happy and well; so she resolved to put a brave front on the parting, which somehow had almost the sadness of death in it. She resolutely wiped away her tears and tried to smile as she lifted her face to his. “You must think me very childish,” she began—she could not suppress the sob that broke in upon the sentence; “but—it is very hard to let you go.” “And it is very hard for me to go, dear,” he answered, with regretful tenderness. “Nothing but such an imperative call would tempt me to leave you. But you must not grieve—promise me that you will not grieve, or I shall not know a moment of peace for fear of losing you.” “I will try to bear it as well as I can,” she returned, little thinking how difficult it would be to keep her promise; “but oh, how I shall wish the month away! Now,” starting up, and determined to show him how earnestly she wished to please him, “let me help you to get ready—you have so little time, and I am quite an expert at packing.” He kissed her more fondly than he had ever done before, and thanked her with a smile; then, feeling that it might keep her mind employed, he allowed her to assist him in his preparations. While they were thus engaged he said: “I have asked my mother and Evelyn to remain with you during my absence, for I do not like to leave you alone in the house with the servants, while their house is not in order for their reception. But, Salome, I want you to understand that this is your home; you are mistress here, and they are simply to be your guests; only in case you should be ill my mother will see that you have proper care, or if you need advice in any emergency she has good judgment and will give you the benefit of it.”