INFELICE

by

AUGUSTA J. EVANS WILSON

Author of "At the Mercy of Tiberius", "St. Elmo" Etc. 

1902

 "The grace of God forbid We should be overbold to lay rough hands On any man's opinion. For opinions Are, certes, venerable properties, And those which show the most decrepitude Should have the gentlest handling. " VANINI

LondonJames Nisbet & Co. Limited21 Berners Street

INFELICE

CHAPTER I. 

"Did you tell her that Dr. Hargrove is absent?"

"I did, ma'am; but she says she will wait. "

"But, Hannah, it is very uncertain when he will return, and the nightis so stormy he may remain in town until to-morrow. Advise her tocall again in the morning. "

"I said as much at the door, but she gave me to understand she came along way, and should not leave here without seeing the Doctor. Shetold the driver of the carriage to call for her in about two hours, as she did not wish to miss the railroad train. "

"Where did you leave her? Not in that cold, dark parlour, I hope?"

"She sat down on one of the hall chairs, and I left her there. "

"A hospitable parsonage reception! Do you wish her to freeze? Go andask her into the library, to the fire. "

As Hannah left the room, Mrs. Lindsay rose and added two sticks ofoak wood to the mass of coals that glowed between the shining brassandirons; then carefully removed farther from the flame on the heartha silver teapot and covered dish, which contained the pastor'ssupper. 

"Walk in, madam. I promise you nobody shall interfere with you. MissElise, she says she wishes to see no one but the Doctor. "

Hannah ushered the visitor in, and stood at the door, beckoning toher mistress, who paused irresolute, gazing curiously at the muffledform and veiled face of the stranger. 

"Do not allow me to cause you any inconvenience, madam. My businessis solely with Dr. Hargrove, and I do not fear the cold. "

The voice of the visitor was very sweet though tremulous, and shewould have retreated, but Mrs. Lindsay put her hand on the bolt ofthe door, partly closing it. 

"Pray be seated. This room is at your disposal. Hannah, bring the teathings into the dining-room, and then you need not wait longer; Iwill lock the doors after my brother comes in. "

With an ugly furrow of discontent between her heavy brows, Hannahobeyed, and as she renewed the fire smouldering in the dining-room, she slowly shook her grizzled head: "Many a time I have heard myfather say, 'Mystery breeds misery, ' and take my word for it, thereis always something wrong when a woman shuns women-folks, and huntssympathy and advice from men. "

"Hush, Hannah! Charity, --charity; don't forget that you live in aparsonage, where 'sounding brass or tinkling cymbals' are nottolerated. All kinds of sorrow come here to be cured, and I fear thatlady is in distress. Did you notice how her voice trembled?"

"Well, I only hope no silver will be missing to-morrow. I must makeup my buckwheat, and set it to rise. Good-night, Miss Elise. "

It was a tempestuous night in the latter part of January, andalthough the rain, which had fallen steadily all day, ceased at dark, the keen blast from the north shook the branches of the ancient treesencircling the parsonage, and dashed the drops in showers against thewindows. Not a star was visible, and as the night wore on the windincreased in violence, roaring through leafless elm limbs, andwhistling drearily around the corners of the old brick house, whoseivy-mantled chimneys had battled with the storms of seventy years. 

The hands of the china clock on the dining-room mantlepiece pointedto nine, and Mrs. Lindsay expected to hear the clear sweet strokes ofthe pendulum, when other sounds startled her; the sharp, shrill barkof a dog, and impatient scratching of paws on the hall door. As shehurried forward and withdrew the inside bolt, a middle-aged manentered, followed by a bluish-grey Skye terrier. 

"Peyton, what kept you so late?"

"I was called to Beechgrove to baptize Susan Moffat's only daughter. The girl died at eight o'clock, and I sat awhile with the strickenmother, trying to comfort her. Poor Susan! it is a heavy blow, forshe idolized the child. Be quiet, Biörn. "

Mr. Hargrove was leisurely divesting himself of his heavy overcoat, and the terrier ran up and down the hall, holding his nose high inthe air, and barking furiously. 

"Biörn's instincts rarely deceive him. A stranger is waiting in thelibrary to see you. Before you go in, let me give you your supper, for you must be tired and hungry. "

"Thank you, Elise, but first I must see this visitor, whose errandmay be urgent. "

He opened the door of the library, and entered so quietly that theoccupant seemed unaware of his presence. 

A figure draped in black sat before the table which was drawn closeto the hearth, and the arms were crossed wearily, and the head bowedupon them. The dog barked and bounded toward her, and then shequickly rose, throwing back her veil, and eagerly advancing. 

"You are the Rev. Peyton Hargrove?"

"I am. What can I do for you, madam? Pray take this rocking chair. "

She motioned it away, and exclaimed:

"Can you too have forgotten me?"

A puzzled expression crossed his countenance as he gazed searchinglyat her, then shook his head. 

The glare of the fire, and the mellow glow of the student's lamp fellfull on the pale features, whose exceeding delicacy is rarely foundoutside of the carved gems of the Stosch or Albani Cabinets. On cameiand marble dwell the dainty moulding of the oval cheek, the airyarched tracery of the brows, the straight, slender nose, and clearlydefined cleft of the rounded chin, and nature only now and thenmodels them as a whole, in flesh. It was the lovely face of a younggirl, fair as one of the Frate's heavenly visions, but blanched bysome flood of sorrow that had robbed the full tender lips of bloom, and bereft the large soft brown eyes of the gilding glory of hope. 

"If I ever knew, I certainly have forgotten you. "

"Oh--do not say so! You must recollect me; you are the only personwho can identify me. Four years ago I stood here, in this room. Tryto recall me. "

She came close to him, and he heard her quick and laboured breathing, and saw the convulsive quivering of her compressed lips. 

"What peculiar circumstances marked my former acquaintance with you?Your voice is quite familiar, but----"

He paused, passed his hand across his eyes, and before he couldcomplete the sentence, she exclaimed:

"Am I then so entirely changed? Did you not one May morning marry inthis room Minnie Merle to Cuthbert Laurance?"

"I remember that occasion very vividly, for in opposition to myjudgment I performed the ceremony; but Minnie Merle was alow-statured, dark-haired child----" again he paused, and keenlyscanned the tall, slender, elegant figure, and the crimped waves ofshining hair that lay like a tangled mass of gold net on the low, full, white brow. 

"I was Minnie Merle. Your words of benediction made me MinnieLaurance. God--and the angels know it is my name, my lawful name, --but man denies it. "

Something like a sob impeded her utterance, and the minister took herhand. 

"Where is your husband? Are you widowed so early?"

"Husband--my husband? One to cherish and protect, to watch over, andlove, and defend me;--if such be the duties and the tests of ahusband, --oh! then indeed I have never had one! Widowed did you say?That means something holy, --sanctified by the shadow of death, andthe yearning sympathy and pity of the world; a widow has the right tohug a coffin and a grave all the weary days of her lonely life, andpeople look tenderly on her sacred weeds. To me, widowhood would beindeed a blessing, Sir, I thought I had learned composure, self-control, but the sight of this room, --of your countenance, --eventhe strong breath of the violets and heliotrope there on the mantle, in the same blood-coloured Bohemian vase where they bloomed thatday, --that May day, --all these bring back so overpoweringly the timethat is for ever dead to me, --that I feel as if I should suffocate. "

She walked to the nearest window, threw up the sash, and while shestood with the damp chill wind blowing full upon her the pastor hearda moan, such as comes from meek, dumb creatures, wrung by the throesof dissolution. 

When she turned once more to the light, he saw an unnatural sparklein the dry, lustrous, brown eyes. 

"Dr. Hargrove, give me the license that was handed to you by CuthbertLaurance. "

"What value can it possess now?"

"Just now it is worth more to me than everything else in life, --moreto me than my hopes of heaven. "

"Mrs. Laurance, you must remember that I refused to perform themarriage ceremony, because I believed you were both entirely tooyoung. Your grandmother who came with you assured me she was yoursole guardian, and desired the marriage, and your husband, who seemedto me a mere boy, quieted my objections by producing the license, which he said exonerated me from censure, and relieved me of allresponsibility. With that morning's work I have never felt fullysatisfied, and though I know that any magistrate would probably haveperformed the ceremony, I have sometimes thought I acted rashly, andhave carefully kept that license as my defence and apology. "

"Thank God, that it has been preserved. Give it to me. "

"Pardon me if I say frankly, I prefer to retain it. All licenses arerecorded by the officer who issued them, and by applying to him youcan easily procure a copy. "

"Treachery baffles me there. A most opportune fire broke out eighteenmonths ago in the room where those records were kept, and althoughthe court house was saved, the book containing my marriage licensewas of course destroyed. "

"But the clerk should be able to furnish a certificate of the facts. "

"Not when he has been bribed to forget them. Please give me the paperin your possession. "

She wrung her slender fingers, and her whole frame trembled like aweed on some bleak hillside, where wintry winds sweep unimpeded. 

A troubled look crossed the grave, placid countenance of the pastor, and he clasped his hands firmly behind him, as if girding himself todeny the eloquent pleading of the lovely dark eyes. 

"Sit down, madam, and listen to----"

"I cannot! A restless fever is consuming me, and nothing but thepossession of that license can quiet me. You have no right towithhold it, --you cannot be so cruel, so wicked, --unless you alsohave been corrupted, bought off!"

"Be patient enough to hear me. I have always feared there wassomething wrong about that strange wedding, and your manner confirmsmy suspicions. Now I must be made acquainted with all the facts, mustknow your reason for claiming the paper in my possession, before Isurrender it. As a minister of the Gospel, it is incumbent upon me toact cautiously, lest I innocently become auxiliary to deception, --possibly to crime. "

A vivid scarlet flamed up in the girl's marble cheeks. 

"Of what do you suspect, or accuse me?"

"I accuse you of nothing. I demand your reasons for the request youhave made. "

"I want that paper because it is the only proof of my marriage. Therewere two witnesses: my grandmother, who died three years ago on asteamship bound for California, where her only son is living, andGerbert Audré, a college student, who is supposed to have been lostlast summer in a fishing smack off the coast of Labrador orGreenland. "

"I am a witness accessible at any time, should my testimony berequired. "

"Will you live for ever? Nay, --just when I need your evidence, my illluck will seal your lips, and drive the screws down in your coffinlid. "

"What use do you intend to make of the license? Deal candidly withme. "

"I want to hold it, as the most precious thing left in life; to keepit concealed securely, until the time comes when it will serve me, save me, avenge me. "

"Why is it necessary to prove your marriage? Who disputes it?"

"Cuthbert Laurance and his father. "

"Is it possible! Upon what plea?"

"That he was a minor, was only twenty, irresponsible, and that thelicense was fraudulent. "

"Where is your husband?"

"I tell you, I have no husband! It were sacrilege to couple thatsacred title with the name of the man who has wronged, deserted, repudiated me; and who intends if possible to add to the robbery ofmy peace and happiness, that of my fair, stainless name. Less thanone month after the day when right here, where I now stand, youpronounced me his wife in the sight of God and man, he was summonedhome by a telegram from his father. I have never seen him since. General Laurance took his son immediately to Europe, and, sir, youwill find it difficult to believe me, when I tell you that infamousfather has actually forced the son by threats of disinheritance tomany again, --to----"

The words seemed to strangle her, and she hastily broke away theribbons which held her bonnet and were tied beneath her chin. 

Mr. Hargrove poured some water into a goblet, and as he held it toher lips, murmured compassionately:

"Poor child! God help you. "

Perhaps the genuine pity in the tone brought back sweet memories ofthe bygone, and for a moment softened the girl's heart, for tearsgathered in the large eyes, giving them a strange quivering radiance. As if ashamed of the weakness she threw her head back defiantly, andcontinued:

"I was the poor little orphan, whose grandmother did washing andmending for the college boys--only little unknown Minnie Merle, withnone to aid in asserting her rights;--and she--the new wife--was abanker's daughter, an heiress, a fashionable belle, --and so MinnieMerle must be trampled out, and the new Mrs. Cuthbert Laurance dashesin her splendid equipage through the Bois de Bologne. Sir, give me mylicense!"

Mr. Hargrove opened a secret drawer in the tall writing-desk thatstood in one corner of the room, and, unlocking a square tin box, took from it a folded slip of paper. After some deliberation heseated himself, and began to write. 

Impatiently his visitor paced the floor, followed by Biörn, who nowand then growled suspiciously. 

At length, when the pastor laid down his pen, his guest came to hisside, and held out her hand. 

"Madam, the statements you have made are so extraordinary, that youmust pardon me if I am unusually cautious in my course. While I haveno right to doubt your assertions, they seem almost incredible, andthe use you might make of the license----"

"What! you find it so difficult to credit the villainy of a man--andyet so easy to suspect, to believe all possible deceit and wickednessin a poor helpless woman? Oh, man of God! is your mantle of charitycut to cover only your own sex? Can the wail of down-troddenorphanage wake no pity in your heart, --or is it locked against me bythe cowardly dread of incurring the hate of the house of Laurance?"

For an instant a dark flush bathed the tranquil brow of the minister, but his kind tone was unchanged when he answered slowly:

"Four years ago I was in doubt concerning my duty, but just now thereis clearly but one course for me to pursue. Unless you wish to makean improper use of it, this paper which I very willingly hand to youwill serve your purpose. It is an exact copy of the license, and toit I have appended my certificate, as the officiating clergyman whoperformed the marriage ceremony. Examine it carefully, and you willfind the date, and indeed every syllable rigidly accurate. From theoriginal I shall never part, unless to see it replaced in the courthouse records. "

Bending down close to the lamp, she eagerly read and reread the paperwhich shook like an aspen in her nervous grasp; then she looked longand searchingly into the grave face beside her, and a sudden lightbroke over her own. 

"Oh, thank you! After all, the original is safer in your hands thanin mine. I might be murdered, but they would never dare to molestyou, --and if I should die, you would not allow them to rob my baby ofher name?"

"Your baby!"

He looked at the young girlish figure and face, and it seemedimpossible that the creature before him could be a mother. Amelancholy smile curved her lips. 

"Oh! that is the sting that sometimes goads me almost to desperation. My own wrongs are sufficiently hard to bear, but when I think of myinnocent baby denied the sight of her father's face, and robbed ofthe protection of her father's name, then--I forget that I am only awoman, I forget that God reigns in heaven to right the wrongs onearth, and----"

There was a moment's silence. 

"How old is your child?"

"Three years. "

"And you? A mere child now. "

"I am only nineteen. "

"Poor thing! I pity you from the depths of my soul. "

The clock struck ten, and the woman started from the table againstwhich she leaned. 

"I must not miss the train; I promised to return promptly. "

She put on the grey cloak she had thrown aside, buttoned it about herthroat, and tied her bonnet strings. 

"Before you go, explain one thing. Was not your hair very dark whenyou were married?"

"Yes, a dark chestnut brown, but when my child was born I was ill along time, and my head was shaved and blistered. When the hair grewout, it was just as you see it now. Ah! if we had only died then, baby and I, we might have had a quiet sleep under the violets anddaisies. I see, sir, you doubt whether I am really little MinnieMerle. Do you not recollect that when you asked for the wedding ringnone had been provided, and Cuthbert took one from his own hand, which was placed on my finger? Ah! there was a grim fitness in theselection! A death's head peeping out of a cinerary urn. You willreadily recognize the dainty bridal token. "

She drew from her bosom a slender gold chain on which was suspended aquaint antique cameo ring of black agate, with a grinning white skullin the centre, and around the oval border of heavily chased goldglittered a row of large and very brilliant diamonds. 

"I distinctly remember the circumstance. "

As the minister restored the ring to its owner, she returned it andthe chain to its hiding-place. 

"I do not wear it, I am biding my time. When General Laurance senthis agent first to attempt to buy me off, and, finding thatimpossible, to browbeat and terrify me into silence, one of hisinsolent demands was the restoration of this ring, which he said wasan heirloom of untold value in his family, and must belong to nonebut a Laurance. He offered five hundred dollars for the delivery ofit into his possession. I would sooner part with my right arm! Wereit iron or lead, its value to me would be the same, for it is theonly symbol of my lawful marriage, --is my child's title deed to alegitimate name. "

She turned toward the door, and Dr. Hargrove asked:

"Where is your home?"

"I have none. I am a waif drifting from city to city, on theuncertain waves of chance. "

"Have you no relatives?"

"Only an uncle, somewhere in the gold mines of California. "

"Does General Laurance provide for your maintenance?"

"Three years ago his agent offered me a passage to San Francisco, andfive thousand dollars, on condition that I withdrew all claim to myhusband and to his name, and pledged myself to 'give the Laurances nofurther trouble. ' Had I been a man, I would have strangled him. Sincethen no communication of any kind has passed between us, except thatall my letters to Cuthbert pleading for his child have been returnedwithout comment. "

"How, then are you and the babe supported?"

"That, sir, is my secret. "

She drew herself haughtily to her full height, and would have passedhim, but he placed himself between her and the door. 

"Mrs. Laurance, do not be offended by my friendly frankness. You areso young and so beautiful, and the circumstances of your life renderyou so peculiarly liable to dangerous associations and influences, that I fear you may----"

"Fear nothing for me. Can I forget my helpless baby, whose sole dowerjust now promises to be her mother's spotless name? Blushing for herfather's perfidy, she shall never need a purer, whiter shield thanher mother's stainless record--so help me, God!"

"Will you do me the favour to put aside for future contingencies thissmall tribute to your child? The amount is not so large that youshould hesitate to receive it; and feeling a deep interest in yourpoor little babe, it will give me sincere pleasure to know that youaccept it for her sake, as a memento of one who will always be gladto hear from you, and to aid you if possible. "

With evident embarrassment he tendered an old-fashioned purse ofknitted silk, through whose meshes gleamed the sheen of gold pieces. To his astonishment she covered her face with her hands and burstinto a fit of passionate weeping. For some seconds she sobbed aloud, leaving him in painful uncertainty concerning the nature of heremotion. 

"Oh, sir!--it has been so long since words of sympathy and realkindness were spoken to me, that now they unnerve me. I am strongagainst calumny and injustice, --but kindness breaks me down. I thankyou in my baby's name, but we cannot take your money. Ministers arenever oppressed with riches, and baby and I can live without charity. But since you are so good, I should like to say something in strictconfidence to you. I am suspicious now of everybody, but it seems tome I might surely trust you. I do not yet see my way clearly, and ifanything should happen to me the child would be thrown helpless uponthe world. You have neither wife nor children, and if the time evercomes when I shall be obliged to leave my little girl for any longperiod, may I send her here for safety, until I can claim her? Sheshall cost you nothing but care and watchfulness. I could work somuch better, if my mind were only easy about her; if I knew she wassafely housed in this sanctuary of peace. "

Ah! how irresistible was the pathetic pleading of the tearful eyes;but Mr. Hargrove did not immediately respond to the appeal. 

"I understand your silence--you think me presumptuous in my request, and I daresay I am, but----"

"No, madam, not at all presumptuous. I hesitate habitually beforeassuming grave responsibility, and I only regret that I did nothesitate longer--four years ago. A man's first instincts ofpropriety, of right and wrong, should never be smothered bypersuasion, nor wrestled down and overcome by subtle and selfishreasoning. I blame myself for much that has occurred, and I amwilling to do all that I can toward repairing my error. If your childshould ever really need a guardian, bring or send her to me, and Iwill shield her to the full extent of my ability. " Ere he was awareof her intention, she caught his hand, and as she carried it to herlips he felt her tears falling fast. 

"God bless you for your goodness! I have one thing more to ask;promise me that you will divulge to no one what I have told you. Letit rest between God and you and me. "

"I promise. "

"In the great city where I labour I bear an assumed name, and nonemust know, at least for the present, whom I am. Realizing fully theunscrupulous character of the men with whom I have to deal, my onlyhope of redress is in preserving the secret for some years, and noteven my baby can know her real parentage until I see fit to tell her. You will not betray me, even to my child?"

"You may trust me. "

"Thank you, more than mere words could ever express. "

"May God help you, Mrs. Laurance, to walk circumspectly--to lead ablameless life. "

He took his hat from the stand in the hall, and silently they walkeddown to the parsonage gate. The driver dismounted and opened thecarriage door, but the draped figure lingered, with her hand upon thelatch. 

"If I should die before we meet again, you will not allow them totrample upon my child?"

"I will do my duty faithfully. "

"Remember that none must know I am Minnie Laurance until I give youpermission; for snares have been set all along my path, and calumnyis ambushed at every turn. Good-bye, sir. The God of orphans will oneday requite you. "

The light from the carriage lamp shone down on her as she turnedtoward it, and in subsequent years the pastor was haunted by themarvellous beauty of the spirituelle features, the mournful splendourof the large misty eyes, and the golden glint of the rippling hairthat had fallen low upon her temples. 

"If it were not so late, I would accompany you to the railwaystation. You will have a lonely ride. Good-bye, Mrs. Laurance. "

"Lonely, sir? Aye--lonely for ever. "

She laughed bitterly, and entered the carriage. 

 "Laughed, and the echoes huddling in affright, Like Odin's hounds fled baying down the night. "

CHAPTER II. 

With the night passed the storm which had rendered it so gloomy, andthe fair cold day shone upon a world shrouded in icy cerements; ahushed, windless world, as full of glittering rime-runes as thefrozen fields of Jotunheim. Each tree and shrub seemed a springingfountain, suddenly crystallized in mid-air, and not all the medićvalmarvels of Murano equalled the fairy fragile tracery of fine spun, glassy web, and film, and fringe that stretched along fences, hungfrom eaves, and belaced the ivy leaves that lay helpless on thewalls. A blanched waning moon, a mere silver crescent, shivered uponthe edge of the western horizon, fleeing before the scarlet andorange lances that already bristled along the eastern sky-line, theadvance guard of the conqueror, who would ere many moments smite allthat weird icy realm with consuming flames. The very air seemedfrozen, and refused to vibrate in trills and roulades through thethroaty organs of matutinal birds, that hopped and blinked, plumedtheir diamonded breasts, and scattered brilliants enough to set atiara; and profound silence brooded over the scene, until rudelybroken by a cry of dismay which rang out startlingly from theparsonage. The alarm might very readily have been ascribed todiligent Hannah, who, contemptuous of barometric or thermalvicissitudes, invariably adhered to the aphorism of Solomon, and, arising "while it is yet night, looketh well to the ways of herhousehold. "

With a broom in one hand, and feather dusting-brush in the other, sheran down the front steps, her white cap strings flying like distresssignals, --bent down to the ground as a blood-hound might in scentinga trail, --then dashed back into the quiet old house, and uttered awolfish cry:

"Robbers! Burglars! Thieves!"

Oppressed with compassionate reflections concerning the fate of hisvisitor, the minister had found himself unable to sleep as soundly asusual, and from the troubled slumber into which he sank afterdaylight he was aroused by the unwonted excitement that reigned inthe hall, upon which his apartment opened. While hastily dressing, his toilette labours were expedited by an impatient rap which onlyHannah's heavy hand could have delivered. Wrapped in hisdressing-gown he opened the door, saying benignly:

"Is there an earthquake or a cyclone? You thunder as if my room wereMount Celion. Is any one dead?"

"Some one ought to be! The house was broken open last night, and thesilver urn is missing. Shameless wretch! This comes of mysteries andveiled women, who are too modest to, look an honest female in theface, but----!"

"Oh, Hannah I that tongue of thine is more murderous than Cyrus'scythed chariots! Here is your urn! I put it away last night, becauseI saw from the newspapers that a quantity of plate had recently beenstolen. Poor Hannah! don't scowl so ferociously because I havespoiled your little tragedy. I believe you are really sorry to seethe dear old thing safe in defiance of your prophecy. "

Mrs. Lindsay came downstairs laughing heartily, and menacing irateHannah with the old-fashioned urn, which had supplied threegenerations with tea. 

"Is that the sole cause of the disturbance?" asked the master, stooping to pat Biörn, who was dancing a tarantella on the good man'svelvet slippers. 

Somewhat crestfallen the woman seized the urn, began to polish itwith her apron, and finally said sulkily:

"I beg pardon for raising a false alarm, but indeed it lookedsuspicious and smelled of foul play, when I found the library windowwide open, two chairs upside down on the carpet, --mud on thewindow-sill, the inkstand upset, --and no urn on the sideboard. But asusual I am only an old fool, and you, sir, and Miss Elise know best Iam very sorry I roused you so early with my racket. "

"Did you say the library window wide open? Impossible; I distinctlyrecollect closing the blinds, and putting down the sash before I wentto bed. Elise, were you not with me at the time?"

"Yes, I am sure you secured it, just before bidding me goodnight. "

"Well--no matter, facts are ugly, stubborn things. Now you two justsee for yourselves, what I found this morning. "

Hannah hurried them into the library, where a fire had already beenkindled, and her statement was confirmed by the disarrangedfurniture, and traces of mud on the window-sill and carpet. Theinkstand had rolled almost to the hearth, scattering its contents_en route_, and as he glanced at his desk the minister turned pale. 

The secret drawer which opened with a spring had been pulled out toits utmost extent, and he saw that the tin box he had so carefullylocked the previous night was missing. Some _MSS_ were scatteredloosely in the drawer, and the purse filled with gold coins, ahandsomely set miniature, and heavy watch chain with seal attached, all lay untouched, though conspicuously alluring to the cupidity ofburglars. Bending over his rifled sanctuary, Mr. Hargrove sighed, and a grieved look settled on his countenance. 

"Peyton, do you miss anything?"

"Only a box of papers. "

"Were they valuable?"

"Pecuniarily no;--at least not convertible into money. In otherrespects, very important. "

"Not your beautiful sermons, I hope, " cried his sister, throwing onearm around his neck, and leaning down to examine the remainingcontents of the drawer. 

"They were more valuable, Elise, than many sermons, and some cannotbe replaced. "

"But how could the burglars have overlooked the money and jewellery?"

Again the minister sighed heavily, and, closing the drawer, said:

"Perhaps we may discover some trace in the garden. "

"Aye, sir, --I searched before I raised an uproar, and here is ahandkerchief that I found under that window, on the violet bed. Itwas frozen fast to the leaves. "

Hannah held it up between the tips of her fingers, as if fearful ofcontamination, and eyed it with an expression of loathing. Mr. Hargrove took it to the light and examined it, while an unwontedfrown wrinkled his usually placid brow. It was a dainty square offinest cambric, bordered with a wreath of embroidered lilies, and inone corner exceedingly embellished "O O" stared like wide wonderingeyes, at the strange hands that profaned it. 

"Do you notice what a curious, outlandish smell it has? It struck mynostrils sharper than hartshorn when I picked it up. No rum-drinking, tobacco-smoking burglar in breeches dropped that lace rag. "

Hannah set her stout arms akimbo, and looked "unutterable things" atthe delicate fabric, that as if to deprecate its captors was all thewhile breathing out deliciously sweet but vague hints, --now ofeglantine, and now of that subtle spiciness that dwells in daphnes, and anon plays hide-and-seek in nutmeg geranium blooms. 

Reluctance to admission of the suspicion of unworthiness in others isthe invariable concomitant of true nobility of soul in all pure andexalted natures, --and with that genuine chivalry, which now, alas! iswelnigh as rare as the _aumôničre_ of pilgrims, the pastor bravelycast around the absent woman the broad, soft ermine of his tendercharity. 

"Hannah, if your insinuations point to the lady who called here lastnight, I can easily explain the suspicious fact of the handkerchief, which certainly belongs to her; for the room was close, and myvisitor, having raised that window and leaned out for fresh air, doubtless dropped her handkerchief without observing the loss. "

"Do the initials '_O O_' represent her name?" asked Mrs. Lindsay, whose adroitly propounded interrogatories the previous evening hadelicited no satisfactory information. 

"Do not ladies generally stamp their own monograms when markingarticles that compose their wardrobes?" He put the unlucky piece ofcambric in his pocket, and pertinacious Hannah suddenly stooped anddealt Biörn a blow, which astonished the spectators even more thanthe yelping recipient, who dropped something at her feet and crawledbehind his master. 

