She resolved, too, that she would keep her own counsel during his absence; but upon his return she would open her whole heart to him and there should never be any more secrets between them. But she would not be driven into any confessions to these two women, who, from the very first moment of their meeting, had constituted themselves her enemies. She did not, however, wish to come to any open rupture with them if she could avoid it—they were her husband’s mother and sister, he had wished them to remain in his house as her guests, and she felt it to be her duty to show them all due respect and consideration; but they must be made to realize that she also had certain rights—that she was not a weak reed to be bent and swayed according to every freak or whim which seized them. All this she thought out during the brief interval of silence that followed Madame Winthrop’s authoritative demand, and she suddenly found herself growing calm and self-possessed again. “Allow me to inquire, Mrs. Winthrop, what you have learned to-day that has so embittered you against me?” she said, turning a mild glance upon the stern woman and ignoring her question regarding the mystery of her life. “I have learned that you are not what you pretend to be—that you are an impostor——” “Not what I pretend to be—an impostor?” repeated Salome, with wide eyes. “Yes; you married my son under an assumed name. Girl, what is your true name? I demand an honest answer,” returned madam with overwhelming authority. “My name was just what I gave it—Salome Howland,” the young wife quietly responded. “I know better,” retorted the elder woman, flushing angrily at the girl’s calm self-possession. “Your first name may be Salome, but Howland was certainly not your true surname.” Salome made no reply to this, and Evelyn and her mother exchanged significant glances. “Was it?—tell me!” commanded Madame Winthrop. “I can tell you nothing—at present,” Salome answered. “You shall tell me; I have borne this wretched suspense as long as I can,” persisted her tormentor. “Do you dare deny that there is a mystery connected with your life? Do you dare affirm that you gave your true surname when you married my son?” Salome thought a moment; then, lifting her small head proudly, she met madam’s glance squarely and steadily.