Just behind him a window opened from the hall, and to-day, though a rose-colored shade was lowered, the sash had been raised, and every word that was uttered in the passage floated distinctly to him.
The whole conversation occurred so rapidly that he had no opportunity of discovering his presence to the persons within, and though he cleared his throat and coughed rather spasmodically, his warning was unheeded by those for whom it was intended.
He knew that Salome could not possibly have guessed his proximity, as he was not accustomed to use this hammock, and was completely shielded from observation; and, while pained and surprised by Mr. Granville’s dishonorable course, which threatened life-long wretchedness for poor Muriel, Dr. Grey’s heart throbbed with joy at the assurance that Salome was not so ungenerous as he had feared. Probably no other human being would have so highly appreciated her conduct on this occasion; and, as he mused, with his thumb and forefinger thrust between the leaves of the book, a glad smile broke over his grave face.
“God bless the girl! Her prayers and mine have not been in vain, and she is putting under her feet the baser impulses that mar her character. Granville is considered by the world exceedingly handsome and agreeable, and many,—yes, the majority of women, would have yielded, and indulged in a ‘harmless flirtation,’ where Salome stood firm. There was something akin to the scornful ring of Rachel’s voice in that child’s tones, when she told Gerard he presumed on his position as guest; and I will wager my hand that her large eyes did not exactly resemble a dove’s when she informed him it was not his privilege to call her Salome. She has a fierce, imperious, passionate temper, that goads her into mischief; 241 but, after all, she is—she must be—nobler than I have sometimes thought her. God grant it! God bless her!”
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“But blame us women not,—if some appear Too cold at times; and some too gay and light. Some griefs gnaw deep. Some woes are hard to bear. Who knows the Past? And who can judge us right?” |
CHAPTER XIX.
“Doctor Grey, are you awake? Dr. Grey, here is a note from ‘Solitude,’ and the messenger begs that you will lose no time, as one of the servants is supposed to be dying.”
Salome had knocked twice at Dr. Grey’s door, without arousing him, and the third time she beat a tattoo that would have broken even heavier slumbers than his.