"You horrid, greedy pest! Are you in league with the thieves, thatyou must needs try to devour the signs and tell-tales they dropped inthe track of their dirty work? It is only a glove this time, sir, andit was all crumpled, just so, --where I first saw it, when I ran outto hunt for footprints. It was hanging on the end of a rose bush, yonder near the snowball, and you see it was rather too far from thewindow here to have fallen down with the handkerchief. Look, MissElise, your hands are small, but this would pinch even your fingers. "

She triumphantly lifted a lady's kid glove, brown in colour andgarnished with three small oval silver buttons, the exact mate of onewhich Mr. Hargrove had noticed the previous evening, when the visitorheld up the ring for his inspection. Exulting in the unanswerablelogic of this latest fact, Hannah quite unintentionally gave theglove a scornful toss, which caused it to fall into the fireplace, and down between two oak logs, where it shrivelled instantaneously. Unfortunately science is not chivalric, and divulges the unamiableand ungraceful truth, that perverted female natures from even thelower beastly types are more implacably vindictive, more subtlymalicious, more ingeniously cruel than the stronger sex; and when awoman essays to track, to capture, or to punish--_vae victis_. 

"Now, Biörn! improve your opportunity and heap coals of fire onslanderous Hannah's head, by assuring her you feel convinced she didnot premeditatedly destroy traces, and connive at the escape of theburglars, by burning that most important glove, which might haveaided us in identifying them. "

As Mr. Hargrove caressed his dog, he smiled, evidently relieved bythe opportune accident; but Mrs. Lindsay looked grave, and anindignant flush purpled the harsh, pitiless face of the servant, who sullenly turned away, and busied herself in putting thefurniture in order. 

"Peyton, were the stolen papers of a character to benefit thatperson, --or indeed any one but yourself, or your family?"

He knew the soft blue eyes of his sister were watching him keenly, saw too that the old servant stood still, and turned her head tolisten, and he answered without hesitation:

"The box contained the deed to a disputed piece of property, thoseiron and lead mines in Missouri, --and I relied upon it to establishmy claim. "

"Was the lady who visited you last night in any manner interested inthat suit, or its result?"

"Not in the remotest degree. She cannot even be aware of itsexistence. In addition to the deed, I have lost the policy ofinsurance on this house, which has always been entrusted to me and Imust immediately notify the company of the fact and obtain aduplicate policy. Elise, will you and Hannah please give me mybreakfast as soon as possible, that I may go into town at once?"

Walking to the window, he stood for some moments, with his handsfolded behind him, and as he noted the splendour of the spectaclepresented by the risen sun shining upon temples and palaces of ice, prism-tinting domes and minarets, and burnishing after the similitudeof silver stalactites and arcades which had built themselves intocrystal campaniles, more glorious than Giotto's, --the pastor said:"The physical world, just as God left it, --how pure, how lovely, howentirely good;--how sacred from His hallowing touch! Oh that theworld of men and women were half as unchangingly true, stainless, andholy!"

An hour later he bent his steps, --not to the lawyer's, nor yet to theinsurance office, but to the depot of the only railroad which passedthrough the quiet, old-fashioned, and comparatively unimportant townof V----. 

The station agent was asleep upon a sofa in the reception-room, butwhen aroused informed Dr. Hargrove that the down train bound southhad been accidentally detained four hours, and instead of being "ontime, " due at eleven p. M. , did not pass through V---- until afterthree a. M. A lady, corresponding in all respects with the minister'sdescription, had arrived about seven on the up train, left a smallvalise, or rather traveller's satchel, for safe keeping in thebaggage-room; had inquired at what time she could catch the downtrain, signifying her intention to return upon it, and had hired oneof the carriages always waiting for passengers, and disappeared. About eleven o'clock she came back, paid the coachman, and dismissedthe carriage; seemed very cold, and the agent built a good fire, telling her she could take a nap as the train was behind time, and hewould call her when he heard the whistle. He then went home, severalsquares distant, to see one of his children who was quite ill, andwhen he returned to the station and peeped into the reception-room tosee if it kept warm and comfortable not a soul was visible. Hewondered where the lady could have gone at that hour, and upon such afreezing night, but sat down by the grate in the freight-room, andwhen the down train blew for V---- he took his lantern and went out, and the first person he saw was the missing lady. She asked for hersatchel, which he gave her, and he handed her up to the platform, andsaw her go into the ladies' car. 

"Had she a package or box, when she returned and asked for hersatchel?"

"I did not see any, but she wore a waterproof of grey cloth that camedown to her feet. There was so much confusion when the train came inthat I scarcely noticed her, but remember she shivered a good deal, as if almost frozen. "

"Did she buy a return ticket?"

"No, I asked if I should go to the ticket office for her, but shethanked me very politely, and said she would not require anything. "

"Can you tell me to what place she was going?"

"I do not know where she came from, nor where she went. She was mostuncommonly beautiful. "

"Are the telegraph wires working south?"

"Why bless you, sir! they are down in several places, from the weightof the ice, so I heard the station operator say, just before you camein. "

As Dr. Hargrove walked away, an expression of stern indignationreplaced the benign look that usually reigned over his noblefeatures, and he now resolutely closed all the avenues of compassion, along which divers fallacious excuses and charitable conjectures hadmarched into his heart, and stifled for a time the rigorous verdictof reason. 

He had known from the moment he learned the tin box was missing, thatonly the frail, fair fingers of Minnie Merle could have abstractedit, but justice demanded that he should have indisputable proof ofher presence in V---- after twelve o'clock, for he had not left thelibrary until that hour, and knew that the train passed through ateleven. 

Conviction is the pitiless work of unbiased reason, but faith is theacceptance thereof, by will, and he would not wholly believe, untilthere was no alternative. _Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus_, andquite naturally Dr. Hargrove began to discredit the entire narrativeof wrongs, which had attained colossal proportions from herdelineation, and to censure himself most harshly for having sufferedthis dazzling Delilah to extort from him a solemn promise of secrecy;for, unworthy of sympathy as he now deemed her, his rigid rectitudewould not permit him to regard that unworthiness as sufficientjustification for abrogating his plighted word. Suspicious factswhich twelve hours before had been hushed by the soft spell of herrich plaintive voice, now started up clamorous and accusing, and thepastor could not avoid beholding the discrepancy between her pleas ofpoverty and friendlessness, and the costly appearance of herapparel, --coupled with her refusal to acquaint him with her means ofmaintenance. 

If, as she had averred, the stolen license was--with the exception ofhis verbal testimony--the sole proof of her marriage, why was she notsatisfied with the copy given to her unless for some unrighteousmotive she desired to possess in order to destroy all evidence?

Surmise, with crooked and uncertain finger, had pointed to NewYork--whose broad deep bosom shelters so many helpless humanwaifs--as her probable place of destination, and had thetelegraph-wires been in successful operation he would have hazardedthe experiment of requesting her arrest at the terminus of therailway; but this was impracticable, and each succeeding hour aidedin obliterating the only clue in his possession. 

The universal observation of man, ages ago, simmered down andcrystallized into the adage, "Misfortunes never come singly;" and itis here respectfully submitted--that startling episodes, unexpectedincidents quite as rarely travel alone. Do surprises gravitate intogroups, or are certain facts binary?

Sometimes for a quarter of a century the sluggish stream of lifeoozes by, bearing no hint of deeds, or faces, --that perchance shedglory, or perhaps lent gloom to the far past, --a past well-nighforgotten and inurned in the gathering grey of time, --and suddenlywithout premonition, the slow monotonous current ripples and swellsinto waves that bear to our feet fateful countenances, unwelcome asgrave-ghouls, --and the world grows garrulous of incidents that oncemore galvanize the shrouded Bygone. For four years the minister hadreceived no tidings of those whom he had so reluctantly joined in thebonds of wedlock, and not even a reminiscence of that singular bridalparty had floated into his quiet parsonage study; but withintwenty-four hours he seemed destined to garner a plentiful harvest ofdisagreeable data for future speculation. He had not yet reached hislawyer's office, when, hearing his name pronounced vociferously, Dr. Hargrove looked around and saw the postmaster standing in his doorand calling on him to enter. 

"Pardon me, my dear sir, for shouting after you so unceremoniously;but I saw you were not coming in, and knew it would promote yourinterest to pay me a visit. Fine day at last, after all the rain andmurky weather. This crisp, frosty air sharpens one's wits, --a sort ofatmospheric pumice, don't you see, and tempts me to drive a goodbargain. How much will you give for a letter that has travelled halfaround the world, and had as many adventures as Robinson Crusoe, orMadame Pfeiffer?"

He took from a drawer a dingy and much-defaced envelope, whoseaddress was rather indistinct from having encountered a oath on itsjourney. 

"Are you sure that it is for me?" asked the minister, trying todecipher the uncertain characters. 

"Are there two of your name? This is intended for Reverend PeytonHargrove of St. ---- Church -- V----, United States of America. Itwas enclosed to me by the Postmaster-General, who says that itarrived last week in the long-lost mail of the steamship _Algol_, which you doubtless recollect was lost some time ago, --plyingbetween New York and Havre; It now appears that a Dutch sailingvessel bound for Tasmania--wherever that may be; somewhere among thecannibals, I presume--boarded her after she had been deserted by thecrew, and secured the mail bags, intending to put in along theSpanish coast and land them, but stress of weather drove them so farout to sea, that they sailed on to some point in Africa, and as thepostmasters in that progressive and enlightened region did not servetheir apprenticeship in the United States Postal Bureau, you perceivethat your document has not had 'despatch. ' If salt water is ever apreservative, your news ought not to be stale. "

"Thank you. I hope the contents will prove worthy of the care andlabour of its transmission. I see it is dated Paris--one year ago, nearly. I am much obliged by your kind courtesy. Good-day. "

Dr. Hargrove walked on, and, somewhat disappointed in not receivinga moiety of information by way of recompense, the postmaster added:

"If you find it is not your letter bring it back, and I will start iton another voyage of discovery, for it certainly deserves to gethome. "

"There is no doubt whatever about it. It was intended for me. "

Unfolding the letter, he had glanced at the signature, and nowhurrying homeward, read as follows:

 "PARIS, _February 1st_, "REV. PEYTON HARGROVE, --Hoping that, while entirely ignorant of the facts and circumstances, you unintentionally inflicted upon me an incalculable injury, I reluctantly address you with reference to a subject fraught with inexpressible pain and humiliation. Through your agency the happiness and welfare of my only child, and the proud and unblemished name of a noble family, have been wellnigh wrecked; but my profound reverence for your holy office, persuades me to believe that you were unconsciously the dupe of unprincipled and designing parties. When my son Cuthbert entered ---- University, he was all that my fond heart desired, all that his sainted mother could have hoped, and no young gentleman on the wide Continent gave fairer promise of future usefulness and distinction; but one year of demoralizing association with dissipated and reckless youths undermined the fair moral and intellectual structure I had so laboriously raised, and in an unlucky hour he fell a victim to alluring vices. Intemperance gradually gained such supremacy that he was threatened with expulsion, and to crown all other errors he was, while intoxicated, inveigled into a so-called marriage with a young but notorious girl, whose only claim was her pretty face, while her situation was hopelessly degraded. This creature, Minnie Merle, had an infirm grandmother, who, in order to save the reputation of the unfortunate girl, appealed so adroitly to Cuthbert's high sense of honour, that her arguments, emphasized by the girl's beauty and helplessness, prevailed over reason, and--I may add--decency and one day when almost mad with brandy and morphine he consented to call her his wife. Neither was of age, and my son was not only a minor (lacking two months of being twenty), but on that occasion was utterly irrational and irresponsible, as I am prepared to prove. They intended to conceal the whole shameful affair from me, but the old grandmother--fearing that some untoward circumstance might mar the scheme of possessing the ample fortune she well knew my boy expected to control--wrote me all the disgraceful facts, imploring my clemency, and urging me to remove Cuthbert from associates outside of his classmates, who were dragging him to ruin. If you, my dear sir, are a father (and I hope you are), paternal sympathy will enable you to realize approximately the grief, indignation, almost despairing rage into which I was plunged. Having informed myself through a special agent sent to the University of the utter unworthiness and disreputable character of the connection forced upon me, I telegraphed for Cuthbert, alleging some extraneous cause for requiring his presence. Three days after his arrival at home, I extorted a full confession from him, and we were soon upon the Atlantic. For a time I feared that inebriation had seriously impaired his intellect, but, thank God! temperate habits and a good constitution finally prevailed, and when a year after we left America Cuthbert realized all that he had hazarded during his temporary insanity, he was so overwhelmed with mortification and horror that he threatened to destroy himself. Satisfied that he was more 'sinned against, than sinning, ' I yet endeavoured to deal justly with the unprincipled authors of the stain upon my family, and employed a discreet agent to negotiate with them, and to try to effect some compromise. The old woman went out to California; the young one refused all overtures, and for a time disappeared, but, as I am reliably informed, is now living in New York, supported no one knows exactly by whom. Recently she has made an imperious demand for the recognition of a child, who she declares shall one day inherit the Laurance estate; but I have certain facts in my possession which invalidate this claim, and if necessary can produce a certificate to prove that the birth of the child occurred only seven months after the date of the ceremony, which she contends made her Cuthbert's wife. She rejects the abundant pecuniary provision which has been repeatedly offered, and in her last impertinent and insanely abusive communication, threatens a suit to force the acknowledgment of the marriage, and of the child, stating that you, sir, hold the certificate or rather the license warranting the marriage, and that you will espouse and aid in prosecuting her iniquitous claims. My son is now a reformed and comparatively happy man, but should this degrading and bitterly repented episode of his collage life be thrust before the public, and allowed to blacken the fair escutcheon we are so jealously anxious to protect, I dread the consequences. Only horror of a notorious scandal prevented me long ago from applying for a divorce, which could very easily have been obtained, but we shrink from the publicity, and moreover the case does not seem to demand compliance with even the ordinary forms of law. Believing that you, my dear sir, would not avow yourself _particeps criminis_ in so unjust and vile a crusade against the peace and honour of my family were you acquainted with the facts, I have taken the liberty of writing you this brief and incomplete _résumé_ of the outrages perpetrated upon me and mine, and must refer you for disgraceful details to my agent, Mr. Peleg Peterson of Whitefield, ---- Co. , ----. Hoping that you will not add to the injury you have already inflicted, by further complicity in this audacious scheme of fraud and blackmail, "I am, dear sir, respectfully An afflicted father, RENÉ LAURANCE. 

 "P. S. --Should you desire to communicate with me, my address for several months will be, Care of the American Legation, Paris. "

How many men or women, with lives of average length and incident, have failed to recognize, nay to cower before the fact, that allalong the highways and byways of the earthly pilgrimage they havebeen hounded by a dismal _cortége_ of retarded messages, --lostopportunities, --miscarried warnings, --procrastinated prayers, --dilatorydeeds, --and laggard faces, --that howl for ever in their shudderingears--"Too late. " Had Dr. Hargrove received this letter onlytwenty-four hours earlier, the result of the interview on theprevious night would probably have been very different; butunfortunately, while the army of belated facts--the fatal Grouchycorps--never accomplish their intended mission, they avenge theyfailure by a pertinacious presence ever after that is sometimesalmost maddening. 

An uncomfortable consciousness of having been completely overreacheddid not soften the minister's feelings toward the new custodian ofhis tin box, and an utter revulsion of sentiment ensued, whereinsympathy for General René Laurance reigned supreme. Oh instability ofhuman compassion! To-day at the tumultuous flood, we weep for Cćsarslain; To-morrow in the ebb, we vote a monument to Brutus. 

Ere the sun had gone down behind the sombre frozen firs that fringedthe hills of V---- Dr. Hargrove had written to Mr. Peleg Peterson, desiring to be furnished with some clue by which he could traceMinnie Merle, and Hannah had been despatched to the post office, toexpedite the departure of the letter. 

Weeks and months passed, tearful April wept itself away in theflowery lap of blue-eyed May, and golden June roses died in the fieryembrace of July, but no answer came; no additional informationdrifted upon the waves of chance, and the slow stream of life at theparsonage once more crept silently and monotonously on. 

 "Some griefs gnaw deep. Some woes are hard to bear. Who knows the Past? and who can judge us right?"

CHAPTER III. 

The sweet-tongued convent bell had rung the Angelas, and all withinthe cloistered courts was hushed, save the low monologue of thefountain whose minor murmuring made solemn accord with the sacredharmonious repose of its surroundings. The sun shone hot and blindingupon the towering mass of brick and slate, which, originally designedin the form of a parallelogram, had from numerous modern additionsprojected here, and curved into a new chapel yonder, until theacquisitive building had become eminently composite in its presentstyle of architecture. The belfry, once in the centre, had been leftbehind in the onward march of the walls, but it lifted unconquerablyin mid-air its tall gilt cross, untarnished by time, though ambitiousivy had steadily mounted the buttresses, and partially draped theGothic arches, where blue sky once shone freely through. 

The court upon which the ancient monastery opened was laid out in thestiff geometric style, which universally prevailed when its trimhedges of box were first planted, and giant rosebushes, statelylilacs, and snowballs attested the careful training and attentionwhich many years had bestowed. In the centre of this court, andsurrounded by a wide border of luxuriant lilies, was a triangularpedestal of granite, now green with moss, and spotted with silvergrey lichen groups, upon which stood a statue of St. Francis, bearingthe stigmata, and wearing the hood drawn over his head, while thetunic was opened to display the wound in his side, and the skull andthe crucifix lay at his feet. Close to the base of the pedestalcrouched a marble lamb, around whose neck crept a slender chain ofbind-weed, and above whom the rank green lances of leaves shot up toguard the numerous silver-dusted lilies that swung like snowy bellsin the soft breeze, dispensing perfume instead of chimes. 

Quite distinct from the spacious new chapel--with its gilded shrine, picture-tapestried walls, and gorgeous stained windows, where theoutside-world believers were allowed to worship--stood a lowcruciform oratory, situated within the stricter confines of themonastery, and sacred to the exclusive use of the nuns. This chapelwas immediately opposite the St. Francis, and to-day, as theold-fashioned doors of elaborately carved oak were thrown wide, thelovely mass of nodding lillies seemed bowing in adoration before theimage of the Virgin and Child, who crowned the altar within, whilethe dazzling sheen of noon flashing athwart the tessellated floorkindles an almost unearthly halo around

 "Virgin and Babe, and Saint, who With the same cold, calm, beautiful regard, "

had watched for many weary years the kneeling devotees beneath theirmarble feet. 

On the steps of the altar were a number of china pots containing roseand apple geraniums in full bloom, and one luxuriant Grand Dukejasmine, all starred with creamy flowers, so flooded the place withfragrance that it seemed as if the vast laboratory of floral aromashad been suddenly unsealed. 

Upon the stone pavement, immediately in front of the altar, sat alittle figure so motionless, that a casual glance would probably haveincluded it among the consecrated and permanent images of the silentsanctuary;--the figure of a child, whose age could not have beenaccurately computed from the inspection of the countenance, whichindexed a degree of grave mature wisdom wholly incompatible with theheight of the body and the size of the limbs. 

If devotional promptings had brought her to the Nuns' Chapel, herorisons had been concluded, for she had turned her back upon thealtar, and sat gazing sorrowfully down at her lap, where lay inpathetic _pose_ a white rabbit and a snowy pigeon, --both dead, quitestark and cold, --laid out in state upon the spotless linen apron, around which a fluted ruffle ran crisp and smooth. One tiny waxenhand held a broken lily, and the other was vainly pressed upon thelids of the rabbit's eyes, trying to close lovingly the pink orbsthat now stared so distressingly through glazing film. The firstpassionate burst of grief had spent its force in the tears that leftthe velvety cheeks and chin as dewy as rain-washed rose leaves, whilenot a trace of moisture dimmed the large eyes that wore a proud, defiant, and much injured look, as though resentment were stranglingsorrow. 

Unto whom or what shall I liken this fair, tender, childish face, which had in the narrow space of ten years gathered such perfectionof outline, such unearthly purity of colour, such winsome grace, suchcomplex expressions? Probably amid the fig and olive groves ofTuscany, Fra Bartolomeo found just such an incarnation of the angelicideal, which he afterward placed for the admiration of succeedinggenerations in the winged heads that glorify the _Madonna dellaMisericordia_. The stipple of time dots so lightly, so slowly, thatat the age of ten a human countenance should present a mere fleshy_tabula rasa_, but now and then we are startled by meeting a child asunlike the round, rosy, pulpy, dimpling, unwritten faces of ordinarylife, as the churubs of Raphael to the rigid forms of Byzantinemosaics, or the stone portraiture of Copan. 

As she sat there, in the golden radiance of the summer noon, shepresented an almost faultless specimen of a type of beauty that israrely found nowaday, that has always been peculiar, and bids fair tobecome extinct. A complexion of dazzling whiteness and transparency, rendered more intensely pure by contrast with luxuriant silky hair ofthe deepest black, --and large superbly shaped eyes of clear, darksteel blue, almost violet in hue, --with delicately arched brows andvery long lashes of that purplish black tint which only the trite andoft-borrowed plumes of ravens adequately illustrate. The forehead wasnot remarkable for height, but was peculiarly broad and full withunusual width between the eyes, and if Strato were correct in hisspeculations with reference to Psyche's throne, then verily my littlegirl did not cramp her soul in its fleshy palace. Daintily moulded infigure and face, every feature instinct with a certain delicatepatricianism, that testified to genuine "blue blood, " there waswithal a melting tenderness about the parted lips that softened theregal contour of one who, amid the universal catalogue of femininenames, could never have been appropriately called other than Regina. 

Over in the new chapel across the court, where the sacristan hadopened two of the crimson and green windows that now lighted the giltaltar as with sacrificial fire, and now drenched it with cool beryltints that extinguished the flames, a low murmur became audible, swelling and rising upon the air, until the thunder-throated organfilled all the cloistered recesses with responsive echoes of Rossini. Some masterly hand played the "Recitative" of _Eia Mater_, bringingout the bass with powerful emphasis, and concluding with the fullstrains of the chorus; then the organ-tones sank into solemn minorchords indescribably plaintive, and after a while a quartette ofchoir voices sang the

 "Sancta Mater! istud agas, Crucifixi fige plagas, "

ending with the most impassioned strain of the _Stabat Mater_, --

 "Virgo virginum prćdara, Mihi jam non sis amara, Fac me tecum plangere. "

Two nuns came out of an arched doorway leading to thereception-room of the modern building, and looked up and down thegarden walks, talking the while in eager undertones; then paused nearthe lily bank, and one called:

"Regina! Regina!"

"She must be somewhere in the Academy playground, I will hunt for herthere; or perhaps you might find her over in the church, listening tothe choir practising, you know she is strangely fond of that organ. "

The speaker turned away and disappeared in the cool dim arch, and theremaining nun moved across the paved walk with the quick, noiseless, religious tread peculiar to those sacred conventual retreats wherethe clatter of heels is an abomination unknown. 

Pausing in front of the chapel door to bend low before the marbleMother on the shrine, she beheld the object of her search and glideddown the aisle as stealthily as a moonbeam. 

"Regina, didn't you hear Sister Gonzaga calling you just now?"

"Yes, Sister. "

"Did you answer her?"

"No, Sister. "

"Are you naughty to-day, and in penance?"

"I suppose I am always naughty, Sister Perpetua says so; but I am notin penance. "

"Who gave you permission to come into our chapel? You know it iscontrary to the rules. Did you ask Mother?"

"I knew she would say no, so I did not ask, because I was determinedto come. "

"Why? what is the matter? you have been crying. "

"Oh, Sister Angela! don't you see?"

She lifted the corners of her apron where the dead pets lay, and herchin trembled. 

"Another rabbit gone! How many have you left?"

"None. And this is my last white dove; the other two have colouredrings around their necks. "

"I am very sorry for you, dear, you seem so fond of them. But, mychild, why did you come here?"

"My Bunnie was not dead when I started, and I thought if I could onlyget to St. Francis and show it to him he would cure it, and send lifeback to my pigeon too. You know, Sister, that Father told us lastweek at instruction we must find out all about St. Francis, and nextday Armantine was Refectory Reader, and she read us about St. Francispreaching to the birds at Bevagno, and how they opened their beaksand listened, and even let him touch them, and never stirred till heblessed them and made the sign of the Cross, and then they all flewaway. She read all about the doves at the convent of Ravacciano, andthe nest of larks, and the bad, greedy little lark that St. Francisordered to die, and said nothing should eat it, and sure enough, eventhe hungry cats ran away from it. Don't you remember that when St. Francis went walking about the fields, the rabbits jumped into hisbosom, because he loved them so very much? You see, I thought it wasreally all true, and that St. Francis could save mine too, and Icarried 'Bunnie' and 'Snowball' to him--out yonder, and laid them onhis feet, and prayed and prayed ever so long, and while I was prayingmy 'Bunnie' died right there. Then I knew he could do no good, and Ithought I would try our Blessed Lady over here, because the Nuns'Chapel seems holier than ours, --but it is no use. I will never prayto her again, nor to St. Francis either. "

"Hush! you wicked child!"

Regina rose slowly from the pavement, gathered up her apron verytenderly, and, looking steadily into the sweet serene face of thenun, said with much emphasis:

"What have I done? Sister Angela, I am not wicked. "

"Yes, dear, you are. We are all born full of sin, and desperatelywicked; but if you will only pray and try to be good, I have no doubtSt. Francis will send you some rabbits and doves so lovely, that theywill comfort you for those you have lost. "

"I know just as well as you do that he has no idea of doing anythingof the kind, and you need not tell me pretty tales that you don'tbelieve yourself. Sister, it is all humbug; 'Bunnie' is dead, and Isha'n't waste another prayer on St. Francis! If ever I get anotherrabbit, it will be when I buy one, as I mean to do just as soon as Imove to some nice place where owls and hawks never come. "

Here the clang of a bell startled Sister Angela, who seized thechild's hand. 

"Five strokes!--that is my bell. Come, Regina, we have been huntingyou for some time, and Mother will be out of patience. "

"Won't you please let me bury Bunnie and Snowball before I goupstairs to penance? I can dig a grave in the corner of my littlegarden and plant verbena and cypress vine over it. "

She shivered as if the thought had chilled her heart, and her voicetrembled, while she pressed the stiffened forms to her, breast. 

"Come along as fast as you can, dear, you are wanted in the parlour. I believe you are going away. "

"Oh! has my mother come?"

"I don't know, but I am afraid you will leave us. "

"Will you be sorry, Sister Angela?"

"Very sorry, dear child, for we love our little girl too well to giveher up willingly. "

Regina paused and pressed her lips to the cold white fingers thatclasped hers, but Sister Angela hurried her on till she reached adoor opening into the Mother's reception-room. Catching the child toher heart, she kissed her twice, lifted the dead darlings from herapron, and, pushing her gently into the small parlour, closed thedoor. 

It was a cool, lofty, dimly lighted room, where the glare of sunshinenever entered, and several seconds elapsed before Regina coulddistinguish any object. At one end a wooden lattice work enclosed aspace about ten feet square, and here Mother Aloysius held audiencewith visitors whom friendship or business brought to the convent. Regina's eager survey showed her only a gentleman, sitting close tothe grating, and an expression of keen disappointment swept over hercountenance, which had been a moment before eloquent with expectationof meeting her mother. 

"Come here, Regina, and speak to Mr. Palma, " said the soft, velvetvoice behind the lattice. 

The visitor turned around, rose, and watched the slowly advancingfigure. 

She was dressed in blue muslin, the front of which was concealed byher white bib-apron, and her abundant glossy hair was brushedstraight back from her brow, confined at the top of her head by ablue ribbon, and thence fell in shining waves below her waist. Onehand hung listlessly at her side, the other clasped the drooping lilyand held it against her heart. 

