"I do not envy him, Edith," replied Claire. "But I cannot feel
satisfied with the small salary he pays me. My services are, I know,
of greater value than he estimates them, and I feel that I am dealt by
unjustly."

Edith made no answer. The subject was repugnant to her feelings,
and she did not wish to prolong it. Claire already regretted its
introduction. So there was silence for nearly a minute.

When the conversation flowed on again, it embraced a different theme,
but had in it no warmth of feeling. Not since they had joined hands at
the altar, nearly two years before, had they passed so embarrassed and
really unhappy an evening as this. A tempting spirit had found its way
into their Paradise, burning with a fierce desire to mar its beauty.




CHAPTER II.


"Oh, what a dream I have had!" exclaimed Mrs. Claire, starting
suddenly from sleep, just as the light began to come in dimly through
the windows on the next morning; and, as she spoke, she caught hold of
her husband, and clung to him, frightened and trembling.

"Oh, such a dream!" she added, as her mind grew clearer, and she felt
better assured of the reality that existed. "I thought, love, that
we were sitting in our room, as we sit every evening--baby asleep, I
sewing, and you, as usual, reading aloud. How happy we were! happier,