“A thousand thanks for all your goodness! Gerard writes that it was through your influence he was enabled to visit Washington; and, indeed, dear Dr. Grey, we are both very grateful for your kind interest in our happiness. Even poor papa could not be more considerate.”
“For several days past I have observed that you were unusually depressed, and that Miss Dexter looked constrained. Are you not pleasantly situated in my sister’s house. Do not hesitate to speak frankly.”
Muriel’s eyes filled with tears, and she answered, evasively,—
“Miss Jane is very kind and affectionate.”
“Which means that Salome is not.”
“Dr. Grey, why does she dislike me so seriously? I have tried to be friendly and cordial towards her; but she constantly repels me. I really admire her very much; but I am afraid she positively hates me.”
“No, that is impossible; but she is a very peculiar, and, I am sorry to be forced to say, an unamiable girl, and is governed by every idle caprice. I hope that you will not allow yourself to be annoyed by any want of courtesy which she may unfortunately have displayed. Although a member of the household, Salome has no right to dispense or to withhold the hospitalities of my sister’s home, or to insult her guests; and I trust that her individual whims will have no effect whatever upon you, unless they create a feeling of compassion 191 and toleration in your kind heart. She has some good traits hidden under her brusquerie, and when you know her better you will excuse her rudeness.”
“Why is she so moody? I have not seen a pleasant smile on her face since I came here.”
“My dear child, let us select some more agreeable topic for discussion. Gerard will probably arrive on the early train, which will enable him to breakfast with us to-morrow. He will endeavor to persuade you to return at once to Europe; but I must tell you, in advance of his proposal, that I hope you will not yield to his wishes, since it would grieve me to part with you so soon.”
Muriel turned aside her head to avoid her guardian’s penetrating gaze, and silently listened to his counsel concerning the course she should pursue towards her betrothed.