The slightly curious expression of the stranger gave place toastonishment and involuntary admiration as he critically inspectedthe face and form; and, fixing her clear, earnest eyes on him, Reginasaw a tall, commanding man of certainly not less than thirty years, with a noble massive head, calm pale features almost stern when inrepose, and remarkably brilliant piercing black eyes, that weredoubtless somewhat magnified by the delicate steel-rimmed spectacleshe habitually wore. His closely cut hair clustered in short thickwaves about his prominent forehead, which in pallid smoothnessresembled a slab of marble, and where a slight depression usuallymarks the temples his swelled boldly out, rounding the entire outlineof the splendidly developed brow. He wore neither moustache norbeard, and every line of his handsome mouth and finely modelled chinindicated the unbending tenacity of purpose and imperial pride whichhad made him a ruler even in his cradle, and almost a dictator inlater years. 

In a certain diminished degree children share the instinct wherebybrutes discern almost infallibly the nature of those who in fullfruition of expanded reason tower above and control them; and, awedby something which she read in this dominative new face, Regina stoodirresolute in front of him, unwilling to accept the shapely whitehand held out to her. 

He advanced a step, and took her fingers into his soft warm palm. 

"I hope, Miss Regina, that you are glad to see me. "

Her eyes fell from his countenance to the broad seal ring on hislittle finger, then, gazing steadily up into his, she said:

"I think I never saw you before, and why should I be glad? Why didyou come and ask for me?"

"Because your mother sent me to look after you. "

"Then I suppose, sir, you are very good; but I would rather see mymother. Is she well?"

"Almost well now, though she has been quite ill. If you promise to bevery good and obedient, I may find a letter for you, somewhere in mypockets. I have just been telling Mother Aloysius, to whom I broughta letter, that I have come to remove you from her kind shelteringcare, as your mother wishes you for a while at least to be placed ina different position, and I have promised to carry out herinstructions. Here is her letter. Shall I read it to you, or are yousufficiently advanced to be able to spell it out without myassistance?"

He held up the letter, and she looked at him proudly, with a faintcurl in her dainty lip, and a sudden lifting of her lovely archedeyebrows, which, without the aid of verbal protest, he fullycomprehended. A smile hovered about his mouth, and disclosed a set ofglittering perfect teeth, but he silently resumed his seat. As Reginabroke the seal, Mother said:

"Wait, dear, and read it later. Mr. Palmer has already been detainedsome time, and says he is anxious to catch the train. Run up to thewardrobe, and Sister Helena will change your dress. She is packingyour clothes. "

When the door closed behind her a heavy sigh floated through thegrating, and the sweet seraphic face of the nun clouded. 

"I wish we could keep her always; it is a sadly solemn thing to castsuch a child as she is into the world's whirlpool of sin and sorrow. To-day she is as spotless in soul as one of our consecratedannunciation lilies; but the dust of vanity and selfishness willtarnish, and the shock of adversity will bruise, and the heat of thebattle of life that rages so fiercely in the glare of the outsideworld will wither and deface the sweet blossom we have nurtured socarefully. "

"In view of the peculiar circumstances that surround her, her removalimpresses me as singularly injudicious, and I have advised againstit, but her mother is inflexible. "

"We have never been able to unravel the mystery that seems to hangabout the child, although the Bishop assured us we were quite rightin consenting to assume the charge of her. "

From beneath her heavy black hood, Mother's meek shy eyes searchedthe non-committal countenance before her, and found it about assatisfactorily responsive as some stone sphinx half-sepulchred inEgyptic sand. 

"May I ask, sir, if you are at all related to Regina?"

"Not even remotely; am merely her mother's legal counsellor, and theagent appointed by her to transfer the child to differentguardianship. I repeat, I deem the change inexpedient, butdiscretionary powers have not been conferred on me. She seems rathera mature bit of royalty for ten years of age. Is the intellectualmachinery at all in consonance with the refined perfection of theexternal physique?"

"She has a fine active brain, clear and quick, and is very welladvanced in her studies, for she is fond of her books. Better thanall, her heart is noble, and generous, and she is a conscientiouslittle thing, never told a story in her life; but at times we havehad great difficulty in controlling her will, which certainly is themost obstinate I have ever encountered. "

"She evidently does not suggest wax, save in the texture of her fineskin, and one rarely finds in a child's face so much of steel as isambushed in the creases of the rose leaves that serve her as lips. Ifher will matches her mother's, this little one certainly was notafflicted with a misnomer at her baptism. " He rose, looked at hiswatch, and walked across the room as if to inspect a _Pieta_ thathung upon the wall. Unwilling to conclude an interview which hadyielded her no information, Mother Aloysius patiently awaited theresult of the examination, but he finally went to the window, and acertain unmistakable expression of countenance which can be comparedonly to a locking of mouth and eyes, warned her that he was alert andinflexible. With a smothered sigh she left her seat. 

"As you seem impatient, Mr. Palma, I will endeavour to hasten thepreparations for your departure. "

"If you please, Mother; I shall feel indebted to your kindconsideration. "

Nearly an hour elapsed ere she returned leading Regina, and as thelatter stood between Mother and Sister Angela, with a cluster offresh fragrant lilies in her hand, and her tender face blanched andtearful, it seemed to the lawyer as if indeed the pet ewe lamb werebeing led away from peaceful flowery pastures, from the sweetsanctity of the cloistral fold, out through thorny devious pathswhere Temptations prowl wolf-fanged, or into fierce conflicts thatend in the social shambles, those bloodless abattoirs where malicemangles humanity. How many verdure-veiled, rose-garlanded pitfallsyawned in that treacherous future now stretching before her likesummer air, here all gold and blue, yonder with purple glory crowningthe dim far away? Intuitively she recognized the fact that she wasconfronting the first cross roads in her hitherto monotonous life, and a vague dread flitted like ill-omened birds before her, darkeningher vision. 

In the gladiatorial arena of the court-room, Mr. Palma was regardedas a large-brained, nimble-witted, marble-hearted man, of vastambition and tireless energy in the acquisition of his aims; but hiscolleagues and clients would as soon have sought chivalric tendernessin a bronze statue, or a polished obelisk of porphyry. To-day as hecuriously watched the quivering yet proud little girlish face, herbrave struggles to meet the emergency touched some chord far down inhis reticent stern nature, and he suddenly stooped, and took herhand, folding it up securely in his. 

"Are you not quite willing to trust yourself with me?"

She hesitated a moment, then said with a slight wavering in her lowtone:

"I have been very happy here, and I love the Sisters dearly; but youare my mother's friend, and whatever she wishes me to do of coursemust be right. "

Oh beautiful instinctive faith in maternal love and maternal wisdom!Wot ye the moulding power ye wield, ye mothers of America?

Pressing her fingers gently as if to reassure her, he said:

"I dislike to hurry you away from these kind Sisters, but if yourbaggage is ready we have no time to spare. "

The nuns wept silently as she embraced them for the last time, kissedthem on both cheeks, then turned and suffered Mr. Palma to lead herto the carriage, whither her trunk had already been sent. 

Leaning out, she watched the receding outlines of the convent until abend of the road concealed even the belfry, and then she stooped andkissed the drooping lilies in her lap. 

Her companion expected a burst of tears, but she sat erect and quiet, and not a word was uttered until they reached the railway station andentered the cars. Securing a double seat he placed her at the window, and sat down opposite. It was her introduction to railway travel, andwhen the train moved off, and the locomotive sounded its prolongedshriek of departure, Regina started up, but, as if ashamed of hertimidity, coloured and bit her lip. Observing that she appearedinterested in watching the country through which they sped, Mr. Palmadrew a book from his valise, and soon became so absorbed in thecontents that he forgot tie silent figure on the seat before him. 

The afternoon wore away, the sun went down, and when the lamps werelighted the lawyer suddenly remembered his charge. 

"Well, Regina, how do you like travelling on the cars?"

"Not at all; it makes my head ache. "

"Take off your hat, and I will try to make you more comfortable. "

He untied a shawl secured to the outside of his valise, placed it onthe arm of the seat, and made her lay her head upon it. 

Keeping his finger as a mark amid the leaves of his book, he said:

"We shall not reach our journey's end until to-morrow morning, and Iadvise you to sleep as much as possible. Whenever you feel hungry youwill find some sandwiches, cake, and fruit in the basket at yourfeet. "

She looked at him intently, and interpreting the expression he added:

"You wish to ask me something? Am I so very frightful that you darenot question me?"

"Will you tell me the truth, if I ask you?"

"Most assuredly. "

"Mr. Palma, when shall I see my mother?"

His eyes went down helplessly before the girl's steady gaze, and hehesitated a moment. 

"Really, I cannot tell exactly, --but I hope----"

She put up her small hand quickly, with a gesture that silenced him. 

"Don't say any more, please. I never want to know half of anything, and you can't tell me all. Good-night, Mr. Palma. "

She shut her eyes. 

This man of bronze who could terrify witnesses, torture and overwhelmthe opposition, and thunder so successfully from the legal rostrum, sat there abashed by the child's tone and manner, and as he watchedher he could not avoid smiling at her imperious mandate. Althoughsilent, it was one o'clock before she fell into a deep, soundslumber, and then the lawyer leaned forward and studied the dreamer. 

The light from the lamp shone upon her, and the long silky blacklashes lay heavily on her white cheeks. Now and then a sigh passedher lips, and once a dry sob shook her frame, as if she were againpassing through the painful ordeal of parting; but gradually thetraces of emotion disappeared, and that marvellous peace which wefind only in children's countenances, or on the faces of thedead, --and which is nowhere more perfect than in old Greekstatuary, --settled like a benediction over her features. Her frailhands clasped over her breast still held the faded lilies, and toErle Palma she seemed too tender and fair for rude contact with theselfish world, in which he was so indefatigably carving out fame andfortune. He wondered how long a time would be requisite to transformthis pure, spotless, ingenuous young thing into one of the finefashionable miniature women with frizzed hair and huge _paniers_, whom he often met in the city, with school-books in their hands, andbold, full-blown coquetry in their eyes?

Certainly he was as devoid of all romantic weakness as thepropositions of Euclid, or the pages of Blackstone, but something inthe beauty and helpless innocence of the sleeper appealed withunwonted power to his dormant sympathy, and, suspecting that lurkingspectres crouched in her future, he mutely entered into a compactwith his own soul, not to lose sight of, but to befriend herfaithfully, whenever circumstances demanded succour. 

"Upon my word, she looks like a piece of Greek sculpture, and be herfather whom he may, there is no better blood than beats there at herlittle dimpled wrists. The pencilling of the eyebrows is simplyperfect. "

He spoke inaudibly, and just then she stirred and turned. As shemoved, something white fluttered from one of the ruffled pockets ofher apron, and fell to the floor. He picked it up and saw it was theletter he had given her some hours before. The sheet was foldedloosely, and glancing at it, as it opened in his hand, he saw indelicate characters: "Oh, my baby, --my darling! Be patient and trustyour mother. " An irresistible impulse made him look up, and thebeautiful solemn eyes of the girl were fixed upon him, but instantlyher black lashes covered them. 

For the first time in years he felt the flush of shame mount into hiscold haughty face, yet even then he noted the refined delicacy whichmade her feign sleep. 

"Regina. "

She made no movement. 

"Child, I know you are awake. Do you suppose I would stoop to readyour letter clandestinely? It dropped from your pocket, and I haveseen only one line. "

She put out her slender hand, took the letter, and answered:

"My mother writes me that you are her best friend, and I intend tobelieve that all you say is true. "

"Do you think I read your letter?"

"I shall think no more about it. "

 "I will paint her as I see her, Ten times have the lilies blown Since she looked upon the sun, Face and figure of a child, -- Though top calm, you think, and tender, For the childhood you would lend her. "

CHAPTER IV. 

"Indeed, Peyton, you distress me. What can be the matter? I heard youwalking the floor of your room long after midnight, and feared youwere ill. "

"Not ill, Elise, but sorely perplexed. If I felt at liberty tocommunicate all the circumstances to you, doubtless you would readilycomprehend and sympathize with the peculiar difficulties thatsurround me; but unfortunately I am bound by a promise which preventsme from placing all the facts in your possession. Occasionallyministers involuntarily become the custodians of family secrets thatoppress their hearts and burden them with unwelcome responsibility, and just now I am suffering from the consequences of a rash promisewhich compassion extorted from me years ago. While I heartily regretit, my conscience will not permit me to fail in its fulfilment. "

An expression of pain and wounded pride overshadowed Mrs. Lindsay'susually bright, happy face. 

"Peyton, surely you do not share the unjust opinion so fashionablenowaday, that women are unworthy of being entrusted with a secret?What has so suddenly imbued you with distrust of the sister who hasalways shared your cares, and endeavoured to divide your sorrows? Doyou believe me capable of betraying your confidence?

"No, dear. In all that concerns myself, you must know I trust youimplicitly, --trust not only your affection, but your womanlydiscretion, your subtle, critical judgment; but I have no right tocommit even to your careful guardianship some facts which wereexpressly confided solely to my own. "

He laid his hand on his sister's shoulder, and looked fondly, almostpleadingly, into her clouded countenance, but the flush deepened onher fair cheek. 

"The conditions of secrecy, the envelope of mystery, strongly impliessomething socially disgraceful, or radically wicked, and ministers ofthe Gospel should not constitute themselves the locked reservoirs ofsuch turbid streams. "

"Granting that you actually believe in your own supposition, why areyou so anxious to pollute your ears with the recital of circumstancesthat you assume to be degrading, or sinful?"

"I only fear your misplaced sympathy may induce you to compromiseyour ministerial dignity and consistency, for it is quiteevident to me that your judgment does not now acquit you in thismatter--whatever it may be. "

"God forbid that, in obeying the dictates of my conscience, I shouldtransgress even conventional propriety, or incur the charge ofindiscretion. None can realize more keenly than I that a minister'scharacter is of the same delicate magnolia-leaf texture as a woman'sname, --a thing so easily stained that it must be ever elevated beyondthe cleaving dust of suspicion, and the scorching breath of gossipingconjecture. The time has passed (did it ever really exist?) when theprestige of pastoral office hedged it around with imperviousinfallibility, and to-day, instead of partial and extenuatingleniency, pure and uncontaminated society justly denies allministerial immunities as regards the rigid mandates of socialdecorum and propriety, --and the world demands that, instead ofdrawing heavily upon an indefinite fund of charitable confidence andtrust in the clergy, pulpit-people should so live and move that themicroscope of public scrutiny can reveal no flaws. Do you imagine Ishare the dangerous heresy that the sanctity of the office entitlesthe incumbent to make a football of the restrictions of prudence anddiscretion? Elise, I hold that pastors should be as circumspect, asguarded as Roman vestals; and untainted society, guided by even theaverage standard of propriety, tolerates no latitudinarians among itsLevites. I grieve that it is necessary for me to add, that I honourand bow in obedience to its exactions. "

The chilling severity of his tone smote like a flail the lovingheart, which had rebelled only against the apparent lack of faith inits owner, and springing forward Mrs. Lindsay threw her arms aroundher brother's neck. 

"Oh, Peyton! don't look at me so sternly, as if I were a sort ofdomestic Caiaphas set to catechise and condemn you; or as if I wereunjustly impugning your motives. It is all your fault, --of course itis, --for you have spoiled me by unreserved confidence heretofore, andyou ought not to blame me in the least for feeling hurt when at thislate day you indulge in mysteries. Now kiss me, and forget my uglytemper, and set it all down to that Pandora legacy of sleeplesscuriosity, which dear mother Eve received in her impudent tęte-ŕ-tętewith the serpent, and which she spitefully saw fit to bequeath toevery daughter who has succeeded her. So--we are at peace once more?Now keep your horrid secrets to yourself, and welcome!"

"You persist in believing that they must inevitably be horrid?" saidhe, softly stroking her rosy cheek with his open palm. 

"I persist in begging that you will not expect me to adopt theacrobatic style, or require me to instantly attain sanctification_per saltum!_ You must be satisfied with the assurance that you areindeed my 'Royal Highness, ' and that in my creed it is written theking can do no wrong. There, dear, I am not at all addicted to humblepie, and I have already disposed of a large and unpalatable slice. "

She made a grimace, whereat he smiled, kissed her again, and answeredvery gently:

"Will you permit me to put an appendix to your creed? 'Charitysuffereth long, and is kind; is not easily provoked, thinketh noevil. ' My sister, I want you to help me. In some things I find myselfas powerless without your co-operation as a pair of scissors with therivet lost; I cannot cut through obstacles unless you are in yourproper place. "

"For shame, you spiteful Pequod! to rivet your treacherous appealwith so sharply pointed an illustration! Scissors, indeed! I will berevenged by cutting all your work after a biased fashion. How wouldit suit you, reverend sir, to take the rivet out of my tongue, andrepair your clerical scissors?"

"How narrowly you escaped being a genius! That is precisely what Iwas about proposing to do, and now, dear, be sure you bid adieu toall bias. Elise, I received a letter two days since, which annoyed mebeyond expression. "

"I inferred as much, from the vindictive energy with which you thrustit into the fire, and bored it with the end of the poker. Was itinfected with small-pox or leprosy?"

She opened her work basket, and began to crochet vigorously, keepingher eyes upon her needle. 

"Neither. I destroyed it simply and solely because it was the earnestrequest of the writer, that I should commit it to the flames. "

"_Par parenthčse!_ from the beginning of time have not discord, mischief, trouble--been personified by females? Has there been aserious _imbroglio_ since the days of Troy without some vexatiousHelen? Now don't scold me, if in this case I conjecture, --He? She?It?"

"The letter was from a mother, pleading for her child, whom I severalyears ago promised to protect and to befriend. Subsequent eventsinduced me to hope that she would never exact a fulfilment of thepledge, and I was unpleasantly surprised when the appeal reached me. "

"Let me understand fully the little that you wish to tell me. Do youmean that you were unprepared for the demand, because the mother hadforfeited the conditions under which you gave the promise?"

"You unduly intensify the interpretation. My promise wasunconditional, but I certainly have never expected to be called uponto verify it. "

"What does it involve?"

"The temporary guardianship of a child ten years old, whom I havenever seen. "

"He? She? It?"

"A girl, who will in all probability arrive before noon to-day. "

"Peyton!"

The rose-coloured crochet web fell into her lap, and deepdissatisfaction spread its sombre leaden banners over her telltaleface. 

"I regret it more keenly than you possibly can; and, Elise, if Icould have seen the mother before it was too late, I should havedeclined this painful responsibility. "

"Too late? Is the woman dead?"

"No, but she has sailed for Europe, and notifies me that she leavesthe little girl under my protection. "

"What a heartless creature she must be to abandon her child. "

"On the contrary, she seems devotedly attached to her, and uses thesewords: 'If it were not to promote her interest, do you suppose Icould consent to put the Atlantic between my baby and me?' Thecircumstances are so unusual that I daresay you fail to understand myexact position. "

"I neither desire nor intend to force your confidence; but if you canwillingly answer, tell me whether the mother is in every respectworthy of your sympathy. "

"I frankly admit that upon some points I have been dissatisfied, andher letter sorely perplexes me. "

"What claim had she on you, when the promise was extorted?"

"She had none, save such as human misery always has on humansympathy. I performed the marriage ceremony for her when she was amere child, and felt profound compassion for the wretchedness thatsoon overtook her as a wife and mother. "

"Then, my dear brother, there is no alternative, and you must do yourduty; and I shall not fail to help you to the fullest extent of myfeeble ability. Since it cannot be averted, let us try to put ourhearts as well as hands into the work of receiving the waif. Wherehas the child been living?"

"For nearly seven years in a convent. "

"_Tant mieux!_ We may at least safely infer she has been shieldedfrom vicious and objectionable companionship. How is her education tobe conducted in future?"

"Her mother has arranged for the semi-annual payment of a sum quitesufficient to defray all necessary expenses, including tuition atschool; but she urges me, if compatible with my clerical duties, toretain the school fees, and teach the child at home, as she dreadsoutside contaminating associations, and wishes the little one rearedwith rigid ideas of rectitude and propriety. Will you receive heramong your music pupils?"

"Have I a heart of steel, and a soul of flint? And since when did yousuccessfully trace my pedigree to its amiable source in--

 'Gorgons and hydras and chimeras dire'?

"What is her name?"

Mr. Hargrove hesitated a moment, and, detecting the faint colour thattinged his olive cheek, his sister smilingly relieved him. 

"Never mind, dear. What immense latitude we are allowed! If she provea meek, sweet cherub, a very saint in bib-aprons, --with velvety eyesbrown as a hazel nut, and silky chestnut ringlets, --I shall gatherher into my heart and coo over her as--Columba, or Umilta, orUmbeline, or Una; but should we find her spoiled, and thoroughlyleavened with iniquity, --a blonde, yellow-haired tornado, --then aproper regard for the 'unities will suggest that I vigorouslyenter a Christian protest, and lecture her grimly as Jezebel, Tomyris, --Fulvia or Clytemnestra. '"

"She shall be called Regina Orme, and if it will not too heavily taxyour kindness, I should like to give her the small room next yourown, and ask Douglass to move across the hall and take the frontchamber opening on the verandah. The little girl may be timid, and itwould comfort her to feel that you are within call should she be sickor become frightened. I am sure Douglass will not object to thechange. "

"Certainly not. Blessings on his royal heart! He would not be my ownnoble boy if he failed to obey any wish of yours. "

I will at once superintend the transfer of his books and clothes, forif the child comes to-day you have left me little time forpreparation. 

She put away the crochet basket and, looking affectionately at thegrave face that watched her movements, said soberly:

"Do not look so lugubrious; remember Abraham's example ofhospitality, and let us do all we can for this motherless lamb, orkid, --whichever she may prove. One thing more, and here-after I shallhold my peace. You need not live in chronic dread, lest the GuyFawkes of female curiosity pry into, and explode your mystery; for Iassure you, Peyton, I shall never directly or indirectly question thechild, and until you voluntarily broach the subject I shall nevermention it to you. Are you satisfied?"

"Fully satisfied with my sister, and inexpressibly grateful for herunquestioning faith in me. "

She swept him an exaggerated courtesy, and, despite the grey threadsthat began to glint in her auburn hair, ran up the stairway aslightly as a girl of fifteen. 

For some time he stood with his hands behind him, gazing abstractedlythrough the open window, and now and then he heard the busy patter ofhurrying feet in the room over head, while snatches of Easteranthems, and the swelling "Amen" of a "Gloria" rolled down the steps, assuring him that all doubt and suspicion had been ejected from thefaithful, fond, sisterly heart. 

Taking his broad-brimmed gardening hat from the table, the pastorwent down among his flower-beds, followed by Biörn, to whose innateasperity of temper was added the snarling fretfulness of old age. 

A fine young brood of white Brahma chickens, having surreptitiouslyeffected an entrance into the sacred precincts of the flower-garden, were now diligently prosecuting their experiments in entomotomy rightin the heart of a border of choice carnations. When Biörn had chasedthe marauders to the confines of the poultry yard, and watched thelast awkward fledgling scramble through the palings, his master beganto repair the damage, and soon became absorbed in the favourite taskof tying up the spicy tufts of bloom that deluged the air withperfume as he lifted and bent the slender stems. His straw hat shutout the sight of surrounding objects, and he only turned his headwhen Mrs. Lindsay put her hand on his shoulder, and exclaimed:

"Peyton, 'the Philistines _be_ upon thee'!"

"Do you mean that she has come?"

"I think so; there is a carriage at the gate, and I noticed a trunkbeside the driver. "

He rose hastily, and stood irresolute, visibly embarrassed. 

"Why, Peyton! Recollect your text last Sunday: 'No man having put hishand to the plough, ' etc. , etc. , etc. It certainly is rather hard tobe pelted with, one's own sermons, but it would never do to turn yourback upon this benevolent furrow. Come, pluck up courage, and frontthe inevitable. "

"Elise, how can you jest? I am sorely burdened with gloomyforebodings of coming ill. You cannot imagine how I shrink from thisresponsibility. "

"It is rather too late, dear, to climb upon the stool of repentance. Take this beast of Bashan by the horns, and have done with it. Thereis the bell! Shall I accompany you?"

"Oh, certainly. "

Hannah met them, and held up a card. 

 ERLE PALMA, _New York City_. 

As the minister entered his parlour, Mr. Palma advanced to meet him, holding out his hand. 

"I hope Dr. Hargrove has been prepared for my visit, and understandsits object?"

"I am glad to know you, sir, and had reason to expect you. Allow meto present Mr. Palma to my sister, Mrs. Lindsay. I am exceedingly----"

The sentence was never completed, and he stood with his eyes fastenedon the child who leaned against the window watching him with an eagerbreathless interest as some caged creature eyes a new keeper, wondering, mutely questioning, whether cruelty or kindness willpredominate in the strange custodian. 

For a moment, oblivious of all else, each gazed into the eyes of theother, and a subtle magnetic current flashed from soul to soul, revealing certain arcana, which years of ordinary acquaintancesometimes fail to unveil. From the pastor's countenance melted everytrace of doubt and apprehension; from that of the girl all shadow ofdistrust. 

Studying the tableau, Mr. Palma saw the clergyman smile, and as ifinvoluntarily open his arms; and he was astonished when the shy, reticent child who had repulsed all his efforts to become acquainted, suddenly glided forward and into the outstretched arms of her newguardian. Weary from the long journey and rigid restraint imposedupon her feelings, the closely pent emotion broke all barriers, and, clinging to the minister Regina found relief in a flood of tears. Mr. Hargrove sat down, and, keeping his arm around her, said tenderly:

"Are you so unwilling to come and live under my care? Would youprefer to remain with Mr. Palma?" She put her hands up, and, claspingthem at the back of his head, answered brokenly:

"No--no I it is not that. Your face shows me you are good--so good!But I can't help crying, --I have tried so hard to keep from it, eversince I kissed the Sisters good-bye, --and everything is sostrange--and my throat aches, and aches--oh, don't scold me! Pleaselet me cry!"

"As much as you please. We know your poor little heart is almostbreaking, and a good cry will help you. "

He gathered her close to his bosom, and the lawyer was amazed at theconfiding manner in which she nestled her head against the stranger'sshoulder. Mrs. Lindsay untied and removed the hat and veil, and, placing a glass of water to the parched trembling lips, softly kissedher tearful cheek, and whispered:

"Now, dear, try to compose yourself. Come with me and bathe yourface, and then you will feel better. "

"Don't take me away. I have stopped crying. It rests me so, to feelsomebody's arms around me. "

"Well--suppose you try my arms awhile? I assure you they are quiteready to take you in, and hug you close. Just let me show you how Iput my arms around my own child, though he is a man. Come, dear. "

Mrs. Lindsay gently disengaged the clasped hands resting on herbrother's neck, and drew Regina into her arms, while, won by hersweet voice and soft touch, the latter allowed herself to be ledinto another room. 

They had scarcely disappeared when Mr. Palma said:

"I find I was mistaken in supposing that you and your ward werestrangers. "

"We are strangers, at least I never saw her until to-day. "

"Did you mesmerize her?"

"Not that I am aware of. What suggests such an idea?"

"She receives your friendly overtures so graciously, and rejectedmine with such chill politeness. I presume you are aware of the factthat we have a joint guardianship over this child?"

"If you will walk into the library, where we can escape intrusion, Ishould like to have some confidential conversation with you. "

When he had placed his visitor in his own easy chair, and locked thedoor of the library, Mr. Hargrove sat down beside the oval table, and, folding his hands before him, leaned forward scrutinizing thehandsome non-committal face of the stranger, and conjecturing how farhe would be warranted in unburdening his own oppressed heart. 

Coolly impassive, and without a vestige of curious interest, thelawyer quietly met his incisive gaze. 

"Mr. Palma, may I ask whether Regina's mother has unreservedlycommunicated her history to you?"

"She has acquainted me with only a few facts, concerning which shedesired legal advice. "

"Has she given you her real name?"

"I know her only as Madame Odille Orphia Orme, an actress of veryremarkable beauty and great talent. "

"Do you understand the peculiar circumstances that attended hermarriage?"

"I merely possess her assurance that she was married by you. "

"Have you been informed who is Regina's father?"

"The name has always been carefully suppressed, but she told methat Orme was merely an _alias_. "

"Have you ever suspected the truth?"

"Really, that is a question I cannot answer. I have at timesconjectured, but only in a random unauthorized way. I should verymuch like to know, but my client declined giving me all the facts, atleast at present; and while her extreme reticence certainly hampersme, it prevents me from asking you for the information, which shepromises ere long to give me. "

Mr. Hargrove bowed and leaned back more easily in his chair, fullysatisfied concerning the nature of the man with whom he had to deal. 

"You doubtless think it singular that Mrs. Orme should commit herdaughter to my care, while keeping me in ignorance of her parentage. A few days since she signed in the presence of witnesses a cautiouslyworded instrument, in which she designated you and me as jointguardians of Regina Orme, and specified that should death or othercauses prevent you from fulfilling the trust, I should assumeexclusive control of her daughter until she attained her majority, or was otherwise disposed of. To this arrangement I at length veryreluctantly assented, because it is a charge for which I have noleisure, and even less inclination; but as she seems to anticipatethe time when a lawsuit may be inevitable, and wishes my services, she finally overruled my repugnance to the office forced upon me. "

"I must ask you one question, which subsequent statements willexplain. Do you regard her in all respects as a worthy, true, goodwoman?"

"The mystery of an assumed name always casts a shadow, implying theexistence of facts or of reports inimical to the party thus ambushed;and concealment presupposes either indiscretion, shame, or crime. This circumstance excited unfavourable suspicions in my mind, but sheassured me she had a certificate of her marriage, and that you wouldverify this statement. Can you do so? Was she legally married whenvery young?"

"She was legally married in this room eleven years ago. "

"I am glad it is susceptible of proof. This point established, I caneasily answer your question in the affirmative. As far as I amacquainted with her record, Mrs. Orme is a worthy woman, and I mayadd, a remarkably cautious circumspect person for one socomparatively unaccustomed to the admiration which is now lavishedupon her. I believe it is conceded that she is the most beautifulwoman in New York, but she shelters herself so securely in theconstant presence of a plain but most respectable old couple, withwhom she resides, and who accompany her when travelling, that it isdifficult to see her, except upon the stage. Even in her businessvisits to my office she has always been attended by old Mrs. Waul. "

"Can you explain to me how one so uneducated and inexperienced as shecertainly was has so suddenly attained, not only celebrity (which isoften cheaply earned), but eminence in a profession, involving theamount of culture requisite for dramatic success?"

A slight smile showed the glittering line of the lawyer's teeth. 

"When did you see her last?"

"Seven years ago. "

"Then I venture the assertion that you would not recognize her shouldyou see her in one of her favourite and famous _rôles_. When, where, or by whom she was trained I know not, but some acquaintance with themost popular ornaments of her profession justifies my opinion that nomore cultivated or artistic actress now walks the stage than MadameOdille Orme. She is no mere _amateur_ or novice, but told me she hadlaboriously and studiously struggled up from the comparatively menialposition of seamstress. Even in Paris I have never heard a purer, finer rendition of a passage in _Phčdre_ than one day burst from herlips in a moment of deep feeling, yet I cannot tell you how or whereshe learned French. She made her _début_ in tragedy, somewhere in theWest, and when she reappeared in New York her success was brilliant. I have never known a woman whose will was so patiently rigid, socolossal, whose energy was so tireless in the pursuit of one specialaim. She has the vigilance and tenacity of a Spanish bloodhound. "

"In the advancement of her scheme, do you believe her capable ofcommitting a theft?"

"What do you denominate a theft?"

The piercing black eyes of the lawyer were fixed with increasedinterest upon the clergyman. 

"Precisely what every honest man means by the term. If Mrs. Ormeresolved to possess a certain paper to which she had been deniedaccess, do you think she would hesitate to break into a house, open asecret drawer, and steal the contents?"

"Not unless she had a legal right to the document, which was unjustlywithheld from her, and even then my knowledge of the lady's characterinclines me to believe that she would hesitate, and resort to othermeans. "

"You consider her strictly honest and truthful?"

"I am possessed of no facts that lead me to indulge a contraryopinion. Suppose you state the case?"

Briefly Mr. Hargrove narrated the circumstances attending his lastinterview with Regina's mother, and the loss of the tin box, dwellingin conclusion upon the perplexing fact that in the recent letterreceived from her relative to her daughter's removal to theparsonage, Mrs. Orme had implored him to carefully preserve thelicense he had retained as the marriage certificate in her possessionmight not be considered convincing proof, should litigation ensue. Hecould not understand the policy of this appeal, nor reconcile itsnecessity with his conviction that she had stolen the license. 

Joining his scholarly white hands with the tips of his fingersforming a cone, Mr. Palma leaned back in his chair and listened, while no hint of surprise or incredulity found expression in hiscold, imperturbable face. When the recital was ended, he merelyinclined his head. 

"Do you not regard this as strong evidence against her? Be frank, Mr. Palma. "

"It is merely circumstantial. Write to Mr. Orme, inform her of theloss of the license, and I think you will find that she is asinnocent of the theft as you or I. I know she went to Europebelieving that the final proof of her marriage was in your keeping;for in the event of her death, while abroad, she has empowered me todemand that paper from you, and to present it with certain others ina court of justice. "

"I wish I could see it as you do. I hope it will some day besatisfactorily cleared up, but meanwhile I must indulge a doubt. Onone point at least my mind is at rest; this little girl isunquestionably the child of the man who married her mother, for Ihave never seen so remarkable a likeness as she bears to him. "

He sighed heavily, and patted the shaggy head which Biörn had sometime before laid unheeded on his knee. 

During the brief silence that ensued the lawyer gazed out of thewindow, through which floated the spicy messages of carnations, andthe fainter whispers of pale cream-hearted Noisette roses; then herose and put both hands in his pockets. 

"Dr. Hargrove, you and I have been--with, I believe, equalreluctance--forced into the same boat, and since _bongré malgré_ wemust voyage for a time together, in the interest of this unfortunatechild, candour becomes us both. Men of my profession sometimes resortto agencies that the members of yours usually shrink from. I too wasonce very sceptical concerning the truth of Mrs. Orme's fragmentarystory, for it was the merest _disjecta membra_ which she entrusted tome, and my credulity declined to honour her heavy drafts. To satisfymyself, I employed a shrewd female detective to 'shadow' the prettyactress for nearly a year, and her reports convinced me that myclient, whilst struggling with Napoleonic ambition and pertinacity toattain the zenith of success in her profession, was as littleaddicted to coquetry as the statue of Washington in Union Square, orthe steeple of Trinity Church; and that in the midst of flattery andadulation she was the same proud, cold, suffering, almostbroken-hearted wife she had always appeared in her conferences withme. Induging this belief, I have accepted the joint guardianship ofher daughter, on condition that whenever it becomes necessary toreceive her under my immediate protection, I shall be madeacquainted with her real name. "

"Thank you, my dear sir, for your frankness, which I would mostjoyfully reciprocate, were I not bound by a promise to make norevelations until she gives me permission, or her death unseals mylips. I hope you fully comprehend my awkward position. There is aconspiracy to defraud her and her child of their social and legalrights, and I fear both will be victimized; but she insists thatsecrecy will deliver her from the snares of her enemies. I supposeyou are aware that General----"

He paused, and bit his lip, and again the lawyer's handsome mouthdisclosed his perfect teeth. 

"There is no mischief in your dropped stitch; I shall not pick it up. I know that Mrs. Orme's husband is in Europe, and I was assured thatmotives of a personal character induced her to make certainprofessional engagements in England and upon the Continent. I am notenthusiastic, and rarely venture prophecies, but I shall be muchdisappointed if her Richelieu tactics do not finally triumph. "

"Can you tell me why she does not openly bring suit against herhusband for bigamy?"

"Simply because she has been informed that the policy of the defencewould be to at once attack her reputation, which she seems to guardwith almost morbid sensitiveness on account of her daughter. She hasbeen warned of the dangerous consequences of a suit, but if forced toextremities will hazard it; hence I bide my time. "

He threw back his lordly head, and his brilliant eyes seemed todilate, as though the suggestion of the suit stirred his pulse, asthe breath of carnage and the din of distant battle that of thewar-horse, panting for the onward dash. 

A species of human petrel, --a juridic _Procellaria Pelagica_whose _habitat_ was the court-house, --Erle Palma lived amid theceaseless surges of litigation, watching the signs of rising tempestsin human hearts, plunging in defiant exultation where the billowsrode highest, never so elated as when borne triumphantly upon thetowering crest of some conquering wave of legal _finesse_, orimpassioned invective, and rarely saddened in the flush of victory bythe pale spectres of strangled hope, fortune, or reputation whichfloat in the _débris_ of the wrecks that almost every day driftmournfully away from the precincts of courts of justice. 

The striking of the clock caused him to draw out his watch andcompare the time. 

"I believe the regular train does not leave V---- until night, butthe conductor told me I might catch an excursion train bound south, and due here about half-past one o'clock. It is necessary for me toreturn with as little delay as possible, and after I have spoken toRegina I must hasten to the depot You will find my address pencilledon the card, and I presume Mrs. Orme has given you hers. Should youdesire to confer with me at any time relative to the child, I shallpromptly respond to your letters, but have no leisure to spend inlooking after her. The semiannual remittance shall not be neglected, and Regina has a package for you containing money for contingentexpenses. "

They entered the hall, and found the little stranger sitting alone onthe lowest step of the stairway, where Mrs. Lindsay had left her, while she went to prepare luncheon for the travellers. She was veryquiet, bore no visible traces of tears, but the tender lips wore apiteously sad expression of heroically repressed grief, and thepurlish shadows under her solemn blue eyes rendered them more thanever--pleadingly beautiful. 

As the two gentlemen stood before her she rose, and caught herbreath, pressing one little palm over her heart, while the othergrasped the balustrade. 

"Don't you think, dear, that you ought to be well cared for, when youhave two guardians--two adopted fathers, Mr. Palma and I--to watchover you? We both intend that you shall be the happiest little girlin the State. Will you help us?"

"I will try to be good. "

Her voice was very low, but steady, as if she realized she was makinga compact. 

"Then I know we shall all succeed. "

Mr. Hargrove walked to the front door, and the lawyer put on his hatand came back to the steps. 

"Regina, I have explained to you that I brought you here because yourmother so directed me, and I believe Dr. Hargrove will be a kind, good friend. Little one, I do not like to leave you so soon amongstrangers, but it cannot be helped. Will you be contented and happy?"

There was singular emphasis in her reply. 

"I shall never complain to you, Mr. Palma. "

"Because you think I would not 'Sympathize with you? I am not a mangiven to soft words, nor am I accustomed to deal with children, butindeed I should be annoyed if I thought you were unhappy here. "

"Then you must not be annoyed at all. "

His quick nervous laugh seemed to startle her unpleasantly, for sheshrank closer to the balustrade. 

"How partial you are, preferring Dr. Hargrove already, and flyinginto his arms at sight! Do you wish to make me jealous?"

His eyes gleamed mischievously, and he saw the blood rising in herwhite cheeks. 

"Dr. Hargrove opened his arms to me, because he saw how miserable Iwas. "

"If I should chance to open mine, do you think that by any accidentyou would rush into them?"

"You know you would never have dreamed of doing such a thing. Are yougoing away now?"

"In a moment. If you get into trouble, or need anything, will youwrite to me? Remember, I am your mother's friend. "

"Is not Mr. Hargrove also?"

"Certainly. "

He took her hands, and bending down looked kindly into the delicatelovely face. 

"Good-bye, Regina. "

"Good-bye, Mr. Palma. "

"I hope, little girl, that we shall always be friends. "

"You are very good to wish it. Thank you for taking care of me. Because you are my mother's best friend, I shall pray for you everynight. "

His sternly moulded lips twitched with some strange passingreminiscence of earlier years, but the emotion vanished, and, pressing her hands gently, he turned and went down the walk leadingto the gate. 

CHAPTER V. 

"Please let me come in, and help you. "

Regina knocked timidly at the door of the parsonage guest's chamber, and Mrs. Lindsay answered from within:

"Come in? Of course you may, but what help do you imagine you canrender, you useless piece of prettiness? Shall I set you on themantlepiece between the china kittens, and the glass lambs, rightunder the sharp nose of my grandmother's portrait, where her greatsolemn eyes will keep you in order? Whence do all those delectableodours come? Are you a walking _sachet?_"

She was kneeling before an open drawer of the bureau, methodicallyarranging sundry garments, and, pausing in the task, looked over hershoulder at the girl who stood near, holding her hands behind her. 

"I am sure I could help you, if I were only allowed to try. I amquite a large girl now, more than a year older than when I came here, and Hannah has taught me to do ever so many things. She says I willbe a famous cook some day. You didn't know that I made up the SallyLunn for tea?"

"What an ambitious bit of majesty you are! You wish to reign in thekitchen, rule in the poultry yard, and now presume to invade myprovince--my special kingdom of making things ready for the Bishop?Have you been anointing yourself with a whole vial of Lubin's extractof--Ah!--delicious--what is it?"

"Whatever it may be, will you let me fix it to suit myself on theBishop's bureau?"

"No, you impertinent, wily Delilah in short clothes! I never promisein the dark; show it to me first, and then perhaps I may negotiatewith you. You know as well as I do that the Bishop dearly lovesperfumes, and if I should generously concede you the privilege ofpresenting 'sweet-smelling savours' unto him you might some daydepose me--and I wish you distinctly to understand that I intend toreign over him as long as I live; not an inch of territory shall youfilch. "

Regina held up her hands, displaying in one several feathery spraysof Belgian honeysuckle, with half of its petals pearl, half of thepalest pink; in the other a bunch of double violets of the rarestshade of delicate lilac, so unusual in the floral kingdom. 

"You should be called 'Mab, ' and ride about the world on a butterfly, or a streak of moonshine. How did you coax or conjure thathoneysuckle into blooming before its appointed time?"

"Here are three pieces, two for the Bishop, and one for you. May Ifasten it in your hair?"

"You recite a lesson in history every day, don't you?"

"Yes, ma'am. "

"Have you come to the Salem-witches yet?"

"Not yet. What has my history to do with this honeysuckle?"

"When you study metaphysics and begin the chase after thatpsychological fox--the-law-of-association-of-ideas, you willunderstand. Meanwhile, thank your stars, dear, that you did not livein Massachusetts some years ago, or you would certainly nave gone toheaven in the shape of smoke. How you stare, you white owl! As if youthought St. Vitus had rented my tongue for a dancing-saloon. It isall because the Bishop is coming. My blessed Bishop! Yes, put thehandsomest spray in my hair, and then, if you make me look young andvery pretty, you may do as you like with the others. "

Still kneeling, she inclined her head, while Regina twisted thewreath around the coil of neatly braided hair. Then, kissing the girllightly on her cheek, Mrs. Lindsay closed the drawer and rose. Drawing a silver cup from her pocket, Regina filled it with water, placed it close to the mirror, and proceeded to arrange the violetsand honeysuckle. Stepping back to inspect the effect, she folded herhands and smiled. 

"Mrs. Lindsay, tell him I gathered them for him, because he was kindto me when I came here a stranger, and I wish to thank him. When heis at home it seems always summer-time, don't you think so?"

The mother's eyes filled, and, laying a hand on the girl's head, sheanswered:

"Yes, dear, he is my sunshine, and my summer-time. "

"How long will he stay with us?"

"He could not say positively when his last letter was written, but Ihope to keep him several months. You know it is possible he may beforced to go to England, in order to complete some of his studiesbefore--oh, Regina! could we bear to have two oceans swelling betweenour Bishop and us?"

"Why, then, will you let him go?"

"Can I help it?"

"You are his mother, and he would never disobey you. "

"But he is a man, and I cannot tie him to my apron strings as I do mybunch of keys. I must not stand in the way, and prevent him fromdoing his duty. "

"I suppose I don't yet know everything about such matters, but Ishould think it was his duty first to please you. How devoted he isto 'duty'? It must be horrible to leave all one loves, and go out toIndia among the heathens. "

"Pray, what do you know about the heathens?" said a manly voice, andinstantly two strong arms gathered the pair in a cordial embrace. 

"My son! You stole a march upon me! Oh, Douglass, I never was half soglad to see you as now!"

"If you do not stop crying, I shall feel tempted to doubt you. Tearsare so unusual in your eyes that I shall be disposed to regard yourwelcome as equivocal. "

He kissed her on cheek and lips, and added:

"Regina, can't you contrive to say you are a little glad to see me?"

There was no reply, and, turning to look for her, he found she hadvanished. 

"Queer little thing, she has gone without a word, though she insistedon dressing her silver cup with those flowers, which she thoughtwould suggest to you her gratitude for your numerous little acts ofkindness. Have you seen your uncle?"

"Yes, mother, I stopped a few moments at the church, where he isengaged with one of the committee. Uncle Peyton is not looking well. Has he been sick?"

"He has suffered a good deal with his throat since you left us, andnow and then I notice he coughs. He is overworked, and now that youcan fill his pulpit he will have an opportunity to rest. Oh, my son!in every respect your visit is a blessing. "

Leaning her head on his breast, she looked up with proud and almostadoring tenderness, and, drawing his face down to hers, held itclose, kissing him with that intense clinging fervour which onlymother-love kindles. 

"Does my little mother know that she is spoiling her boy by inches;making a nursery darling, instead of a hardy soldier of him? You areweaving silken bonds to fasten me more securely here, when you oughtrather to aid me in snapping the fetters of affection, habit, andassociation. Come, be so good as to brush the dust out of my hair, while you tell me everything about everybody, which you have failedto write during these long months of absence. "

For some time they talked of family matters, of occurrences in V----, of some invidious and unkind remarks, some caustic personalcriticisms upon the pastor's household affairs, which had emanatedfrom Mrs. Prudence Potter, a widowed member of the congregation, whohad once rashly dreamed of presiding over the clerical hearth as Mrs. Peyton Hargrove, and having failed to possess her kingdom had becomea merciless spy upon all that happened in the forbidden realm. 

"Poor Mrs. Prue! what a warfare exists between her name and hercharacter. She should petition the legislature to allow her to becalled--Mrs. Echidna! My son, I think modern civilization will remainincomplete, will not perform its mission, until it relieves societyfrom the depredations of these scorpions, by colonizing them wherethey will expend their poison without dangerous results. If stingthey must, let it be among themselves. If I were lunatic enough todesire to vote, I should spend my franchise in favour of a 'GossipReservation'--somewhere close to the Great Western Desert, to whichthe disappointed widows, spiteful old maids, and snarling dyspepticbachelors of this much-suffering generation should be relegated fordomiciliation and reform. Freedom serves America much as Ćsop's storkdid the frogs: we are appallingly free to be devoured by envy, stabbed by calumny, strangled by slander. I believe if I were apainter, and desired to portray Cleopatra's death, I would assuredlygive to the asp the baleful features and sneering smirk of Mrs. Prudence. Every Sunday when she twists those two curls on herforehead till they lift themselves like horns, puts up hereye-glasses and pays her respects to our pew, I catch myselfwhispering '_Cerastes!_' and wishing that I were only the _camera_of a photographer. "

"Take care, mother! would you accept a homestead in your contemplated'Reservation'?"

She pinched his ear. 

"Don't presume, sir, to preach to me. Really, I often wonder howPeyton can force himself to smile and parry the vinegar cruets thatwoman throws at him in the shape of observations upon the 'rapiddecline of evangelical piety, ' and the 'sadly backslidden nature' ofthe clergy. "

"Because he is the very best man in the world, and faithfullypractises what he preaches--Christian charity. What is Mrs. Pru'slatest grievance?"

"That Peyton does not admit her to his confidence, and supply herwith all the particulars of Regina's history and family, which hewithholds even from you and me, and about which we should never dreamof catechizing him. In a better cause, her bold effrontery would besublime. Fortunately she was absent in Vermont for some months afterthe child came, and curiosity had subsided into indifference untilshe returned, --when lo! a geyser of righteous anxiety and suspicionboiled up in the congregation, and wellnigh scalded us. What do yousuppose she blandly asked me one day, in the child's presence? 'Werenot Mr. Hargrove's friends mistaken in believing he had nevermarried?' Now I contend that the law of the land should indict forjust such cruel and wicked innuendoes, because these social crimesthat the statutes do not reach work almost as much mischief andmisery as those offences against public peace which the laws declarepenal. I confess Mrs. Potter is my _bęte-noire_, and I feel as nodoubt Paul did when he wrote to Timothy: 'Alexander the coppersmithdid me much evil; the Lord reward him according to his works. '"

"Mother, what reply did you make to her? I can imagine you toweringlike Mrs. Siddons. "

"You may be sure I unmasked a battery. I looked straight into herlittle faded grey eyes, which straggle away from each other as ifashamed of their mutual ferret experiences, --for you know one looksout so, and one turns always up, --and I answered, that my brother hadbeen exceedingly fortunate, as, notwithstanding the numerousmatrimonial nets adroitly spread for him, he had escaped, like thePsalmist, 'as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers, ' and fled forsafety unto the mountain of celibacy. Bishop, if the new school ofscience lack the link that binds us to the ophidian type, I canfurnish a thoroughly 'developed' specimen of an 'evolved' Melusina;for Mrs. Pru's ancestors must have been not very remotely, cobra-capellos. Such a chronic blister as she is keeps up moreinflammation in a church than all the theology at Andover can cool. As for general society here in V----, she damages it more than allthe three hundred foxes of Samson did the corn-fields, vineyards, and olives of the Philistines. What are you laughing at?"

"The ludicrous dismay that will seize you when the constablery ofyour progressive civilization notify you that you must emigrate tothe Gossip and Slander Reservation. Poor Mrs. Prudence Potter! frommy earliest recollection she has been practising archery upon thetarget of her neighbours' characters, and she seeks social martyrdomas diligently as Sir Galahad hunted the Sangreal. In the form ofostracism, I think she is certainly reaping her reward. Mother, lether rest. "

"With all my heart! ''tis a consummation devoutly to be wished;' butthat is just the last thing she proposes, until the muscles of hertongue and eyes are paralyzed. Rest indeed! Did you ever see a hyenacaged in a menagerie? Did you ever know it to rest for an instantfrom its snarling, snapping, grinning round? My son, I would not formy right hand malign or injure her, but how can I sincerely indulgecharitable reflections concerning a person who has so persistentlypersecuted your uncle?"

"Then, dear little mother, do not think of her at all. Be assured herill-natured shafts will fall as blunt and harmless upon the noblewell-tried armour of my uncle's Christian character, as a bombardmentof cambric needles against the fortress of Cronstadt. How rapidlyRegina has grown, since she came among us? Her complexion is perfect. Is she the same straightforward, guileless child I left her?"

"Unchanged except in the rapid expansion of her mind, which developssurprisingly. She is the most mature child I have ever met, and Ipresume it is attributable to the fact that she has never been thrownwith children, and having always associated with older persons, hasinsensibly imbibed their staid thoughts, and adopted their quietways. I should not be more astonished to see my prim puritanicalgrandmother yonder step down from the frame, and turn a somersault onthe carpet, or indulge in leap-frog, than to find Regina guilty ofany boisterous hoidenish behaviour, or unrefined, undignifiedlanguage. If she had been born on the _Mayflower_, raised on PlymouthRock, and fed three times a day on the 'Blue Laws' of Connecticut, she could not possibly have proved a more eminently 'proper' child. Even Hannah, who you may recollect was so surly, harsh, andsuspicious when she first came here, and who really has as littlecordiality or enthusiasm in her nature as a gridiron or arolling-pin, seems now to be completely devoted to her; as nearlyinfatuated as one of her flinty temperament can be, --and who conquersold Hannah's heart--you will admit--must be wellnigh perfect. "

"Does my uncle continue to teach her?"

"Yes, and I think it is one of his greatest pleasures. She isambitious and studious, and Peyton is never too weary to explainwhatever puzzles her. She is exceedingly fond of him, and he saidlast week that she was his 'Jabez;' he had received her soreluctantly, and she proved such a comfort and blessing?"

"I presume her mother writes to her occasionally?"

"Regularly every fortnight she receives a letter. Sometimes for daysafter Regina looks perplexed and sorrowful, but she never divulgesthe contents. Once, about two months ago, I found her lying on therug in her own room, with her face in her hands, and her mother'slast letter beside her. I asked if she had received any bad news, forI knew she was crying in her quiet way, and she looked up, and saidin a tone that was really piteous: 'There is nothing new. It isalways the same old thing!--she does not know yet when she can come, and I must be good and patient. Oh, Mrs. Lindsay! I am so hungry tosee my mother! When I look at her picture, I feel as if I would bewilling to die if I could only kiss her, and hear her say once more, "My baby! My darling!" Last night I dreamed she took me in her armsand hugged me tight, and looked at me as she used to do when she cameto the convent, and said, "Papa's own baby! Papa's poor stray lamb!"Mrs. Lindsay, when I waked I had the pillow in my arms, and waskissing it. ' Now, Douglass, it is a great mystery how a mother couldvoluntarily separate herself from such a child as Regina. I asked herto show me the picture, and she cried a good deal, and said: 'I haveoften wished to show it to you, but she says I must let no one seeit. Oh! she is so beautiful! Lovelier than the Madonnas in theChapels; only she always has tears in her eyes. I never saw her whenshe did not weep. Mrs. Lindsay, help me to be good, teach me to besmart in everything, that I may be some comfort to my mother. ' Thesaddest feature in the whole affair is, that Regina begins to suspectthere is some discreditable mystery about her mother and herself; butPeyton says it is marvellous how delicately she treats the subject. She came home one day from Sunday school and told him that Mrs. Prudence asked her in the presence, of her class how her mother couldafford to dress her in such costly clothes; and whether she had everseen her father? Peyton wished to know what reply she made, and shesaid her answer was: 'Mrs. Potter, if I were you and you were ReginaOrme, I think I would have my tongue cut out, before it should askyou such questions. ' Then Peyton told me she looked at him as if shewere reading his secret soul, and added; 'It is hard not tounderstand everything, but I will be patient, for mother writes thatsome day I shall know all; and no matter what people say--no matterhow strange things may seem--I will believe in my mother, as Ibelieve in God!' Most girls of her age would be curious to discoverwhat is concealed from her, but although your uncle thinks she isuncertain whether her father be living or dead, she carefully shunsall reference to the subject. There is the doorbell! Hannah will letsomebody in before I can fly down and tell her to excuse me. Howstupid of people not to know that my Bishop has come! Oh dear! it isMrs. Cartney, and she has come for the aprons I promised to make forthe Asylum children, and they have not been touched! Yes, Hannah, Iam coming. Why didn't you say I was engaged with my son?"

She disappeared, and after awhile Douglass Lindsay went down to thelibrary, and thence through the door opening upon two steps that ledinto the garden. 

It was one of those rare golden-aired days that sometimes break overthe bleak brows of brawling March in sunny prophecy of yet distantsummer; windless days, when rime and haze are equally unknown, andtender fingers of the timid spring, lifting the shrouding sod, advance tendril and leaf and bud as heralds of the annualresurrection. Double daffodils stood erect and conspicuous likecommissioned officers along the line of yellow jonquils that borderedthe walks, and snowy narcissus and purple and rose hyacinths made afragrant mosaic over which the brown bees swung, and hummed theirceaseless hymn--_laborare est orare_. Following the winding path thatled to the palings which shut out the poultry realm, the youngminister leaned against the gate, overshadowed by a tall lilac, andlooked across at the feathered folk, of which from boyhood he hadbeen particularly fond. 

In the centre of the enclosure was a handsome pigeon-house, circularin form, and easily accessible by a flight of steps, while upon thetop of a cupola that sprung from the roof was built a small butprettily painted martin's home, in the quaint shape of the ark as wefind it in Scriptural illustrations. Throughout the length andbreadth of the Continent, probably no other mere _amateur_ fowlfancier possessed such a collection as Mr. Hargrove had patiently andgradually gathered from various sources. The peculiarity consisted inthe whiteness of the fowls;--turkeys, guineas, geese, ducks, EnglishPile, Leghorn, Brahma chickens all spotlessly pure, while the pigeonsresembling drifting snow-flakes, --and the pheasants gleamed likesilver. 

Upon one of the steps of the columbary sat Regina, with a basket ofmixed grain by her side, and in her lap a pair of white rabbits whichshe was feeding with celery and cabbage leaves. At her feet stood twobeautiful Chinese geese, whose golden bills now and then approachedthe edge of the basket, or encroached upon the rabbits' evening meal. The girl was bareheaded, and the fading sunshine lingered lovinglyupon the glossy hair and delicate lovely face which had lost naughtof the purity that characterized it eighteen months before, whileduring that time she had grown much taller, and gave promise ofattaining unusual height and symmetry. 

The dress of Marie-Louise blue merino was relieved at the throat by aneatly crimped ruffle, and, as in days of yore, she wore the whiteapron with pretty pockets, and ruffled bands passing over hershoulders and down to the belt behind, where broad strings of linenwere looped into a bow. Her abundant hair was plaited in two longthick braids, and passed twice around her head, forming a jetcoronal, and imparting a peculiarly classic contour. 

There was in this quiet fowlyard scene something so innocent, sopeaceful, that it was inexpressibly soothing and attractive to theman who stood beneath the lilac boughs, jaded with unremitting study, and laden with wearying schemes of future labour. Douglass Lindsaywas only twenty-five, but the education and habits of a theologicalstudent had stamped a degree of gravity on his handsome face, whichwas doubtless enhanced by a slight yet undeniable baldness. 

Closely resembling his mother, except in the brownness of his fineeyes, his countenance lacked the magnetic warmth and merry shiftinglights that rendered hers so pleasant, yet none who looked earnestlyupon it could doubt for an instant that he would prove a stanch, faithful, worthy ensign of that Banner of Peace, which Jesus unfurledamong the olive-girdled hills of holy Judea. 

With no leprous taint of bigotry to sully his soul, blur his vision, or cramp his sphere of action, the broad stream of Christian charityflowed from his noble, generous heart, sweeping away obstacles thatwould have impeded the usefulness of a minister less catholic insympathy, more hampered by creed ligaments and denominationalfetters. To an almost womanly tenderness and susceptibility regardingthe sufferings of his fellow-creatures, he united an inflexibleadherence to the dictates of justice and the rigorous promptings ofconscience; and while devoutly yielding allegiance solely to theTriune God, to whose service he had reverently dedicated his younglife, there were times when in almost ascetic self-abnegation heunconsciously bowed down to that stem-lipped, stony Teraph who, under the name of "Duty, " sat a cowled and shrouded idol in thesecret oratory of his unselfish heart. Are there not seasons wheneven the most orthodox wonder whether the _Dii Involuti_ passed awayfor ever, with the _paterć_ and _fibulć_ that once rendered servicein the classic shades of Chusium and Monte-pulciana?

Scholarly in tastes, neither Mr. Lindsay's habits nor inclination ledhim often into the flowery mazes of fashionable society, but, standing upon the verge of Vanity Fair, he had looked curiously downat the feverish whirl, the gilded shams, the maddening, murderousconflict for place, --the empty mocking pageantry of the victorious, the sickening despair and savage irony of the legions of thedefeated; and after the roar and shout and moan of the socialmaelstrom, as presented in the great city where his studies had beenpursued, it was pleasant this afternoon to watch the fluttering whitecreatures that surrounded that calm beautiful child, and to listen tothe soft cooing of the innocent lovers in the dovecote above her. 

Opening the latticed gate he walked toward the group, and lifting thebasket, sat down on the steps. 

"Why did you not wait, and invite me to come out and inspect yourpretty pets?"

"I thought your mother could not spare you this first afternoon, shehad so much to say to you; but I am very glad you have not quiteforgotten us. Do you see how tall the China geese have grown? Whenthe gander stretches his neck he can touch my shoulder with his bill. Isn't he beautiful?"

"Decidedly the handsomest gander of my acquaintance. When I went awayyou were trying to find a name for him. Did you succeed?"

"Yes, I call him Alcibiades. "

"Why? Do you wish to insult the memory of the great Athenian?"

"I wish to compliment him, because he was so graceful and beautiful, and was so fond of birds he carried them about in his bosom. MyAlcibiades is so good-natured he never fights or hisses at mypigeons, and just now one of them lighted on his back, and picked upthe barley that had fallen on his feathers. Mr. Hargrove promises methat just as soon as I can make money enough to pay the brickmason, he will have a large cemented basin built near the pump, where thegeese and ducks can swim about every day. "

"How do you propose to make money?" asked Douglass, lifting one ofthe rabbits into his lap, and offering it a crisp morsel of celery. 

"Don't you know that I sell the eggs? Those of the white guineasbring three dollars a dozen, and I could sell more of the whiteturkeys, at the same price, than we can spare. Our new pigeon palacewas paid for entirely out of the poultry money. "

"Who keeps the poultry book? Have you at last learned to multiplyfractions?"

She looked up, smiling into his laughing eyes. 

"Mr. Lindsay, I am not so stupid as when you tried so hard to explainthat sum to me. I keep the account, and your uncle examines it once aweek. He says it will teach me to be accurate in my figures. "

"What did you pay for your rabbits? I have a pair of Angolas for you, but the man from whom I bought them advised me not to remove themuntil all danger of cold weather had passed, as they are quiteyoung. "

"Thank you, Mr. Lindsay. You are very kind to remember that I wishedfor them last year. I did not buy these----"

She raised the rabbit from her apron, and rubbed her cheek againstits soft fur, then added in a lower and touching tone:

"My mother sent them to me. I can't tell how she found out that ofall things I wished most to have them, but you know, sir, thatmothers seem inspired, they always understand what is in theirchildren's hearts and minds, and need no telling. So I love thesemore than all my pets; they are the latest message from my mother. "

She held out her hand, and interpreting the expression in her superbeyes, he placed the other rabbit in her arms, and for a moment shepressed them close. 

"I must shut them up until to-morrow, or the owls might make a supperof them, as happened to some the Sisters kept at the convent. "

She opened the door of a wired apartment beneath the pigeon-house, where in an adjoining division the pheasants were settling upon theirperch, and carefully deposited the bouncing furry creatures on a bedof wheat straw. 

"Mr. Lindsay, the fowls are all going to roost, and you must waittill morning to see the squabs, and broods of Brahmas and Leghorns. They look like snowballs rolling about after their food. "

As she locked up the grain, and balanced the key on her fingers, hercompanion said:

"I must persuade Uncle Peyton to get some black Spanish, and a fewPoland chickens. "

"Oh no! We don't want any black things; if they laid a dozen eggs aday they could not come here. We never raise a fowl that has colouredfeathers; all our beauties must be like snow. "

"I see you have converted my uncle to your pet doctrine, and beforelong I suppose you will persuade him to sell his pretty bay, and buya white pony?"

"No, sir, I like 'Sultan' too well to care much about his colour, andbeside, Mr. Hargrove is attached to him. There is one thing we bothwant very much indeed, and that is a white Ava cow. Your uncle readme a description of those cattle last week, and said when you went tothe East he would ask you to try and send him one. "

As he looked down at her perfect face, then at one of the doves thathad perched on her shoulder, and thought of treacherous swart Sepoys, of Bengal tigers, of all the tangled work that lay before him inHindoostan jungles, a shadow fell over the young man's brow, and adull pain seemed to tighten the valves of his heart. Just then hisappointed lot in the Master's vineyard did not smile as alluringly asthe sunny slopes of Eschol; but he put aside the contrast. 

"Regina, I saw Mr. Palma in New York. "

"I hope he is well. "

"He certainly looked so. Among other things, he asked if the art ofwriting had been altogether omitted in your education. I told him Iwas unacquainted with your accomplishments in that line, as I hadwritten you two letters which remained unanswered. "

"But your mother thanked you for them in my name. "

"Which was very sweet and good in my dear mother, but questionablycourteous in you. Mr. Palma sent you a present. "

"He is very kind indeed, but if I am expected to write and thank him, I would much rather not receive it. "

"Do you dislike him?"

"How could I dislike my mother's best friend? I daresay he has a goodheart--of course he must have; but whenever I think of him I feel aqueer chill creep to my very finger-tips, as if the north wind blewhard upon me, or an iceberg sailed by. "

"Guess what he sent you. "

"A copybook, pen, and ink?"

"He is too polished a gentleman to punish you so severely. Come andlet me show you his gift. "

He led the way to the gallery at the rear of the house, and here theyfound Mr. Hargrove and Mrs. Lindsay admiring a young Newfoundlanddog, which was chained to the balusters. 

"Look, Regina! it is a waddling snow-bank! So round, so soft andwhite! Did he come from Nova Zembla, or Hammerfest, or directly from'Greenland's icy mountains'?"

"Mr. Palma looked all over New York and Brooklyn before he found apure white dog to suit him. It seems he knew Regina's fondness forsnowy pets, and this is the only Newfoundland I have ever seen whohad not even a dark hair. Mr. Palma put this handsome collar andchain upon him, and asked me to bring him to Regina. He will be verylarge when grown; now he is only a few months old. "

Regina softly patted the woolly head, and her eyes glistened withdelight. 

"How did Mr. Palma guess that I wanted a dog?"

"He requested me to suggest something that would please you, and Itold him that all at the parsonage were grieving over the death ofpoor old Biörn. He immediately decided to send you a dog, and this isa noble sagacious creature. "

"What is his name?"

"That is left entirely to your taste; but I hope you will not go allthe way to Greece to find a title, as you did for your classicgander. "

"Then I will call him whatever Mr. Hargrove likes best. "

As she spoke Regina nestled her fingers into the pastor's hand, andhe smiled down into her radiant face. 

"My dear child, exercise your own preference. Have you no choice?"

"None. "

"Suppose you name him 'Erl-King' in compliment to Mr. Palma?"

"I should never dare to call him that; it would seem impertinent. Heis such a splendid dog, I should like a fine, uncommon, grand nameout of some of Mr. Hargrove's learned books. "

"Oh don't, Regina! It will be positively cruel to turn Peyton looseamong his folios, and invite him to afflict that innocent orphanedbrute with some dreadful seven-syllabled abomination, which he willconvince you is Arabic, or Sanscrit, classic or medićval, Gaelic, Finnish or Norse, but which I warn you will serve your jaws (moreelegant form--'maxillary bones') very much as an attack of mumpswould, and will torture the victim into hydrophobia. Be pitiful, andsay Teazer, Tiger, Towser, but don't throw the sublime nomenclatureof the classics literally to the dogs!"

"Now, mother, I protest against your infringement of Uncle Peyton'saccorded rights. Be quiet, please, and let him give Regina a fewhistoric names, from which she can select one. "

Douglass passed his arm over Mrs. Lindsay's shoulder, and bothwatched the eager intent face which the girl lifted to the pastor. 

He took off his glasses, wiped them with the end of his coat, and, readjusting them on his nose, addressed himself to his ward. 

"There is an East Indian tradition that a divinely appointedgreyhound guards the golden herds of stars and sunbeams for the Lordof Heaven, and collects the nourishing rain-clouds as the celestialcows to the milking-place. That greyhound was called _Saramá_. Willthat suit you?"

She shook her head. 

"The Greeks tell us of a dog which was kept in the temple ofĆsculapius at Athens, and on one occasion when a robber entered andstole the gold and silver treasures from the altar, the dog followedhim for several days and nights, until the thief, who could neitherbeat him away nor persuade him to eat meat, was captured and carriedback to Athens. Now, dear, this was a very shrewd and courageousanimal, and his name was Capparus. "

"Why did not his owner change it for something handsome, after heperformed such service?"

Regina spoke dubiously, and looked down at the new pet, who waggedhis plumy tail as if to deprecate the punishment of such a title. 

"When Pyrrhus died, his favourite and devoted dog refused to stirfrom the body, but when it was carried out of the house he leapedupon the bier, and finally sprang into the funeral pile, and wasburned alive with his master's remains. This exceedingly faithfulcreature was Astus. "

"Mr. Hargrove, are all the classic names so ugly?"

"I am afraid the little girl's ear is not sufficiently cultivated toappreciate them. I will try once more. The Welsh Prince Llewellyn hada noble deerhound, whom he trusted to watch the cradle of his babyboy while he himself was absent. One day returning home, he found thecradle upset and empty, the clothes and the dog's mouth dripping withblood. Concluding that the hound had devoured the child, the fatherdrew his sword and slew the dog, but a moment after the cry of thebabe from behind the cradle showed him his boy was alive. Lookingaround, the prince discovered the body of a huge wolf, which hadentered the house to attack and devour the child, but which had beenkept off and killed by this brave dog, who was named Gillert. "

Fearing from the expression of the girl's eloquent face, that Waleswould win the game, Mrs. Lindsay exclaimed with an emphasis that madethe dog prick up his ears:

"_Gwrâch y Rhibyn_--be merciful! The poor wretch looks as if he wereready to howl at the bare mention of such a heathen, fabulous name. Anything would be an improvement on the Welsh--Cambyses, Sardanapalus, are euphonic in comparison. 

"Mr. Hargrove, I am much obliged to you for your goodness in tellingme so much about celebrated dogs, and if the queer names sound anysweeter to me after I am well educated, and grow learned, I will takeone of them; but just now I believe would rather call my dog Hero. "

"Regina Orme! you benighted innocent! Don't make Peyton's hair risewith horror at your slaughter of the 'unities. ' Why, my dear, Herowas a young lady who lived in Sestos a few thousand years ago, andwas not considered a model of prudent behaviour, even then. "

"Are not brave noble men called heroes? Did not Mr. Hargrove say lastweek that Philo Smith was a hero, when he jumped into the mill-pondand saved Lemuel Martin from drowning? Does not my history callLeonidas a hero? I don't know exactly who the 'unities' are, butuntil I learn more I intend to call my dog Hero. To me it seems tomean everything I wish him to be--good, faithful, brave, grand, and Ishall call him Hero. Come along, Hero, and get some supper. "

CHAPTER VI. 

"Mrs. Orme, now that you are comfortable in your wrapper andslippers, let me take down your hair, and then I will bring you a cupof tea; not the vile lukewarm stuff they give us here, but goodgenuine tea made out of my own caddy, that has some strength, andwill build you up. Rehearsals don't often serve you so badly. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Waul, but the tea would only make me more nervous, and that is a risk I cannot afford to incur. Please raise bothwindows, fresh air, even Parisian air, is better for me than anythingelse. "

"You have not seemed quite yourself since we came here, and I don'tunderstand at all why two nights in Paris serve you worse than aweek's acting elsewhere. "

"Have I not told you that I dread above every other ordeal thecritical Parisian audience?"

"But you passed so successfully through it! Last night thegalleries absolutely thundered, and people seemed half wild withdelight. William says the papers are full of praise. "

Mrs. Waul crossed the room to lay upon the bureau the steel pins shehad taken from her mistress's hair, and the latter muttered audibly:

"For me the 'ides of March' are come indeed, but not passed. "

"Did you speak to me?"

"There comes your husband. I hear his slow, heavy step upon thestairs. Open the door. "

As an elderly white-haired man entered, Mrs. Orme put put her hand. 

"Letters from home, Mr. Waul?"

"One from America, two from London, and a note from the Americanminister. "

"You saw the minister then? Did he give you the papers we shallrequire?"

"He has been sick, I believe, but said he would be at the theatreto-night, and would call and see you to-morrow. "

"Hear this sentence, good people, from his note: 'Only indispositionprevented my attendance at the theatre last night to witness thebrilliant triumph of my countrywomen. Since the palmy days of RachelI have not heard such extravagant eulogies, and as an American Iproudly and cordially congratulate you----'"

"Are you going to faint! Stand back, William, and let me bathe herface with cologne. What is the matter, Mrs. Orme? You shake as if youhad an ague. "

But her mistress sat with eyes fixed upon a line visible only toherself: "Your countrymen here are very much elated, and to-night Ishall be accompanied by Mr. And Mrs. Cuthbert Laurance, son ofGeneral René Laurance, whose wealth and social eminence must have atleast rendered his name familiar to all Americans travelling inEurope. "

"Be quick, Phoebe, and get her a glass of wine. She has no morecolour in her lips than there is in my white beard. "

"No--give me nothing. I only want rest--quiet. "

She crushed the delicate satin paper in her hand, and rallied hercomposure. After a moment she added:

"A slight faintness, that is all. Mr. Waul, before the curtain risesto-night, I wish you to ascertain in what portion of the house theAmerican minister's box is located; write it on a slip of paper andsend it to the dressing-room by your wife. Just now I believe I haveno other commissions. If I do not ring my little bell, do not disturbme until five o'clock, then bring me a cup of strong coffee. And, Mrs. Waul, please baste a double row of swan's-down around the neckand sleeves of the white silk I shall wear to-night. Let no onedisturb me; not even the manager. "

As the husband and wife withdrew, she followed them to the door, locked it on the inside, and returned to the easy chair. With awhitening, hardening face she reread the note, and thrust it into oneof the silk pockets of her robe. 

Although nine years had elapsed since we saw her first, in the mellowlamplight of Mr. Hargrove's library, time had touched her sodaintily, so lovingly, that only two lines were discernible about themouth, where habitual compression has set its print; and it wouldhave been difficult to realize that she was twenty-eight, had not thetreacherous eyes betrayed the gloom, the bitterness, the ceaselessheartache that filled them with shadows, which prematurely aged thewhole countenance. 

The added years seemed only to have ripened and perfected herexquisite beauty, but with the rounded smoothness, and the fresh, pure colouring of youth was mingled a weird indescribable expressionof stern hopelessness, of solemn repose, as if she had deliberatelyshaken hands for ever with all that makes life bright and precious, and were fronting with calm smile and quiet pulses a grim anddesperate conflict, which she well knew could have an end only inthe peace of the pall, that long truce, whose signal is the knell andthe requiem. 

Had she been reared amid the fatalistic influences of Arabia, shecould not have more completely adopted and exemplified the marblemotto: "Despair is a free man; Hope is a slave. " For her the rosymist that usually hovers over futurity had been swept rudely aside, the softening glow of the To-Come had been precipitated into a dull, pitiless leaden ever present, at which she never raved nor railed, but inflexibly fought on, expecting neither sunshine nor succour, unappalled and patient as some stony figure of Fate, which chiselledwhen the race was young, feels the shrouding sands of centuriesdrifting around and over it, but makes no moan over the buried youth, and watches the approaching night with the same calm, steadfast gazethat looked upon the starry dawn, and the golden glory of the noon. 

The cautious repression which necessity had long ago renderedhabitual had crystallized into a mask, which even when alone sherarely laid aside for an instant. In actual life, and among strongpositive natures, the deepest feelings find no vent in theeffervescence of passionate verbal outbreaks, and outside the charmedprecincts of the tragic stage, the world would not tolerate theraving Hamlets and Othellos, the Macbeths and Medeas, that scowl andstorm and anathematize so successfully in the magic glow of thefootlights. 

To-day, as Madame Odille Orme leaned back in her luxuriouslycushioned chair, she seemed quite as a statue, save the restlessmovements of her slender fingers, which twined and intertwinedcontinually; while the concentrated gaze of the imperial eyes neverstirred from the open window, whence she saw--not Parisian monumentsof civic glory and martial splendour--only her own past, her hauntingskull and cross-bones of the Bygone. Her violet-coloureddressing-gown was unbuttoned at the throat, exposing the gracefulturn of the neck, and the proud poise of the perfectly modelled head, from which the shining hair fell like Danć's shower, framing the faceand figure on a back ground as golden as that of some carefullypreserved Byzantine picture. 

At last the heavily fringed lids quivered, drooped, the magnificenteyes closed as if to shut out some vision too torturing even fortheir brave penetrating gaze, and in her rigid whiteness she seemedsome unearthly creature, who had done for ever with feverish life andthe frail toys of time. 

Raising her arms above her head, she rested her clasped hands uponher brow, and in a low, strangely quiet tone her words dropped likeicicles. 

"It was a groundless fear, that when the long-sought opportunity camemy weak womanish nature would betray me, and I should fail, breakdown utterly under the crushing weight of tender memories, sacredassociations. What are they?

"Three dreamy weeks of delirious wifehood, balanced by thirteen yearsof toil, aspersion, hatred, persecution; goaded by want, pursuedceaselessly by the scorpion scourge whose slanderous lash coiled everafter my name, my reputation. Three weeks a bride, --unrecognizedas such even then, --twelve years an outcast, --repudiated, insulted, --mother and child, denied, derided, --cast off as aserpent's skin!--Ah, memory! thou hast no charm to stir the blackenedashes in a heart extinguished by the steady sleet of a husband'srepudiation. When love is dead, and regret is decently buried, andthe song of hope is hushed for ever, then revenge mounts the chariotand gathers the reins in her hands of steel; and beyond the writhinghearts whose blood dyes her rushing wheels sees only the goal. Somewise anatomists of that frail yet invincible sphinx--woman's nature, babble of one weighty fact, one conquering law, --that only themother-joy, the mother-love, fully unseals the slumbering sweetnessand latent tenderness of her being; for me, maternity opened thesluices of a sea of hate and gall. Had I never felt the velvet touchof tiny fingers on my cheek, a husband's base desertion might in timehave been forgiven, possibly at least, forgotten; but the first wailfrom my baby's lips awoke the wolf in me. My wrongs might slumbertill that last assize, when the pitying eyes of Christ sum up therecord, but hers--have made a hungry panther of my soul. Come, memory, unlock your treasure house, uncoil your spells, chant allyour witching strains, and let us see whether the towers of _NotreDame_ will not tremble and dissolve as soon as I?"

Bending to a trunk near her chair, she unlocked it, and taking out a_papier-maché_ box, opened it with a small key that hung from herwatch chain, and placed it on the table before her, where she hadthrown the unread letters. Leaning forward, she crossed her arms uponthe marble, and looked down on the contents of the box, --her child'sletters, --her own unanswered appeals in behalf of her babe, --aphotograph of the latter, --and most prominent of all, a large squareambrotype of a handsome boyish face, with a short curl of black hairlying inside the case. 

"Idolatrous? Yes all women are, embryo pagans, and the only comfortis, that when the idol crumbles into clay, mocking our prayers andofferings, we still worship at the same old shrine, having dusted andgarnished and set thereon--maybe the Furies, which bid fair tosurvive the wreck of gods, of creeds, and of time. Like Oenone, weare all betrayed sooner or later by our rose-lipped Paris, --

 'Beautiful Paris, evil-hearted Paris, '

and after the inevitable foolish tears of vain regret we dry oureyes, and hunt Cassandra, to listen to the muttering of the thunderthat is gathering to avenge us--in Troy. Bride and bridegroom, faceto face-- Cuthbert! So you looked, when we parted, when you strainedme to your heart, and swore that before a fortnight passed you wouldhold 'darling Minnie in your arms once more!' Did you mean it eventhen? No, no, already the hounds of slander were snuffing in my path, and the toils were spread for my unwary feet. Here, look back at me, my husband, with those fond peerless eyes, as on that day when I sawyou last--all mine! To-night--across the gulf of separation, and ofshameful wrong--we shall look into each other's faces once more, while another woman wears my name, fills my place at your side. Fairtreacherous face of my first and only love, --handsome as agod!--false as Apollyon!"

She had lifted the ambrotype and held it close to her eyes, then herhand sank until the picture dropped back into its place, and thelonely desolate woman buried her face in her palms. The pretty guiltclock on the mantle ticked monotonously, and the hum of life, and thebusy roll of vehicles in the vast city, was borne in through thewindow, like the faint roar of yet distant Niagara; and after awhilewhen the sharp stroke of the clock announced four the bowed figureraised herself. 

Sweeping back the blinding veil of hair, her brilliant brown eyesshone calm and dry, dimmed by no tears of fond womanly regret, and asthey fell upon the photograph of Regina, a smile of indescribablebitterness curled the lovely lips that might have served as model forPsyche's. 

"'The trail of the serpent is over all. ' Can there be pardon for theman who makes me shrink shudderingly at times from her whose littleveins were fed from mine, whose pulses are but a throb from my heart, my baby! My own baby, who, when I snatch her in my arms, smiles at mewith his wonderful eyes of blue; and wellnigh maddens me with thevery echo of a voice whose wily sweetness won my love, to make anhour's pastime, a cheap toy, soon worn out, worthless and troddenunder foot after three weeks' sport! Stooping over my baby, when shestretched her little hands and coaxed me to lift her on my lap, Ihave started back from the sight of her innocent face, as if a hoodedviper fawned upon me; for the curse of her father's image has smittenmy only darling, my beautiful, proud child! O God! that we had bothdied in that dim damp ward of the Hospital, where she first openedher eyes, unwelcomed by the father, whose features she bears!"

But beneath this Marah tide that was surging so fiercely over herlong-suffering heart, bubbled the pure, sweet, incorruptible fount ofmother-love, and while she studied the fair childish face her ownsoftened, as that of some snow image whose features gradually melt asthe sunlight creeps across it. It was a picture taken after Regina'sremoval to the parsonage, and represented her with the white rabbitsnestling in her arms. 

"My proud little Regina! my pure sensitive darling! How much longermust we be separated? Will the time ever come when the only earthlyrest that remains for me can be taken in her soft clinging arms?Patience--patience. If it were not for her--for my baby--I mightfalter even now, --but she must, she shall be righted--at anysacrifice, at every cost; and may the widow's and the orphan's God bepitiful--be pitiful--at last. "

She raised her child's picture in her clasped hands, as if appealingindeed to the justice of Him who "never slumbers, nor sleeps, " andthe tremor of her lips and voice told how passionate was theaffection for her daughter, how powerful the motives that sustainedher in the prolonged and torturing ordeal. 

Restoring the portraits to their hiding-place, she locked the trunk, and as she resumed her seat seemed suddenly to recollect the letterslying on the table. 

One was a brief note, from the manager of the London theatre whereshe had recently been engaged; the second from a celebratedmoney-lender, which bore only the signature, "Simon, " and was asfollows:

 "DEAR MADAME, --Since our last conversation relative to the purchase of a certain mortgage, I have ascertained that you can secure it, by adding one hundred pounds to the amount specified by the holder. Should you still desire me to effect the transfer, delay might thwart your negotiation, and I respectfully solicit prompt instructions. "

Twice she read these lines, then slowly tore the paper into strips, shredded and threw them toward the grate, while a stony expressionsettled once more upon her features. The remaining letter waspost-marked New York, and addressed, in a bold, round, mercantilehand, but when the envelope had been removed, the formal angularchirography of a schoolgirl displayed itself, and as the sheet wasopened there issued thence a delicate perfume that gushed like abreath of spring over the heart of the lonely mother. 

Several leaves of lemon-verbena and a few violets fell from the foldsof the paper, and, picking them up, Mrs. Orme spread them on herpalm. Only a few withered leaves and faded petals that had crossedthe Atlantic to whisper fragrant messages of love, from the trustingbrave young soul whose inexperienced hand had stiffly traced at thetop of the page--"My darling mother. "

Ah! what a yearning tenderness glorified the woman's frozen face, asthe flowers in her hand babbled of the blue eyes that had looked lastupon them, of the childish fingers that brushed the dew from theirpurple velvet, of the dainty, almost infantile, lips that had fondlypressed them, of the holy prayer breathed over them, that ere thetime of violets came again mother and child might be reunited. 

Just now she dared not read the letter, dared not surrender to thesoftening influences that might melt the rigid purpose of her soul, and, kissing the flowers reverently, the mother laid them aside untila more convenient season, and began to walk slowly to and fro. . . . 

The play that night was "Kenilworth, " and had been cast to admit somealterations made in the dramatization by Madame Orme, who frequentlyintroduced startling innovations in her rendering of her parts, andin almost all her favourite _rôles_ refused rigid adherence to thewritten text. The reputation of her beauty and former triumphs, thesuccess achieved on the previous nights, and certain tart criticismsupon the freedom of her interpretation of Scott's lovelyheroine--Leicester's wife--combined to draw a crowded house; and erethe curtain rose every box was occupied save one on the second tiernear the stage. 

As the crash of the orchestra died away, and the play opened with theinterview between Lambourn and Foster, followed by Tressilian, andthe encounter with Varney, the door of the box opened, and theAmerican minister entered, accompanied by a lady and gentleman, who, after seating themselves and gathering back the folds of the boxcurtains, proceeded to scan the audience. 

As they disposed themselves comfortably a white-haired man, watchingthrough a crevice in the side scene, scribbled on a piece of paperwhich was handed into the dressing-room: "Second box, second tier, right-hand side. Two gentlemen, and a lady wearing a scarlet cloak. "

Sitting between the minister and her husband, Mrs. Laurance with herbrilliant wrappings was the most prominent of the group, and in theblaze of the gaslight looked at least thirty-five; a woman of largeproportions compactly built, with broad shoulders that sustained arather short thick neck, now exposed in extreme _décolleté_ style, asif to aid the unsuccessful elongation of nature. Her sallowcomplexion was dark, almost bistre, and the strongly marked irregularfeatures were only redeemed from positive plainness by the largefiery black eyes, whose beauty was somewhat marred by the intrusiveboldness of their expression. Bowing to some one opposite, her veryfull lips parted smilingly over a set of sound strong teeth, ratheruneven in outline, and of the yellowish cast often observed inpersons of humble birth and arduous life. Her dusky hair, belongingto the family of neutral-brown, was elaborately puffed and frizzed, and in her ears hung large solitaire diamonds that glowed like globesof fire, and scattered rays that were reflected in the circlet aroundher throat. 

Beside her sat her husband, leaning back with negligent grace, andcarelessly stroking his silky black moustache with one gloved hand, while the other toyed with a jewelled opera glass. Although only twoyears her junior, she bore the appearance of much greater seniority, and the proud patrician cast of his handsome face contrasted asvividly with the coarser lower type of hers, as though in ancientRoman era he had veritably worn the _clavus_ and the _bulla_, whileshe trudged in lowly guise among the hard-handed heroines of the_proletarii_. 

Over his dreamy violet eyes arched the peculiarly fine jet brows thatMr. Palma had found so distinctive in Regina's face, and his glossyhair and beard possessed that purplish black tint so rarely combinedwith the transparent white complexion, which now gleamedconspicuously in his broad, full, untanned forehead. 

The indolent _insouciance_ of his bearing was quite in accord withhis social record, as a proud high-born man of cultivated eleganttastes, and unmistakably dissipated tendencies, which doubtless wouldlong ago have fructified in thoroughly demoralized habits had not hiswife vigorously exerted her exigeant guardianship. 

"Have you heard the last joke at Count T----'s expense?" said Mrs. Laurance, tapping the arm of the minister with her gilded fan. 

"Do you refer to the _contretemps_ of the masks at the Grand Ball?"

"No, something connected with Madame Orme. It seems the Count saw herin London, became infatuated, as men always are about prettyactresses, and the first night she played here he was almost frantic;wrote a note between the acts, and sent it to her twisted in thatcostly antique scarf-ring he is so fond of telling people oncebelonged to the Duke of Orleans. Before the play ended it wasreturned, with the note torn into several strips and bound around it. Fancy his chagrin! Colonel Thorpe was in the box with him, and toldit next day, when we met at dinner. When I asked T---- his opinion ofMadame, he answered:

"She is perfectly divine! But alas! only an inspired icicle. Sheshould be called '_Sulitelma_, ' which I believe means--Cuthbert, whatdid you tell me it meant?"

"Queen of Snows. Abbie, do lower your voice a trifle. " He answeredwithout even glancing at her, and she continued:

"I wanted to see her last night in 'Medea, ' but Cuthbert had an operaengagement, and beside, little Maud had the croup----"

A storm of applause cut short the nursery budget, and all turned tothe stage where Amy Robsart entered, followed by Janet and by Varney. Advancing with queenly grace and dignity to a pile of cushions in thecentre of the drawing-room at Cumnor Place, she stood a moment withdowncast eyes, till the acclamation ceased, and Varney renewed hisappeal. 

Her satin dress was of that exquisite tint which in felicitous Frenchphraseology is termed _de couleur de fleur de pécher_, and swept downfrom her slender figure in statuesque folds that ended in a longcourt train, particularly becoming in the pose she had selected. TheElizabethan ruff, with an edge of filmy lace, softened the effect ofthe bodice cut squares across the breast, and revealed the string ofpearls--Leicester's last gift--that shone so fair upon his countess'ssnowy neck. From the mass of hair heaped high upon her head softtendrils clustered to the edge of her brow, and here and there a longcurl strayed over her shoulder, and glittered like burnished gold inthe glare of the quivering footlights. The lovely arms and hands wereunburdened by jewels, and save the pearls around her throat and theaigrette of brilliants in the upper bandeau of her hair, she wore noornaments. The perfect impersonation of a beautiful, innocent, happybride, impatiently expectant of her husband's entrance, she stoodlistening to his messenger, a tender smile parting her rosy lips. 

The chair of state chanced to be placed in the direction of theminister's box, and only a few feet distant, and when Varneyattempted to place her upon it, she waved him back, and, raising herright hand toward it, said in that calm, deep, pure voice which hadsuch thrilling emphasis in its lowest cadences:

"No good, Master Richard Varney, I take not my place _there_, untilmy lord himself conducts me. I am for the present a disguisedcountess, and will not take dignity upon me, until authorized by him, from whom I derived it. "

In that brief sentence she knew her opportunity and seized it, forher glance followed her uplifted hand, mounted into the box, and, sweeping across the minister, dwelt for some seconds on the darkwomanly countenance beside him, and then fastened upon the face ofMr. Laurance. 

Some whose seats were on that side of the house, and who chanced tohave their lorgnettes levelled at her just then, saw a long shivercreep over her, as if a blast of cold air had blown down through theside scene, and a sudden spark blazed up in the dilating eyes, as amirror flashes when a candle flame smites its cold dark surface; butnot a muscle quivered in the fair proud face, and only the Varney ather side noticed that when the slight hand fell back it sought itsmate with a quick groping motion, and the delicate fingers clutchedeach other till the nails grew purple. 

For fully a moment that burning gaze rested on the features thatseemed to possess some subtle fascination for her, and wandering backto the wife, a shadowy smile hovered around the lips that were soonturned, away to answer Varney. As she moved in the direction of awindow, to listen for the clatter of horse's hoofs, Mrs. Laurancewhispered:

"Is not she the loveliest creature you ever beheld? I never saw suchsuperb eyes, they absolutely seemed to lighten just now. Cuthbert, did you only notice how she looked right at me? I daresay mysolitaires attracted her attention--and no wonder, they are thelargest in the house, and these actresses always have an eye to thevery best jewellery. Of course it must have been my diamonds. "

From the moment when Amy Robsart entered, Cuthbert Laurance felt astrange magnetic thrill dart through every fibre of his frame; hissluggish pulse stirred, and as her mesmeric brown eyes, luminous, overmastering, met his, he drew his breath in quick gasps, and hisheart in its rapid throbbing seemed to pour liquid fire into thebounding arteries. Some vague bewildering reminiscence danced throughthe clouded chambers of his brain, pointing like a mocking fiend nowthis way, then in an opposite direction; one instant assuring himthat they had somewhere met before, the next torturing him with thetriumphant taunt that he had hitherto never known any one half solovely. Was it merely some lucky accident that had so unexpectedlybrought them during that long flattering gaze thoroughly _enrapport?_

He no more heard his wife's hoarse whisper, than if a cyclone hadwhirled between them, and, leaning forward to catch the measuredmelody that floated from the countess's lips, a crimson glow firedhis cheek as he caught the lofty words. 

"I know a cure for jealousy. It is to speak truth to my lord at alltimes; to hold up my mind, my thoughts, before him as pure as thatpolished mirror, so that when he looks into my heart he shall seeonly his own features reflected there. [*] _Can he who took my littlehands and made them wifely, laying therein the precious burden of hishonour, afford to doubt the palms are clean?_"

[Footnote: * Mrs. Orme's interpolations are all italicized. ]

No wonder Varney stared, and the prompter anathematized the suddenflicker of the gas jet that caused him to lose his place; there wasno such written sentence as the last, and the rehearsal proved nosure index of all the countess uttered that night, but the playrolled on, and when the folding doors flew open and Amy sprang tomeet her noble husband, the house began to warm into an earnestsympathy. 

In the scene that followed she sat with childlike simplicity andgrace on the footstool at Leicester's feet, while he exhibited thejewelled decorations of his princely garb, and explained thesignificance of the various orders; and in the face upturned to himwho filled the chair of state there was a wealth of loving tendernessthat might have moved colder natures than that which now kindled inthe deep violent eyes that watched her from the minister's box. 

Gradually the curious, timid, admiring bride is merged in the wife, with ambition budding in her heart, and exacting pride pleading forrecognition and wifely dignities, and in this transformation thepower of the woman asserted itself. 

Bending toward Leicester, until from the low seat she sankunintentionally upon her knees, she prayed with passionate fervour:

"But shall not your wife, my love, one day soon be surrounded withthe honour which arises neither from the toils of the mechanic whodecks her apartment, nor from the silks and jewels with which yourgenerosity adorns her, but which is attached to her place among thematronage, as the avowed wife of England's noblest earl? _'Tis notthe dazzling splendour of your title that I covet, but the richer, nobler, dearer coronet of your beloved name, the precious privilegeof fronting the world as your acknowledged wife_. "

Again, in answer to his flattering evasive sophistries, she asked ina voice whose marvellous modulations in the midst of intense feelingseemed to penetrate every nook of that vast building:

"But why can it not be? Why can it not immediately take place, thismore perfect uninterrupted union, for which you say you wish, andwhich the laws of God and man alike command? _Think you my unshodfeet would shrink from glowing ploughshares, if crossing them I foundthe sacred shelter of my husband's name? Ah, husband! dost blanchbefore the storm of condemnation, which has no terrors for a wife'sbrave heart? It would seem but scant and tardy justice to own thywedded wife!_"

The earl had led her behind the scenes, and the minister had twiceaddressed him ere Mr. Laurance recovered himself sufficiently toperceive that his companions were smiling at his complete absorption. 

"Why--Cuthbert--wake up. You look like some one walking open-eyed insleep. Has Madame's beauty dazed you as utterly as poor Count T----?"

His wife pinched his arm, but without heeding her he looked quitepast her into the laughing eyes of the minister, and asked:

"Do you know her? Is her husband living?"

"I shall call by appointment to-morrow, but this is the first time Ihave seen her. Of her history I know nothing, but rumour pronouncesher a widow. "

"Which generally means that these pretty actresses have drunken, worthless husbands, paid comfortable salaries to shut their eyes andkeep out of the way, " added Mrs. Laurance, lengthening the range ofher opera glass, and levelling it at a group where the shimmer ofjewels attracted her attention. 

How the words grated on her husband's ear, grown strangely sensitivewithin an hour?

Carelessly glancing over the sea of faces beneath and around him, theminister continued:

"English critics contend that Madame Orme's 'Amy Robsart' is so farfrom being Scott's ideal creation, that he would fail to recognize itwere he alive; still where she alters the text, and intensifies thetype, they admit that the dramatic effect is heightened. She appearsto have concentrated all her talent upon the passionate impersonationof one peculiar phrase of feminine suffering and endurance--that ofthe outraged and neglected wife; and her favourite _rôles_ are'Katherine' from Henry VIII. , 'Hermione, ' and 'Medea, ' though she issaid to excel in 'Deborah. ' My brother who saw her last night as'Medea' pronounced her fully equal to Rachel, and said that in thatscene where she attempted to remove her children from the side of thenew wife, the despairing fury of her eyes literally raised the fewthin hairs that still faithfully cling to the top of his head. Ah--the parting with Leicester--how marvellously beautiful is she!"

Leaning against a dressing-table loaded with toilet trifles and_bijouterie_, Amy stood, arrayed in the costume which displayed togreatest advantage the perfect symmetry of form and the dazzlingpurity of her complexion. 

The cymar of white silk bordered with swan's-down exposed thegleaming dimpled shoulders, and from beneath the pretty lace coif theunbound glory of her long hair swept around her like a cataract ofgold, touching the hem of her silken gown, where, to complete thewitchery, one slippered foot was visible. When her husband entered tobid her adieu, and the final petition for public acknowledgment wasonce more sternly denied, the long-pent agony in the woman's heartburst all barriers, overflowed every dictate of wounded pride, andwith an utter _abandon_ of genuine poignant grief, she gave way to astorm that shook her frame with convulsive sobs, and deluged hercheeks with tears. Despite her desperate efforts to maintain herself-control, the sight of her husband's magnetic handsome face, after thirteen weary years of waiting, unnerved, overwhelmed her. There in the temple of Art, where critical eyes were bent searchinglyupon her, Nature triumphantly asserted itself, and she who weptpassionately from the bitter realisation of her own accumulatedwrongs, was wildly applauded as the queen of actresses, who sosuccessfully simulated imaginary woes. 

By what infallible criterion shall criticdom decide the boundaries ofthe Actual and the Ideal? Who shall compute the expenditure ofliteral heartache that builds up the popularly successful Desdemonas, Camilles, and Marie Stuarts; the scalding tears that graduallycrystallize into the classic repose essential to the severesimplicity of the old Greek tragedies?

The curtain fell upon a bowed and sobbing woman, and the tempest ofapplause that shook the building was prolonged until after a time AmyRobsart, with tears still glistening on her cheeks, came forward toacknowledge the tribute, and her silken garments were pelted withbouquets. Among the number that embroidered the stage lay a pyramidof violets edged with rose geranium leaves, and raising it she benther lovely head to the audience and kissed the violets, in memory (?)of her far-off child--whose withered floral tribute was more preciousto the woman's heart than all the laudatry chaplets of the greatcity, which did homage to her genuine tears. 

Some time elapsed while the play shifted to the court, recounting thefeuds of Leicester and Sussex, and when Amy Robsart appeared again itwas in the stormy interview where Varney endeavours to enforce theearl's command that she shall journey to Kenilworth as Varney's wife. The trembling submissiveness of earlier scenes was thrown away forever, and, as if metamorphosed into a Fury, she rose, towered abovehim, every feature quivering with hatred, scorn, and defiance. 

"Look at him, Janet! that I should go with him to Kenilworth, andbefore the Queen and nobles, and in presence of my own wedded lord, that I should acknowledge him, --him there, that very cloak-brushing, shoe-cleaning fellow, --him there, my lord's lackey, for my liegelord and husband! I would I were a man but for five minutes!--but go!begone!"

She paused panting, then threw back her haughty head, rose on tiptoe, and, shaking her hand in prophetic wrath and deathless defiance, almost hissed into the box beneath which Varney stood:

"Go, tell thy master that when I, like him, can forget my plightedtroth, _turn craven, bury honour, and forswear my marriage vows, then, oh then! I promise him, I will give him a rival, somethingworthy of the name!_"

Was the avenging lash of conscience uncoiled at last in CuthbertLaurance's hardened soul that the blood so suddenly ebbed from hislips, and he drew his breath like one overshadowed by a vampire?Only once had he caught the full gleam of her indignant eyes, butthat long look had awakened torture's that would never entirelyslumber again, until the solemn hush of the shroud and the cemeterywas his portion. No suspicion of the truth crossed his mind, evenfor an instant, --for what resemblance could be traced between thatregal woman, and the shy, awkward, dark-haired little rustic, whothirteen years before had frolicked like a spaniel about him, --lovingbut lowly?

In vain he sought to arrest her attention; the actress had only oncelooked at the group, and it was not until the close that he succeededin catching her glance. 

After her escape from Varney, Amy Robsart reached in disguise theconfines of Kenilworth, and standing there, travel-worn, weary, dejected, in sight of the princely castle, with its stately towersand battlements, she first saw the home whose shelter was denied her, the palatial home where Leicester bowed in homage before Elizabeth. As a neglected, repudiated wife, creeping stealthily to the hearthwhere it was her right to reign, Amy turned her wan, woeful face tothe audience, and, fixing her gaze with strange mournful intentnessupon the eyes that watched her from the box, she seemed to throw herwhole soul into the finest passage of the play. 

"I have given him all that woman has to give. Name and fame, heartand hand, have I given the lord of all this magnificence--at thealtar, and England's Queen could give him no more. He is my husband;I am his wife. I will be bold in claiming my right; even the bolder, that I come thus unexpected and forlorn. Whom God hath joined, mancannot sunder. "

The irresistible pathos of look and tone electrified that wideassemblage, and in the midst of such plaudits as only Paris bestowsshe allowed her eyes to wander almost dreamily over the surging seaof human heads, and as if she were in truth some hunted, hopeless, homeless waif appealing for sympathy, she shrouded her pallid face inthe blue folds of her travelling cloak, and disappeared. 

"She must certainly recognize her countrymen, for that splendidpassage seemed almost thrown to us, as a tribute to our nationality. What a wonderful voice! And yet--she is so tender, so fragile, " saidthe minister. 

"Did you observe how pale she grew toward the last, and sohollow-eyed, as if utterly worn out in the passionate struggle?"asked Mrs. Laurance. 

"The passion of the remaining parts belongs rather to Leicester andthe Queen. By the way, this is quite a handsome earl, and the wholecast is decidedly strong and successful. Look, Laurance! were you anartist, would you desire a finer model for an Egeria? If Madame hadbeen reared in Canova's studio she could not possibly haveaccomplished a more elegant felicitous pose. I should like herphotograph at this moment. "

In the grotto scene, Amy was attired in pale sea-green silk, and herstreaming hair braided it with yellow light, as she shrank back fromthe haughty visage of the Queen. 

Rapidly the end approached, courtiers and maids of honour crowdedupon the stage, and thither Elizabeth dragged the unhappy wife, intothe presence of the earl, crying in thunder tones: "My Lord ofLeicester! knowest thou this woman?"

The craven silence of the husband, the desperate rally of thesuffering wife to shield him from the impending wrath, until at lastshe was borne away insensible in Hunsdon's strong arms, all followedin quick succession, and Amy's ill-starred career approached itsclose, in the last interview with her husband. 

When Cuthbert Laurance was a grey-haired man, trembling upon thebrink of eternity, there came a vision in the solemn hours of night, and the form of Amy, wan as some marble statue, breathed again in hisear the last words she uttered that night. 

"Take your ill-fated wife by the hand, lead her to the footstool ofElizabeth's throne; say that 'in a moment of infatuation moved bysupposed beauty, of which none perhaps can now trace even theremains, I gave my hand to this poor Amy Robsart. ' You will then havedone justice to me, and to your own honour; and should law or powerrequire you to part from me, I will offer no opposition, since I maythen with honour hide a grieved and broken heart in those shades, from which your love withdrew me. Then--have but a littlepatience--and Amy's life will not long darken your brighterprospects. "

The fatal hour arrived; the gorgeous pomp and ceremonial of thecourt-pageant had passed away, and in a dim light the treacherousbalcony at Cumnor Place was visible. In the hush that pervaded thetheatre, the minister heard the ticking of his watch, and Mrs. Laurance the laboured breathing of her husband. 

Upon the profound silence broke the tramp of a horse's hoofs in theneighbouring courtyard, then Varney's whistle in imitation of theearl's signal when visiting the countess. 

Instantly the door of her chamber swung open, and, standing a momentupon the threshold, Amy in her fleecy-white drapery wavered like adrifting cloud, then moved forward upon the balcony; the trapdoorfell, and the lovely marble face with its lustrous brown eyes sankinto the darkness of death. 

CHAPTER VII. 

To men and women of intensely emotional nature, it sometimes happensthat a day of keen and torturing suspense, or a night's vigil ofgreat anguish, mars and darkens a countenance more indelibly than thelapse of several ordinary monotonous years; and as Madame Orme sat inher reception-room at one o'clock on the following afternoon, awaiting the visit of the minister, the blanched face was far sternerand prouder than when yesterday's sun rippled across it, and bluishshadows beneath the large eyes that had not closed for twenty-fourhours lent them a deeper and more fateful glow. 

The soft creamy folds of her Cashmere robe were relieved at thethroat by a knot of lilac ribbon, and amid its loops were securedclusters of violets, that matched in hue the long spike of hyacinthwhich was fastened in one side of the coiled hair, twined just behindthe ear, and drooped low on the snowy neck. Before her on a gildedstand was the purple pyramid of flowers she had brought from thetheatre, and beside them lay several perfumed envelopes withelaborate monograms. These notes contained tributes of praise fromstrangers who had been fascinated by her "Amy Robsart, " and beggedthe honour of an interview, or the favour of a "photograph taken inthe silken cymar which so advantageously displayed the symmetry ofher figure. "

Among the latter she had recognized the handwriting of Mr. Laurance, though the signature was "Jules Duval, " and her fingers had shrunkfrom the folds of rose paper, as though scorched by flame. Lyingthere on the top of the _billets-doux_, the elegant, gracefulchirography of the "Madame Odille Orme" drew her gaze, like theloathsome fascination of a basilisk, and taking a package of notesfrom her pocket, she held them for a moment close to the satinenvelope. Upon one the name of the popular actress; on the others--inthe same peculiar beautiful characters--"Minnie Merle. " She put awaythe latter, and a flash of scorn momentarily lighted her rigid face. 

"Craven as of old! Too cowardly to boldly ask the thing his ficklefancy favours; he begs under borrowed names. Doubtless his couragewilts before his swarthy, bold-eyed Xantippe, who allows him scantlatitude for flirtations with pretty actresses. To be thrownaside--trampled down--for such a creature as Abbie Ames! hiscoarse-featured, diamond-dowered bride! Ah! my veins run lava; when Ithink of her thick heavy lips, pressing that haughty perfect mouth, where mine once clung so fondly! Last night the two countenancesseemed like 'as Hyperion to a Satyr!' How completely he sold histreacherous beauty to the banker's daughter, whom to-day he wouldwillingly betray for a fairer, fresher face. Craven traitor!"

She passed her handkerchief across her lips, as if to efface someimaginary stain, and they slowly settled back into their customarystern curves. 

Just then a timid tap upon the door of the reception-room wasfollowed almost simultaneously by the entrance of Mrs. Waul, whoheld a card in her hand. 

"The waiter has just brought this up. What answer shall he takeback?"

Mrs. Orme glanced at it, sprang to her feet, and a vivid scarletbathed her face and neck. 

"Tell him--No! no--no! Madame Orme begs to decline the honour. "

Then the crimson tide as suddenly ebbed, she grew ghastly in hercolourlessness, and her bloodless lips writhed, as she called afterthe retreating figure:

"Stop! Come back, --let me think. "

She walked to the window, and stood for several moments as still asthe bronze Mercury on the mantel. When she turned around, herfeatures were as fixed as if they belonged to some sculptured slabfrom Persepolis. 

"Pray don't think me weak and fickle, but indeed, Mrs. Waul, some ofmy laurels gash like a crown of thorns. Tell the waiter to show thisvisitor up, after five minutes, and then I wish you to come back andsit with your knitting yonder, at the end of the room. And pleasedrop the curtain there, the pink silk will make me look a trifle lessghostly after last night's work. You see I am disappointed, Iexpected the American minister on business, and he sends this Parisbeau to make his apologies; that is all. "

As the old lady disappeared, Mrs. Orme shuddered, and muttered withclenched teeth:

"All have a Gethsemane sooner or later, and mine has overtaken mebefore I am quite ready. God grant me some strengthening angel!"

She sank back into the arm chair, and drew the oval gilt table beforeher as a barrier, while some inexplicable, intuitive impulse promptedher to draw from her bosom a locket containing Regina's miniature. Touching a spring, she looked at the childish features so singularlylike those she had seen the previous evening, and when Mrs. Waulreturned and seated herself at the end of the room, the springsnapped, the locket lay in one hand, the minister's card in theother. 

Mrs. Orme heard the sound on the stairs and along the hall--thewell-remembered step. Amid the tramp of a hundred she could havesingled it out, so often in bygone years had she crouched under thelilacs that overhung the gate, listening for its rapid approach, waiting to throw herself into the arms that would clasp her sofondly; to-day that unaltered step smote her ears like an echo fromthe tomb, and for an instant her heart stood still, and she shut hereyes; but the door swung back, and Mr. Laurance stood upon thethreshold. As he advanced, she rose, and when he stood before herwith outstretched hand, she ignored it, merely rested her palm on thetable between them; and glancing at the card in her fingers said:

"Mr. Laurance, I believe, introduced by the American minister. Acountryman of mine, he writes. As such I am pleased to see you, sir, for when abroad the mere name of American is an _open sesame_ toAmerican sympathy and hospitality. Pray be seated, Mr. Laurance. Pardon me, not that stiff-backed ancient contrivance of torture, which must have been invented by Eymeric. You will find that greenvelvet Voltaire, like its namesake, far more easy, affording amplelatitude. "

The sweet voice rung its silver chimes as clearly as when she trodthe stage, and no shadow of the past cast its dusky wing over herproud, pale face, while she gracefully waved him to a seat, andresumed her own. 

"If Madame Orme, so recently from home, yields readily to thetalismanic spell of 'American' she can perhaps imagine thefascination it exerts over one who for many years has roamed farfrom his roof-tree and his hearthstone; but who never more proudlyexulted in his nationality than last night, when as Queen of Tragedy, Madame lent new lustre to the land that claims the honour of beingher birthplace. "

"Thanks. Then I may infer you paid me the tribute of your presencelast evening?"

They looked across the table, into each other's eyes, --hers radiantwith a dangerous steely glitter, his eloquent with the intenseadmiration which kindled on the previous evening, now glowed morefervently from the contemplation of a beauty that to-day appearedtea-fold more irresistible. The question slightly disconcerted him. 

"I had the honour of accompanying our minister, and sharing his box. "

"Indeed! I have never had the pleasure of meeting him, and hoped tohave seen him to-day, as he fixed this hour for the arrangement ofsome business details, concerning which I was advised to consult him. One really cannot duly appreciate American liberty until one has beentrammelled by foreign formalities and Continental police quibbles. "

An incredulous smile, ambushed in his silky moustache, was reflectedin his fine eyes, as he recalled the flattering emphasis with whichshe had certainly singled out his face in that vast auditory, and, thoroughly appreciating his munificent inheritance of good looks, henow imagined he fully interpreted her motive in desiring to ignorethe former meeting. 

"Doubtless hundreds who shared with me the delight you conferred byyour performance last night would be equally charmed to possess myprecious privilege of expressing my unbounded admiration of yourgenius; but unfortunately the impression prevails that my charmingcountrywoman sternly interdicts all gentleman visitors, denies accesseven to the most ardent of her worshippers, and I deem myself themost supremely favoured of men in having triumphantly crossed intothe enchanted realm of your presence. Of this flattering distinctionI confess I am very proud. "

It was a bold challenge, and sincerely he rued his rashness, when, raising herself haughtily, she answered in a tone that made hischeeks tingle:

"Unfortunately your countrywoman has not studied human nature sosuperficially as to fail to comprehend the snares and pitfalls whichmen's egregious vanity sometimes spring prematurely; and rumourquotes me aright, in proclaiming me a recluse when the curtain fallsand the lights are extinguished. To-day I deviated from my usualcustom in compliment to the representative of my country, who sendsyou--so his card reads--'charged with an explanation of hisunavoidable absence. ' As minister-extraordinary, may I venture toremind Mr. Laurance of his errand?"

Abashed by the scornful gleam in her keen wide eyes, he repliedhastily:

"A telegram from Pau summoned him this morning to the bedside of amember of his family suddenly attacked with dangerous illness, and hedesired me to assure you that so soon as he returned he would seizethe earliest opportunity of congratulating you upon your brillianttriumph. In the interim he places at your disposal certain printedregulations, which will supply the information you desire, and whichyou will find in this envelope. May I hope, Madame, that the value ofthe contents will successfully plead the pardon of the audacious, yetsufficiently rebuked messenger?" He rose, and with a princely bowoffered the packet. 

Suffering her eyes to follow the motion of his elegantly formedaristocratic hand, now ungloved, one swift glance showed her thatinstead of the unpretending slender gold circlet she had placed onthe little finger of his left hand the day of their marriage--a ringendeared to her, because it had been her mother's bridal pledge--henow wore a flashing diamond, in a broad and costly setting. Almostunconsciously her own left hand glided to the violets on her breast, beneath which, securely fastened by a strong gold chain, she worethe antique cameo ring, with its grinning death's head resting uponher heart. 

Slightly inclining her head, she signed to him to place the papers onthe table, and when he had resumed his sect, she asked:

"How long, Mr. Laurance, since you left America?"

"Thirteen or fourteen years ago; yet the memories of my home arefresh and fragrant as though I quitted it only yesterday. "

"Then happy indeed must have been that hearthstone, whoserose-coloured reminiscences linger so tenderly around your heart, andsurvive the attrition of a long residence in Paris. Your _repertoire_of charming memories tempts me almost to the verge of covetousness. In what portion of the United States did you reside?"

"My boyhood was spent in one of the middle States, where my estate islocated, but my collegiate life removed me to the north, whence Icame immediately abroad. My residence in Europe confirms the beliefthat crossed the Atlantic with me, that in beauty, grace, and all thenameless charms that constitute the perfect, peerless, fascinatingwoman, my own country I pre-eminently bears the palm. Broad as is herdomain, and noble her civil institutions, the crowning glory ofAmerica dwells in her lovely and gifted women. "

He had never looked handsomer than at that moment, as, slightlybending his head in homage, his dangerously beautiful eyes restedwith an unmistakable expression upon the faultless features beforehim; and watching him, a cold smile broke up the icy outline of hiscompanion's delicate lips:

"American beauty might question the sincerity of a champion whoseworship is offered only at foreign shrines, and the precious oblationof whose heart is laid on distant and strange altars. "

"Ah, Madame, --neither at foreign shrines nor strange altars, but everunwaveringly at the feet of my divine countrywomen. Is it needfulthat I recross the ocean to bow before the reigning muse? Is it notconceded that the brightest, loveliest planet in Parisian skies, brought all her splendour from my western home?"

"How you barb with keen regret the mortifying reflection that I, alas! cannot as an American lay claim to a moiety of your chivalricallegiance! Ill-fated Odille Orme!"

The stinging sarcasm in the liquid voice perplexed him, and thestrange lambent light that seemed now and then to ray out of thebrilliant eyes that had never wandered from his, sent anuncomfortable thrill over him. 

"Surely the world cannot have erred in according to my own countrythe honour of your nationality?"

"I was born upon a French ship, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. "

"Ah, dearest Madame! then it is no marvel that, as you have inheritedthe cestus of Aphrodite, your votaries bow as blindly, as helplessly, as those over whom your ancient Greek mother ruled so despotically. By divine right of birth you should reign as Odille Anadyomene. "

"Madame Odille Orme has abjured the pagan ćsthetics that seem totrench rather closely upon Mr. Laurance's ethics, and shed far toorosy an Orientalism over his mind and heart; and hopes he will notforget her proud boast that by divine right she wears a dearer, nobler, holier title--Odille Orme, wife and mother. "

Bolder libertinism than found shelter in Mr. Laurance's pervertednature, would have cowered before the pure face that now leaned farforward, with dilated, scornful eyes which seemed to run likeelectric rays up and down the secret chambers of his heart. 

Involuntarily he shrank back into the depths of his chair, and mutelyquestioned as on the previous night, "Where have I heard that voicebefore?"

With some difficulty he recovered himself, and said hastily:

"Will you forgive me if I tell you frankly, that ever since I saw youlast night I have been tantalized by a vague yet very preciousconsciousness that somewhere you and I have met before? When orwhere, I cannot conjecture, but of one thing I am painfully certain, we can never be strangers henceforth. Some charm in your voice, inthe expression of your eyes when as 'Amy Robsart' the loving womanyou looked so fondly into your 'Leicester's' face, awoke dim memoriesthat will never sleep again. Happy--enviable indeed--that Leicesterwho really rules the empire of your love. "

Tightening the clasp of her palms which enclosed the little goldlocket containing the image of their child, a wintry smile broke overher white face, lending it that mournful glimmer which fadingmoonlight sheds on some silent cenotaph in a cemetery. 

"If my stage tricks of glance or tone, my carefully studied andpractised attitudes and modulations, recall some neglected memoriesof your sunny past, let me hope that Mr. Laurance links me with theholy associations that cluster about a mother's or a sister's sacredfeatures; reviving the earlier years, when he offered at the shrineof friendship, of honour, and of genius, tributes too sincere toadmit the glozing varnish of fulsome, fashionable adulation, whichdegrades alike the lips that utter and the ears that listen. If atsome period in the mysterious future, you, whom--because mycountryman--I reluctantly consented to receive, should reallydiscover a noble lovely woman before whose worth and beauty thatfickle heart you call your own utterly surrenders, and whom winningas wife, and cherishing as only husbands can the darlings theyworship, you were finally torn away from--by inexorable death--theonly power that can part husbands and wives, then think you, Mr. Laurance, that the universe holds a grave deep enough to keep youquiet in your coffin--if vain heartless men profaned her sacredwidowhood by such utterances as you presume to offer me? The stage isthe arena, where in gladiatorial combat I wage my battle with thebeasts of Poverty and Want: there I receive the swelling acclamationsof triumph, or the pelting hisses of defeat; there before thefootlights where I toil for my bread, I am a legitimate defencelesstarget for artistic criticism; but outside the precincts of thetheatre, I hold myself as sacred from the world as if I stood instone upon an altar behind some convent's bars, and as a lonely, sorrow-stricken mother widowed of the father of my child, bereft of ahusband's tenderly jealous guardianship, I have a right to claim theprofound respect, the chivalric courtesy, which every high-toned, honourable gentleman accords to worthy stainless women. Because as anactress I barter my smiles and tears for food and raiment for myfatherless child, it were not quite safe to imagine that I share thepagan tendencies which appear to have smitten some of my countrymenwith moral leprosy. "

The words seemed to burst forth like a mountain cataract long lockedin snow, which, melting suddenly under some unseasonable fieryinfluence, falls in an impetuous icy torrent, bearing the startlingchill of winter into flowery meadows, where tender verdure sown thickwith primroses and daisies smiles peacefully in summer sunshine. 

Twice the visitor half rose and essayed to speak, but that deepsteady voice bore down all interruption, and as he watched her, Mr. Laurance just then would have given the fortune of the Rothschildsfor the privilege of folding in his own the perfect hands that layclasped on the marble slab. 

While her extraordinary beauty moved his heart as no other woman hadyet done, the stern bitterness of her rebuke appealed to the latentchivalry and slumbering nobility of his worldly soul. Looking uponhis flushed handsome face, interpreting its eloquent varyingexpressions by the aid of glancing lights which memory snatched fromlong-gone years, she saw the struggle in his dual nature, and hurriedon, warned by the powerful magnetism of his almost invincible eyesthat the melting spell of the Past was twining its relaxing fingersabout the barred gateway of her own throbbing heart. 

"Trained in the easy school of latitudinarianism so fashionablenowaday on both sides of the Atlantic, doubtless Mr. Laurance deemshis adopted countrywoman a nervous puritanical prude; and upon myprimitive and wellnigh obsolete ideal of social decorum andpropriety, upon my lofty standard of womanly delicacy and manlyhonour, I can patiently tolerate none of the encroachments with whichI have recently been threatened. Just here, sir, permit a pertinentillustration of the impertinence that sometimes annoys me. "

Lifting between the tips of her fingers the pretty peach-bloom-tintednote, whose accusing characters betrayed the hand that penned it, shecontinued, with an outbreak of intense and overwhelming contempt:

"Listen, if you please, to the turbid libation which some rose-lippedParis, some silk-locked Sybarite poured out last night, after leavingthe theatre. Under the pretence of adding a leaf to the chaplets, wonby what he is pleased to tern 'diving dramatic genius, ' this 'JulesDuval'--let me see, I would not libel an honourable name; yes, so itis signed--this Jules Duval, this brainless, heartless, soullessNarcissus, with no larger sense of honour than could find amplewaltzing room on the point of a cambric needle, insolently avows hisreal sentiments in language that your _valet_ might address to hisfavourite _grisette_; and closes like some ardent accepted lover, with an audacious demand for my photograph, 'to wear for ever overhis fond and loyal heart!' That is fashionable homage to mygenius--it is? I call it an insult to my womanhood! Nay--I amashamed to read it! 'Twould stain my cheeks, soil my lips, dishonouryour gentlemanly ears. Mr. Laurance, if ever you should become ahusband, and truly love the woman you make your wife, you willperhaps comprehend my feelings, when some gay unprincipled gallantprofanes the sanctity of her retirement with such unpardonable, suchunmerited insolence. "

She held it up between thumb and forefinger, shaking out the pinkfolds till the signature in violet ink flaunted before the violeteyes of its owner, then, crushing it as if it were a cobweb, shetossed it toward the window. 

Turning her head, she said in an altered and elevated tone:

"Mrs. Waul, may I disturb you for a moment?"

The quiet figure, clad in sober grey, and wearing a muslin cap whosecrimped ruffle enclosed in a snowy frame the benevolent wrinkledcountenance, came forward, knitting in hand, spectacles on her nose, and for the first time the visitor became aware of her presence. 

"Please lower the curtain yonder beside the étagčre, the sun shineshot upon Mr. Laurance's brow. Then touch the bell, and order thecarriage to be ready in twenty minutes. "

Humiliated as he had never been before, Mr. Laurance resolved uponone desperate attempt to regain the position his vanity had rashlyforfeited. Waiting until the Quaker-like _duenna_ had retreated toher former seat, he rose and leaned across the small table, and underhis rich low voice and passionately pleading eyes the actress heldher breath and clutched the locket till its sharp edge sunk into herquivering flesh. 

"You dismiss me as unworthy of your presence, and, acknowledging thejustice of your decree, I sincerely deplore the fatuity that promptedthe offence. Your rebuke was warranted by my foolish presumption, and, confessing the error into which I was betrayed by yourcondescending notice last night, I humbly and sorrowfully solicityour generous forgiveness. Fervid flattering phrases sorely belie myreal character if, sinking me almost beneath your contempt, you deemme devoid of a high sense of honour, or of chivalric devotion tonoble womanly delicacy. Madame Orme, if your unparalleled beauty, grace, and talent bewitched me into a passing folly and vainimpertinence, for which indeed I blush, your stern reproof recalls meto my senses, to my better nature; and I beg that upon the unsulliedword of an American gentleman, you will accept with my apology theearnest assurance that in quitting this room I honour and revere mymatchless countrywoman far more than when I entered her noblepresence. Fashionable freedom may have demoralized my tongue, but bythe God above us, I swear it has not blackened my heart, nor deadenedmy perception and appreciation of all that constitutes true femininerefinement and purity. You have severely punished my presumptuousvanity, and now will you not mercifully pardon a man who, finding inyou the perfect fulfilment of his prophetic dreams of lofty as wellas lovely womanhood, humbly but most earnestly craves permission toreinstate himself in your regard; to attempt to win your esteem andfriendship, which he will value far more highly than the adoration ofany--yes, of all other women?"

He was so near her that she saw the regular quick flutter of the bluevein on his fair temples, and as the musical mastering voice so wellremembered and once so fondly loved stole tenderly through the dark, lonely, dreary recesses of her desolate, aching heart, it waked forone instant a wild, maddening temptation, an intense longing to lifther arms, clasp them around his neck, lean forward upon his bosom, and be at rest. 

In the weary years that followed, how bitterly she denounced anddeplored the fever of implacable revenge that held her back on thatmemorable day! Verily for each of us a "Nemean Lion lies in waitsomewhere, " and a lost opportunity might have cost even Hercules thattawny skin he wore as trophy. 

Mr. Laurance saw a slow dumb motion of the pale lips that breathed nosound to fill the verbal frame they mutely fashioned--"my husband;"and then with a gradual drooping of the heavily lashed lids, the eyesclosed. Only until one might have leisurely counted five was hepermitted to scan the wan face in its rare beautiful repose, thenagain her eyes pitiless as fate met his--so eager, so wistful--andshe too rose, confronting him with a cold proud smile. 

"I fear Mr. Laurance unduly bemoans and magnifies a mistake, which, whatever its baleful intent, has suffered in my rude inhospitablehands an 'untimely nipping in the bud, ' and most ingloriously failedof consummation. After to-day the luckless incident of ouracquaintance must vanish like some farthing rushlight set upon abreezy down to mark a hidden quicksand; for in my future panorama Ishall keep no niche for mortifying painful days like this--and you, sir, amid the rush and glow and glitter of this bewildering Frenchcapital, will have little leisure and less inclination to recall theunflattering failure of an attempted flirtation with a pretty butmost utterly heartless actress, who wrung her hands, and did hightragedy, and stormed and wept for gold! Not for perfumed pink_billets-doux_, nor yet for adulation and vows of deathless devotionfrom high-born gentlemen handsome and heartless enough to serve in _LeMusée du Louvre_ as statues of Apollo, but for gold, Mr. Laurance, only for gold!"

"Do not inexorably exile me--do not refuse my prayer for theprivilege of sometimes seeing you. Permit me to come here and teachyou to believe in my----"

"_Le jeu n'en vaut pas la chandelle!_" she exclaimed, with a quicknervous laugh that grated grievously upon his ear. 

"Madame, I implore you not to deny me the delight of an occasionalinterview. "

A sudden pallor crept across his eager face, and he attempted totouch the fair dimpled hand which, still grasping the locket, restedupon the table. 

Aware of his purpose, she haughtily shrank back, drew herself up, andfolding her arms so tightly over her breast that the cameo ringpressed close upon her bounding heart, she looked down on him as fromsome distant height, with an intensity of quiet scorn that nolanguage could adequately render, that bruised his heart likehail-stones. 

"I deny you henceforth all opportunity of sinking yourself stilldeeper in my estimation, of annoying me by any future demonstrationsof a style of admiration I neither desire, appreciate, nor intend topermit. If accident should ever thrust you again across my path, youwill do well to forget that our minister committed the blunder ofsending you here to-day. Mr. Laurance will please accept my thanksfor this package of papers, which shall be returned to-morrow to theoffice of the American embassy. Resolved to forget the unpleasantincidents of to-day, Madame Orme is compelled to bid you good-bye. "

Angry but undaunted, his eloquent eyes boldly bore up under hers, asif in mortal challenge; and he bowed, with a degree of graceful_hauteur_, fully equal to her own best efforts. 

"Madame's commands shall be rigidly and literally obeyed, forCuthbert Laurance is far too proud to obtrude his presence or hishomage on any woman; but Mrs. Orme's interdict does not include thatpublic realm, where she has repeatedly assured me that gold alwayssecures admission to her smiles, and from which no earthly power candebar me. Watching you from the same spot, where last night youfloated like an angelic dream of my boyhood, like a gloriousrevelation upon my vision and my heart, I shall defy the world to marthe happiness in store for me, so long as you remain in Paris. Adistant but devoted worshipper, cherishing the memory of thosethrilling glances with which 'Amy Robsart' favoured me, permit me towish Madame Orme a pleasant ride, and good afternoon. "

He bent his handsome head low before her, and left the room less likean exile than a conqueror, buoyed by an abiding fatalism, a fondfaith in that magnetic influence and fascination he had hithertosuccessfully exerted over all, whom his wayward, fickle, fastidiousfancy had chosen to enslave. 

When the sound of his retreating footsteps was no longer audible, theslender white-robed figure moved unsteadily across the floor, enteredthe adjoining dressing-room, and locked the door. 

The play was over at last, the long tensions of nerve, the ironstrain on brain and heart, the steel manacles on memory, all snappedsimultaneously; the actress was trampled out of sight, the weak, suffering, long-tortured woman bowed down in helpless and hopelessagony before her desecrated mouldering altar, was alone with the dustof her overturned and crumbling idol. 

"My husband! O God! Thou knowest--not hers--not that woman's--butmine! all mine! My baby's father!--my Cuthbert--my own husband!"

 "Oh past! past the sweet times that I remember well! Alas that such a tale my heart can tell! Ah, how I trusted him! what love was mine! How sweet to feel his arms about me twine, And my heart beat with his! What wealth of bliss To hear his praises; all to come to this, -- That now I durst not look upon his face, Lest in my heart that other thing have place-- That which men call hate!"

CHAPTER VIII. 

"Nonsense, Elise! She is but a child, and I beg you will notprematurely magnify her into a woman. There are so few unaffected, natural children in this generation, that it is as refreshing tocontemplate our little girl's guileless purity and ingenuoussimplicity, as to gaze upon cool green meadows on a sultry, parchingAugust day. Keep her a child, let her alone. "

Mr. Hargrove wiped his spectacles with his handkerchief, and replacedthem on his Roman nose with the injured air of a man who, having beeninterrupted in some favourite study to take cognizance of anunexpected, unwelcome, and altogether unpleasant fact, majesticallyrefuses to inspect, and dogmatically waves it aside, as if to ignorewere to annihilate. 

"Now, Peyton, for a sensible man (to say nothing of the astutephilosopher and the erudite theologian), you certainly do indulge inthe most remarkable spasms of wilful, obstinate, premeditatedblindness. You need not stare so desperately at that page, for Iintend to talk to you, and it is useless to try to snub either me ormy facts. Regina is young, I know, not quite fourteen, but she ismore precocious, more mature, than many girls are at sixteen; and youseem to forget that, having always associated with grown people, shehas imbibed their ideas and caught their expressions, instead of themore juvenile forms of thought and speech usual in children who liveamong children. She has as far outgrown jumping-ropes as you havetops and kites, and has no more relish for fairy tales than yourreverence has for base-ball, or my Bishop here for marbles. Supposelast October I had sprinkled a paper of lettuce-seed in the openborder of the garden, and on the same day you had sown a lot oflettuce in the hot-beds against the brick wall, where all thesunshine falls: would you refuse your crisp, tempting, forced salad, because it had reached perfection so rapidity?"

"Mother, do you intend us to understand that Regina is very tender, and very verdant?" asked Mr. Lindsay, looking up from a grammar thatlay open before him. 

"I intend you, sir, to study your Hindustanee, and your Tamil, whileI experiment upon the value of analogical reasoning in my discussionswith your uncle. Now, Peyton, you see that child's mind has been fornearly four years in an intellectual hotbed, --sunned in the light ofreligion, moistened with the dew of philosophy, cultivatedsystematically with the prongs and hoes of regular study, of example, and precept; and, being a vigorous sprout when she was transplanted, she has made good use of her opportunities, and, behold! early mentalsalad, and very fine! You men theorize, ratiocinate, declaim, dogmatize about abstract propositions, and finally get your feettangled and stumble over facts right under your noses, that womenwould never fail to pick up and put aside. The soul of Thalespossesses you all, whereas we who sit at the cradle, and guide thelittle tottering feet, study the ground and sweep away thestumbling-blocks. Day after day you and Douglass discuss all kinds ofscientific theories, and quote pagan authorities and infidel systemsin the presence of Regina, who sits in her low chair over there inthe corner of the fireplace as quiet as a white mouse, listening toevery word, though 'Hans Christian Andersen' lies open on her lap, and scarcely winking those blue eyes of hers, that are as solemn asif they belonged to the Judges of Israel. If a child is raised in acarpenter's shop, with all manner of sharp, dangerous often two-edgedtools scattered around in every direction, who wonders that thelittle fingers are prematurely gashed and scarred? You and Douglassimagine she is dreaming about the number of elves that dance on thegreensward on moonlight nights, or the spangles on their lace wings;or that she is studying the latitude and longitude of the capital ofthe last territory which Congress elevated to the uncertain andtormenting dignity of nominal self-government, that once (_vide_'obsolete civil hallucinations') inhered in an American State; orperhaps you believe the child is longing for a pot of sugar candy?Then rub your eyes, you ecclesiastical bats, and let me show you the'outcome' of all this wise and learned chat, with which you edify oneanother. You know she beguiled me into giving her lessons on theorgan, as well as the piano, and yesterday when I went over to thechurch at instruction hour, I was astonished at a prelude, which shehad evidently improvised. Screened from her view, I listened till shefinished playing. Of course I praised her (for really she hasremarkable talent), and asked her when she began to compose, toimprovise. Now what do you suppose she answered? A brigade ofPhiladelphia lawyers could never guess. She looked at me verysteadily, and said as nearly as I can quote her words: 'I reallydon't know exactly when I began, but I suppose a long time ago, whenI wore brown feathers, and went to sleep with my head under my wing, as all nightingales do. ' Said I: 'What upon earth do you mean?' Shereplied: 'Why of course I mean when I was a nightingale, before Igrew to be a human being. Didn't you hear Mr. Hargrove last weekreading from that curious book, in which so many queer things weretold about transmigration, and how the soul of a musical child camefrom the nightingale, the sweetest of singers? And don't yourecollect Mr. Lindsay said that Plato believed it; and that Plotinustaught that people who lead pure lives and yet love music to excess, go into the bodies of melodious birds when they die? Just now when Iplayed, I was wondering how a nightingale felt, swinging in a plumtree all white with fragrant bloom, and watching the cattle croppingbuttercups and dandelions in the field. Mrs. Lindsay, if my soul isnot perfectly fresh and brand new, I hope it never went into a humanbody before mine, because I would much lather it came straight to mefrom a sweet innocent bird. "

"Surely, Elise, you are as usual, jesting?" exclaimed her brother. 

"On the contrary, I assure you I neither magnify nor embellish. I ammerely stating unvarnished facts, that you may thoroughly understandinto what fertile soil your scattered grains of learning fall. Ipromise you, with moderate cultivation it will yield anhundred-fold. "

"Mother, what did you say to her, by way of a dose of orthodoxy toantidote the metempsychosis poison?" asked Mr. Lindsay, who could notforbear laughing, at the astonished expression of his uncle'scountenance. 

"At first I was positively dumb, and stared at the child, very muchas I daresay Mahamaia did, when her boy Arddha-Chiddi stood upon hisfeet and spoke five minutes after his entrance into this world ofwoe, or when at five months of age he sat unsupported in the air. Then I shook her, and asked if she had gone to sleep and dreamed shewas a bulbul feeding on rose leaves; whereupon she looked gravelydignified, and when I proceeded to reason with her concerning theabsurdity of the utterly worn-out doctrine of transmigration, how doyou suppose she met me? With the information that far from being aworn-out doctrine, learned and scientific men now living werereviving it as the truth; and that whereas Christianity was onlyeighteen hundred years old, that metempsychosis had been believed fortwenty-nine centuries, and at this day numbers more followers, bymillions, than any other religion in the world. I inquired how shelearned all this foolish fustian, and with an indescribable mixtureof pride, pity, and triumph, as if she realized that she was throwingMont Blanc at my head, she mentioned you two eminently evangelicalguides, from whose infallible lips she had gleaned her knowledge. Asfor you, Douglass, I suggest you abandon Oriental studies, forego thedim hope of martyrdom in India, and begin your missionary labours athome. My dear, the Buddhist is at your own door. Now, Peyton, how doyou relish the flavour of your philosophical salad?"

"I am afraid I have been culpably thoughtless in introducing to hermind various doctrines and theories which I never imagined she couldcomprehend, or would even ponder for a moment. Since my sight hasbecome so impaired and feeble, I have several times called on her toread some articles which certainly are not healthful pabulum for achild, and my conversations with Douglass, relative to scientifictheories, have been carried on unreservedly in her presence. I amvery glad you warned me. "

"And I am exceedingly sorry, if the effect of my mother's wordsshould be to hamper and cramp the exercise of Regina's faculties. Free discussion should be dreaded only by hypocrites and fanatics, and after all, it is the best crucible for eliminating the false fromthe true. Does the contemplation of physical monstrosities engender apredilection or affection for deformity? Does it not rather bycontrast with symmetry and perfect proportion heighten the power andcharm of the latter? The beauty of truth is never so invincible aswhen confronted with sophistry or falsehood; just as youth and healthseem doubly fair and precious, in the presence of tremblingdecrepitude and revolting disease. "

"Really, Bishop! I thought you had passed the sophomoric stage, andit is a shameful waste of dialectic ammunition to throw yourantithesis at me. According to your doctrine, America ought to buy upand import all the deformed unfortunates who are annually exposed inChina, in order that our people should properly appreciate thesuperiority of sound limbs, and the value of the five senses; andhealthy young people should throng the lazarettos and alms-houses tolearn the nature of their own disadvantages. It is equally desirablethat wise men like you and Peyton should accustom yourselves to thesociety of--well--I use polite diction, of imbeciles, of 'innocents, 'in order to set a true value on learning and your own astute logic?"

"My dear little mother, you chop your logic so furiously with a broadaxe, that you darken the air with a hurricane of chips and splinters. Like all ladies who attempt to argue, you rush into the _reductio adabsurdum_, and find it impossible to discriminate between----"

"Wisdom and conceit? Bless you, Bishop, observation has taught me allthe shades and delicate gradations of that difference. We women nomore mistake the latter for the former, than the gods who declined toturn cannibal when they went to dine with Tantalus, and were offereda fricassee of Pelops. Now I----

"Ceres did eat of it!" exclaimed her son, adroitly avoiding a tweakof the ear, by throwing his head back, beyond the touch of herfingers. 

"A wretched pagan fable, sir, with which orthodox bishops should holdno communion. Tell me, you beardless Gamaliel, where you accumulatedyour knowledge relative to the education of girls? Present us a chartof your experience. You talk of hampering and cramping Regina'sfaculties, as if I had put her brains in a pair of stays, and dailytightened the lacers. "

"I am inclined to think the usual forms of female education haveprecisely that effect. The fact is, mother, it appears that women inthis country are expected to come the reserve magazines of piety, ofreligious fervour, on the certainly powerful principle that'ignorance is the mother of devotion. ' True knowledge, which springsfrom fearless investigation, is a far nobler and more reliableconservator of pure vital Christianity. "

"_Exempli gratia_, Miss Martineau and Madame Dudevant, who arecrowned heads among the _cognoscenti?_ Or perhaps you would prefer asecond 'La Pelouse, ' governed by Miss Weber, who certainly agreeswith you, 'that girls are trained too delicately to allow the mind toexpand. ' Illuminated and expanded by 'philosophy' and 'socialprogress' she and Madame Dudevant long ago literally abjured stays, and glory in the usurpation of vests, pantaloons, coats, and shorthair. Be pleased to fancy my Regina, my blue-eyed snowbird, shorn ofthat

 'Gloriole of ebon locks on calmed brows'!

I would rather see her in her coffin, shrouded in a ruffledpinafore. "

"Much as I love her, so would I; but, Elise, we will anticipate nosuch dreadful destiny. She has a clear fine mind, is studious andambitious, but certainly not a genius, unless it be in music; and shecan be trained into a cultivated refined woman, sufficientlyconversant with the sciences to comprehend their contemporaneousdevelopment, without threatening us with pedantry, or adopting astyle suitable to the groves of Crotona in the days of Damo, or theabstruse mystical diction that doomed Hypatia to the mercy of themonks. After all, why scare up a blue-stockinged ogre, which may haveno intention of depredating upon our peace; for to be really learnedis no holiday amusement in this cumulative age, and offers littletemptation to a young girl. Not long since, I found a sentencebearing upon this subject, which impressed itself upon my mind, asboth strong and healthy: 'And by this you may recognize trueeducation from false. False education is a delightful thing, andwarms you, and makes you every day think more of yourself; and trueeducation is a deadly cold thing, with a gorgon's head on her shield, and makes you every day think worse of yourself. Worse in two waysalso, more is the pity: it is perpetually increasing the personalsense of ignorance, and the personal sense of fault. '"

"In that event, may I venture to wonder where and how you andDouglass stand in your own estimation? If quotations are _en rčgle_, I can match your reverence, though unfortunately my feminine memoryis not like yours, a tireless beast of burden, and I must be allowedto read. Here is the book close at hand, in my stocking basket. Now, wise and gentle sirs, this is my ideal of proper, healthful, feminineeducation, as contrasted with pur new-fangled method of making girlseither lay-figures for millinery, jewellery, and frizzled false hair, or else--far more horrible still--social hermaphrodites, who stormthe posts that have been assigned to men ever since that venerableand sacred time when 'Adam delved and Eve span, ' and who, forsakingholy home haunts, wage war against nature on account of the mistakemade in their sex, and clamour for the 'hallowed inalienable right'to jostle and be jostled at the polls; to brawl in the market place, and to rant on the rostrum, like a bevy of bedlamities. Now when Ibegin to read, listen, and tell me frankly, whether when you bothmake up your minds to present me, one a sister, the other a daughter, you will select your wives from among quaint Evelyn's almost obsoletetype, or whether you will commit your name, affections, wardrobe, larder, pantry and poultry to a strong-minded female 'scientist, ' whowill neglect your socks and buttons, to ascertain exactly how many_Vibriones_ and _Bacteria_ float in a drop of fluid, and when youcome home tired and very hungry, will comfort you, and nobly atonefor the injury of an ill-cooked and worse-served dinner, by regalingyour weary ears with her own ingenious and brilliant interpretationand translation of _Ćlia Lćlia Crispis!_ Here is my old-fashionedEnglish damsel, meek as a violet, fresh as a dewy daisy, and sweet asa bed of thyme and marjoram. 'The style and method of life are quitechanged, as well as the language, since the days of our ancestors, simple and plain as they were, courting their wives for theirmodesty, frugality, keeping at home, good housewifery, and othereconomical virtues then in reputation. And when the young damselswere taught all these at home in the country at their parents'houses; the portion they brought being more in virtue than money, shebeing a richer match than any one who could bring a million, andnothing else to commend her. The virgins and young ladies of thatgolden age put their hands to the spindle, nor disdained the needle;were obsequious and helpful to their parents, instructed in themanagement of the family, and gave presage of making excellent wives. Their retirements were devout and religious books, their recreationsin the distillery and knowledge of plants and their virtues for thecomfort of their poor neighbours, and use of the family, whichwholesome diet and kitchen physic preserved in health. Then thingswere natural, plain, and wholesome; nothing was superfluous, nothingnecessary wanted. The poor were relieved bountifully, and charity wasas warm as the kitchen, where the fire was perpetual. ' Now, if Reginawere only my child, I should with some modifications train her afterthis mellow old style. "

"Then I am truly thankful she is not my sister! Fancy her prettypearly fingers encrusted with gingerbread-dough; or her entrance intothe library heralded by the perfume of moly, or of basil and sage, tolerable only as the familiars of a dish of sausage meat! Don't soilmy dainty white dove with the dust and soot and rank odours thatbelong to the culinary realm. "

"Your white dove? Do you propose to adopt her? A month hence when youare on your way to India, what difference can it possibly make toyou, whether she is as brown as a quail or black as a crow? Beforeyou come back, she will have been conscripted into the staid army ofmatrons, and transmogrified into stout Mrs. Ptolemy Thomson, or leanand careworn Mrs. Simon Smith, or worse than all, erudite Mrs. Professor Belshazzar Brown, spelling Hercules after the learnedstyle, with the loss of the u, and the substitution of a k; or makingthe ghost of Ulysses tear his hair, by writing the name of hisenchantress 'Kirké'!"

As Mrs. Lindsay spoke the smile vanished from her lips, and lookingkeenly at her son's countenance she detected the change that crossedit, the sudden glow that mounted to the edge of his hair. 

Avoiding her eyes, he answered hastily: "Suppose those distinguishedgentlemen you mention chance to be scholars, _savans_, and disposedto follow the advice of Joubert in making their matrimonialselection: 'We should choose for a wife only the woman we shouldchoose for a friend, were she a man. ' Think you mere habits ofdomesticity, or skill in herbalism, would arrest and fix theirfancy?"

"But, Bishop, they might consider the Talmud more venerable authoritythan Joubert, and the Talmud says, so I am told: 'Descend a step inchoosing a wife; mount a step in choosing a friend. '"

"Thank heaven! there is indeed no Salique Law in the realm oflearning. Mother, I believe one of the happiest auguries of thefuture consists in the broadening views of education that are nowheld by some of our ablest thinkers. If in the morning of ourreligious system, St. Peter deemed it obligatory on us to be able and'ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reasonof the hope that is in you, ' how doubly imperative is that duty inthis controversial age, when the popular formula has been adopted, 'to doubt, to inquire, to discover;' when the hammer of the geologistpounds into dust the idols of tradition, and the lenses of astronomypierce the blue wastes of space, which in our childhood we fondlybelieved were the _habitat_ of cherubim and seraphim. Now, mother, ifyou will only insure my ears against those pink tweezers, of whichthey bear stinging recollections, I should like to explain myself. "

Mrs. Lindsay plunged her hands into the depths of her stockingbasket, and said sententiously:

"The temple of Janus is closed. "

"What is the origin of the doctrine that erudition is the soleprerogative of men, and that it proves as dangerous in a woman'shands, as phosphorus or gunpowder in those of a baby----"

"Why Eve's experience, of course. A ton of gunpowder would not haveblown up the garden of Eden more effectually, than did her lighttouch upon an outside branch of the tree of knowledge. I should sayGenesis was acceptable authority to a young minister of the Gospel. "

"That is a violation of the truce, Elise. You are skirmishing withhis picket line. Go on, Douglass. "

"It is evidently a remnant of despotic barbarism, a fungoid growthfrom Oriental bondage----"

"Bishop, may I be allowed to ask if you are referring to Genesis?"

"Dear little mother, I refer to the popular fallacy, that in the sameratio that you thoroughly educate women, you unfit them for the holyduties of daughter, wife, and mother. Is there an inherent antagonismbetween learning and womanliness?"

"Indeed, dear, how can I tell? I am not a 'Della-Cruscan. ' I only'strain' milk into my dairy pans. "

"Elise, do be quiet. You break the thread of his argument. "

"Then it is entirely too brittle to hold the ponderous propositionshe intends to string upon it. Proceed, my son. "

"Are we to accept the unjust and humiliating dogma that the morehighly we cultivate feminine intellect, the more un-feminine, unlovely, unamiable the individual certainly becomes? Is a womansweeter, more gentle, more useful to her family and friends, becauseshe is unlearned? Does knowledge exert an acidulating influence uponfemale temper, or produce an ossifying effect on female hearts? Isignorance an inevitable concomitant of refinement and delicacy?Does the knowledge of Greek and Latin cast a blight over theflower-garden, or a mildew in the pantry and linen closet; ordo the classics possess the power of curdling all the milk ofhuman-kindness, all the streams of tender sympathy in a woman'snature, as rennet coagulates a bowl of sweet milk? Can anacquaintance with literature, art, and science so paralyze a lady'senergies, that she is rendered utterly averse to and incapable ofperforming those domestic offices, those household duties, sopre-eminently suited to her slender, dexterous busy little fingers?Why, my own wise precious little mother is a living refutationof so grossly absurd and monstrous a dogma! Have not you boxed myears, because, when stumbling through the 'Anabasis, ' my Greekpronunciation tortured your fastidious and correct taste? Did not youtell me that you read nearly the whole of Sallust by spreading thebook open on the dairy shelf while you churned, thus saving time? Anddid not that same sweet golden butter, made under the shadow of aLatin dictionary, win you the State Fair Premium, of that very silvercup, from which I drank my milk, as long as I wore knee-pants andround jackets? Was it not my father's fond boast that his wife'sproficiency in music was equalled only by her wonderful skill inmaking muffins, pastry, and _omelette soujflée?_"

With genuine chivalric tenderness in look and tone he inclined hishead; but though a tear certainly glistened in Mrs. Lindsay's brighteyes, she answered gayly:

"Am I Cerberus, to be coaxed and cheated by a well-buttered sop offlattery? Return to your mutton, reverend sir, and know that I amincorruptible, and disdain to betray my cause for your thirty piecesof potent praise. "

"I think, " said Mr. Hargrove, taking a bunch of cherries from thefruit-stand on the library table, --"I think the whole matter may beresolved into this; the ambitious clamours and Amazonian excesses ofthis epoch, are the inevitable consequence of the rigid tyranny offormer ages; which sternly banished women to the numbing darkness ofan intellectual night, denying them the legitimate and natural rightof developing their faculties by untrammelled exercise. This beliefin feminine inferiority is still expressed in Mohammedan lands, bythe custom of placing a slate or tablet of marble on a woman's grave, while on that of men a pen or penholder is laid, to indicate thatfemale hearts are mere tablets, on which man writes whatever pleaseshim best. In sociology, as well as physics and dynamics, --the angleof reflection is always equal to the angle of incidence, --thepsychologic rebound is ever in proportion to the mental pressure; oneextreme invariably impinges upon the opposite, --and when the pendulumhas reached one end of the arc, it must of necessity swing back tothe other. In all social revolutions the moderate and reasonableconcessions which might have appeased the discontent in itsincipiency are gladly tendered much too late in the contest, when theinsurgents stung by injustice and conscious of their grievances, refuse all temperate compromise, and run riot. This woman's-rightsand woman's-suffrage abomination is no suddenly concocted socialbottle of yeast: it has been fermenting for ages, and, having finallyblown out the cork, is rapidly leavening the mass of femalemalcontents. "

"But, Uncle Peyton, you surely discriminate between a few noisyambitious sciolists who mistake lyceum notoriety for renown, and thenoble band of delicate, refined women whose brilliant attainments inthe republic of letters are surpassed only by their beautifuldevotion to God, family, and home? Fancy Mrs. Somerville demanding aseat in Parliament, or Miss Herschel elbowing her way to thehustings! Whose domestic record is more lovely in its purewomanliness than Hannah More's, or Miss Mitford's, or Mrs. Browning's? who wears deathless laurels more modestly than RosaBonheur? It seems to me, sir, that it is not so much the amount asthe quality of the learning that just now ought to engage attention. I see that one of the ablest and strongest thinkers of the day hashandled this matter in a masterly way, and with your permission Ishould like to read a passage: 'In these times the educational treeseems to me to have its roots in the air, its leaves and flowers inthe ground; and I confess I should very much like to turn it upsidedown, so that its roots might be solidly embedded among the facts ofNature, and draw thence a sound nutriment for the foliage and fruitof literature and of art. No educational system can have a claim topermanence, unless it recognizes the truth that education has twogreat ends, to which everything else must be subordinated. One ofthese is to increase knowledge; the other is to develop the love ofright and the hatred of wrong. At present, education is almostentirely devoted to the cultivation of the power of expression, andof the sense of literary beauty. The matter of having anything to saybeyond a hash of other people's opinions, or of possessing anycriterion of beauty, so that we may distinguish between the God-likeand the devilish, is left aside as of no moment. I think I do not errin saying that if science were made the foundation of education, instead of being at most stuck on as cornice to the edifice, thisstate of things could not exist. ' Such is the system I should like tosee established in our own country. "

"Provided you could reply upon the moderation of the teachers; forunless wisely and temperately inculcated, this system would soon makeutter shipwreck of the noblest interests of humanity. For many yearsI have watched attentively the doublings of this fox, and while Iyield to no man in solemn fidelity to truth, I want to be sure thatwhat I accept as such, is not merely old error under new garbs, onlya change of disguising terms. Science has its fetich, as well hassuperstition, and abstruse terminology does not always conceal itsstolid gross proportions. The complete overthrow and annihilation ofthe belief in a personal, governing, prayer-answering God, is the endand aim of the gathering cohorts of science, and the sooner maskingtechnicalities are thrown aside the better for all parties. Scientific research and analysis, nobly brave, patient, tireless, andworthy of all honour and gratitude, have manipulated, decomposed, andthen integrated the universal clay, but despite microscope andtelescope, chemical analysis, and vivisection, they can go no furtherthan the whirring of the Potter's wheel, and the Potter is nowhererevealed. The moulding Creative hand and the plastic clay are stillas distinct, as when the gauntlet was first flung down by proudambitious constructive science. Animal and vegetable organisms havebeen analyzed, and 'the idea of adaptation developed into theconception that life itself, "is the definite combination ofheterogeneous changes, both simultaneous and successive incorrespondence with external co-existence and sequences. "' Now to themasses who are pardonably curious concerning this problem ofexistence, is this result perfectly satisfactory? The 'Physical basisof life' has been driven into a corner, hunted down, seized at last, and over the heads of an eager, panting, chasing generation, istriumphantly dangled this 'Scientific Fox' brush, 'NucleatedProtoplasm, the structural unit!' But how or whence sprang the lawsof 'Protein'? Hatred of certain phrases is more bitter than of theprinciples they express, and because theologians cling to the wordsGod, ' Creative Acts, Divine Wisdom, Providential Adaptation, scientists declare them the _dicta_ of ignorance, superstition, andtradition, and demand that we shall bow before their superior wisdom, and substitute such terms as 'Biogenesis, ' 'Abiogenesis, ' and'Xenogenesis. ' But where is the economy of credulity? The problemsare only crowded by a subtle veil of learned or scientific verbiage, and their solution does not induce the expenditure of faith. Thechange of names is not worth the strife, for the Clay and the Potterare still distinct, and He who created cosmic laws cannot reasonablyor satisfactorily be confounded with, or merged in His own statutes. Creeds, theories, systems are not valuable because they are religiousand traditional, or because they are scientific or philosophical, butsolely on account of their truth. So, Douglass, I am not sure thatyour essentially scientific method will teach Regina any more realwisdom in ethics, or in Ćtiolgy, than her great-grandmotherpossessed. "

"You forget, Uncle Peyton, that in this rapidly advancing age onlyimproved educational systems will enable men and women to appreciatethe importance of its discoveries. "

"My dear boy, are sudden and violent changes always synonymous withadvancement? Is transition inevitably improvement? Was the socialstatus of Paris after the revolution of 1790 an appreciable progressfrom the morals, religious or political, that existed in the days ofFenelon? In mechanical, agricultural, and chemical departments themarch is indeed nobly on and upward, the discoveries and improvementsare vast and wonderful, and for these physical material blessings weare entirely indebted to Science, toiling, heroic, and trulybeneficent Science. In morals, public or private--religion, nationalor individual--or in civil polity, have we advanced? Has liberty ofaction kept pace with liberty of opinion? Are Americans as truly freeto-day as they certainly were fifty years ago? In ćsthetics do wesurpass Phidias and Praxiteles, Raphael and Michael Angelo? Is ourmusic more perfect than Pergolesi's or Mozart's? Can we exhibit anymarvels of architecture that excel the glory of Philć, Athens, Pćstum, and Agra? Are wars less bloody, or is crime less rampant? Ourarrogant assumption of superiority is sometimes mournfully rebuked. For instance, one of the most eminent and popular scientists ofEngland emphasised his views on the necessity of 'improving naturalknowledge, ' by ascribing the great plague of 1664, and the great fireof 1666--which in point of population and of houses, nearly sweptLondon from the face of the globe--to ignorance and neglect ofsanitary laws, and to the failure to provide suitable organizationsfor the suppression of conflagrations. He proudly asserted that therecurrence of such catastrophes is now prohibited by scientificarrangements 'that never allow even a street to burn down, ' and that'it is the improvement of our own natural knowledge which keeps backthe plague. ' I think I am warranted in the assumption that ourAmerican Fire Departments, Insurance Companies, and Boards of Healthare quite as advanced, progressive, and scientific as similarassociations in Great Britain; yet the week after I read hisargument, an immense city lay almost in ruins; and ere many monthspassed, several towns and districts of our land were scourged, desolated by pestilence so fatal, so unconquerable, that the horrorsof the plague were revived, and the living were scarcely able tosepulchre the dead. Now and then we have solemn admonitions of theSisyphian tendency of the attempt so oft defeated, so persistentlyrenewed to banish a Personal and Ruling God, and substitute thescientific fetich, 'Force and Matter, ' 'Natural Law, ' 'Evolution, ' or'Development. ' While I desire that the basis of Regina's educationshall be sufficiently broad, liberal, and comprehensive, I intend tobe careful what doctrines are propounded; for unfortunately all whosympathize with the atheism of Comte, have not his noble frankness, and fail to print as he did on his title-page:

 '_Réorganiser sans Dieu ni roi, Par le culte systematique de l'Humanité_. '"

"Oh, Peyton! what fearfully, selfishly long sentences you andDouglass inflict upon each other, and upon me! The colons andsemicolons gather along the lines of conversation like an army ofmartyrs, and to my stupidly weary ears that last, that final period, was a most 'sweet boon'--a crowning blessing. If Regina's nightingalesoul is to be vexed by such disquisitions as those from which youhave been quoting, I must say it made a sorry bargain in exchangingbrown feathers for pink flesh, and would have had a better timetrilling madrigals in some hawthorn thicket or myrtle grove. I seeplainly I might as well carry my dear old Evelyn--fragrant withmint and marjoram--back upstairs, and wrap it up in ancientcamphor-scented linen, and put it away tenderly to sleep its lastsleep in the venerable cedar chest, where my grandfather's hugeknee-buckles, and my great-grandmother's yellow brocaded silk-dress, with its waist the length of my little finger, and the sleeves aswide as a balloon. Gentlemen, permit me one parting paragraph, before I write 'finis' on this matter of education, and 'hereafterfor ever hold my peace. ' Be it distinctly understood, 'by thesepresents, ' that if that child Regina grows up a blue-stocking, or ametempsychosist, a scientist or a freedom-shrieker, a professor ofphysics or a practitioner of physic, judge of a court or mayor of acity, biologist, sociologist, heathen or heretic, it will be no workor wish of mine; for to each and all of these threatened, progressiveabominations, I, Elise Lindsay, do hold up clean hands, and cry, Avaunt!"

"I thought my sister had long since learned that borrowing troublenecessitated the payment of usurious interest? Just now our littlegirl carries no gorgon's head; let her alone. The most imperativelydemanded change in our system of female training, is the addition ofa few years in which to work. American girls are turned out uponsociety when they should be beginning their apprenticeship undertheir mothers' eyes in all household arts and sciences; and they arewives and mothers before they are able physically, mentally, ormorally to appreciate the sacred, solemn responsibilities that inherein such positions. If our girls pursued methodically all the branchesof a liberal and classical education, including domestic economy, until they were at least twenty, how much misery would be averted!how many more really elegant interesting women would be added to thecharm of society, usefulness to country, happiness and sanctity ofhome! Had I means to bestow in such enterprises, I shouldlike to endow some institution, and stipulate for a chair ofhousehold-arts-and-sciences-and-home-duties; and Regina should not gointo general society until she had graduated therein. "

"Not another word of conspiracy against my little maid's peace! Leanforward a little, Peyton, and look at her yonder, coming along therose-walk. See how the pigeons follow her. She has been gatheringraspberries, and I promised she should make all she could pick intojelly for poor old Tobitha Meggs. How pure and fair she looks in herwhite dress! Dear little thing! Sometimes I am wicked enough to wishshe had no mother, for then she would be wholly ours, and we couldkeep her always. Listen, she is singing Schubert's '_Ave Maria_'. "

After a moment's silence Mrs. Lindsay rose, and, passing her armaround her son's neck, leaned her cheek against his head, as he satnear his uncle, and looking through the open door at the slowlyapproaching figure. 

"Bishop, if I were an artist, I would paint her as a priestess atEphesus, chanting a hymn to Diana; and instead of Hero and thepigeons, place brown deer and spotted fawns on mossy banks in thebackground. "

"Pooh! What a hopeless pagan you are, Elise? If I were a sculptor Iwould chisel a statue of purity, and give it her countenance. "

And Mr. Lindsay smiled in his mother's face, and said only for herear:

"Do not her eyes entitle her to be called Glaukopis?"

CHAPTER IX. 

The long sultry August day was drawing to a close, and those who hadfound the intense heat almost unendurable watched with delight theslow hands of the clock, whose lagging fingers finally pointed tofive. The sky seemed brass, the atmosphere a blast from Tophet; andthe sun, still standing at some distance above the horizon, glaredmercilessly down over the panting parched: earth, as if a recent andunusually copious shower of "meteoric cosmical matter" had falleninto the solar furnace, and prompted it by increased incandescence tohotly deny the truth of Helmholtz's assertion: "The inexorable lawsof mechanics show that the store of heat in the sun must be finallyexhausted. " Certainly to those who had fanned themselves through thetedious torture long remembered as the "hot Sunday, " thescience-predicted period of returning glaciers and polar snows wherepalms and lemons now hold sway, seemed even more distant than theepoch suggested by the speculative. In proportion to the elevation ofthe mercurial vein which mounted to and poisoned itself at 100degrees, the religious, the devotional, pulse sank lower, almost tozero; consequently, although circumstances of unusual interestattracted the congregation to the church, where Mr. Lindsay intendedto preach his farewell sermon, only a limited number had braved theheat to shake hands with the young minister, who ere another sunrisewould have started on his long journey to the pagan East. 

At the parsonage it had been a sad day, sad despite the graveserenity of Mr. Hargrove, the quiet fortitude of Mr. Lindsay, and thedesperate attempts of the mother to drive back tears, composefluttering lips, and steady the tones of her usually cheerful voice. For several days previous, Mr. Hargrove had been quite indisposed, and as his nephew would leave home at eleven p. M. , the customarySunday night service had been omitted. 

As the afternoon wore away, the family trio assembled on the shadedend of the north verandah, and with intuitive delicacy, Regina shrankfrom intruding on the final interview which appeared so sacred. 

Followed by Hero, she went through the shrubbery, and down a walkbordered with ancient cedars, which led to a small gate that openedinto the adjoining churchyard. 

In accordance with a custom long since fallen hopelessly intodesuetude, but prevailing when the venerable church was erected, ithad been placed in the centre of a spacious square, every yard ofwhich had subsequently become hallowed as the last resting-place offamilies who had passed away, since the lofty spire rose like a hugegolden finger pointing heavenward. An avenue of noble elms led fromthe iron gate to the broad stone steps; and on either side andbehind the church swelled the lines of mounds, some white withmarble, some green with turf, now and then a heap of mossyshells--not a few gay with flowers--all scrupulously free from weeds, and those most melancholy symptoms of neglect, which even in publiccemeteries too often impress the beholder with gloomy premonitions ofhis own inevitable future, and recall the solemn admonition of theTalmud: "Life is a passing shadow. Is it the shadow of a tower, or ofa tree? A shadow that prevails for a while? No, it is the shadow of abird in his flight, --away flies the bird, and there remains neitherbird nor shadow. "

Has the profoundly religious sentiment of reverence for the domainsof death lost or gained by the modern practice of municipal monopolyof the right of sepulture? Who, amid the pomp and splendour ofGreedwood or Mount Auburn, where human vanity builds its own proudmonument in the mausoleums of the dead, --who, in hurrying along thebroad and beautiful avenues thronged with noisy groups of chatteringpedestrians, and with gay equipages that render the name "City ofsilence" a misnomer, converting it into a _quasi_ Festa ground, ascene for subdued Sunday _Fęte Champętre_, --who, passing from thesemagnificent city cemeteries, into some primitive old-fashionedchurchyard, such as that of V----, has not suddenly been almostoverpowered by the contrast presented: the deep brooding solemnity, the holy hush, the pervading indwelling atmosphere of true sanctitythat distinguishes the latter?

Could any other than the simple ancient churchyard of bygone dayshave suggested that sweetest, purest, noblest elegy in our mothertongue? Do not our hearts yearn with an intense and tender longingtoward that church, at whose font we were baptized, at whosecommunion-table we reverently bowed, before whose altar we breathedthe marriage vows, from whose silent chancel we shall one day besoftly and slowly borne away to our last, long sleep? Why not lay usdown to rest, where the organ that pealed at our wedding and sobbedits requiem over our senseless clay may still breathe its lovingdirges across our graves in winter's leaden storms, or in fragrantamber-aired summer days? Would worldly vampires, such as political orfinancial schemes, track a man's footsteps down the aisle, and flaptheir fatal numbing pinions over his soul so securely even in theSanctuary of the Lord, if from his family pew his eyes wandered nowand then to the marble slab that lay like a benediction over thesilver head of an honoured father or mother, or the silent form of abeloved wife, sister, or brother?

Is there a woman so callous, so steeped in folly, that the tinsel ofVanity Fair, the paraphernalia of fashion, or all the thousand smallfiends that beleaguer the female soul, could successfully lure herimagination from holy themes, when sitting in front of the pulpit, she yet sees through the open windows where butterflies like happysouls flutter in and out the motionless chiselled cenotaph that restslike a sentinel above the pulseless heart that once enshrined herimage, called her wife, and beat in changeless devotion against herown; or the little grassy billow sown thick with violets that speakto her of the blue eyes beneath them, where in dreamless slumber thatneeds no mother's cradling arms, no maternal lullaby, reposes thewaxen form, the darling golden head of her long-lost baby? What spotso peculiarly suited for "God's acre" as that surrounding God'stemple?

A residence of dearly four years' duration at the parsonage hadrendered this quiet churchyard a favourite retreat with Regina, and, divesting the graves of all superstitious terrors, had awakened inher nature only a most profound and loving reverence for theprecincts of the dead. 

To-day, longing for some secluded spot in which to indulge themelancholy feelings that oppressed her, she instinctively sought thechurch, yielding unconscious homage to its hallowed and soothinginfluence. Passing slowly and carefully among the head-stones, shewent into the church, to which she had access at all times by a key, which enabled her to enter at will and practise on the small organthat was generally used in Sabbath-school music. 

Fancying that it might be cooler in the gallery, she ascended to theorgan loft, and while Hero stretched himself at her feet, she satdown on one of the benches close to the open window that lookedtoward the mass of trees which so completely embowered the parsonage, that only one ivy-crowned chimney was visible. Low in the sky, andjust opposite the tall arched window behind the pulpit, the sunburned like a baleful Cyclopean eye, striking through a mass of rubytinted glass that had been designed to represent a lion, and othersymbols of the Redeemer, who soared away above them. 

Are there certain subtle electrical currents sheathed in human fleshthat link us sometimes with the agitated reservoirs of electricitytrembling in the bosom of yet distant clouds? Do not our own highlycharged nervous batteries occasionally give the first premonition ofcoming thunderstorms? Long before the low angry growl that camesuddenly from some lightning lair in the far south, below thesky-line, Regina anticipated the approaching war of elements, andsettled herself to wait for it. 

Not until to-day had she realized how much of the pleasure of herlife at the parsonage was derived from the sunny presence andsympathizing companionship which she was now about to lose, certainly for many years, probably for ever. 

Although Mr. Lindsay's age doubled her own, he had entered so fullyinto her fancies, humoured so patiently her girlish caprices, withsuch tireless interest aided her in her studies, that she seemed toforget his seniority, and treated him with the quiet affectionatefreedom which she would have indulged toward a young brother. Next tothe memory of her mother, she probably gave him the warmest place inher heart, but she was a remarkably reserved, composed, andundemonstrative child, by no means addicted to caresses, and only inmoments of deep feeling betrayed into an impulsive passionategesture, or a burst of emotion. 

Sincerely attached to the entire household, who had won not merelyher earnest gratitude, but profound respect and admiration, she wasconscious of a peculiar clinging tenderness for Mr. Lindsay, whichrendered the prospect of his departure the keenest trial that hadhitherto overtaken her; and when she thought of the immense distancethat must soon divide them, the laborious nature of the engagementthat would detain him perhaps a lifetime in the far East, her own dimuncertain future looked dark and dreary. The blazing sun went down atlast, the fiery radiance of the pulpit window faded, and the birdsthat frequented the quiet sheltered enclosure sought their perches inthe thickest foliage where they were wont to sleep. But there was noabatement of the heat. The air was sulphurous, and its inspirationwas about as refreshing as a draught from Phlegethon; while thedistant occasional growl had grown into a frequent thunderousmuttering that deepened with every repetition, and already began toshake the windows in its reverberations. Two ladies in deep mourning, who had been hovering like black spectres around a granitesarcophagus, where they deposited and arranged the customary Sabbatharkja of white flowers, concluded their loving tribute to thesleeper, and left the churchyard; and save the continual challengeof the thunder drawing nearer, the perfect stillness ominous anddread, which always precedes a violent storm, seemed brooding infearful augury above the home of the dead. 

With one foot resting on Hero's neck, Regina sat leaning against thewindow facing, very pale, but bravely fighting this her first greatbattle with sorrow. Her face was eloquent with mute suffering, andher eyes were full of shadows that left no room for tears. 

"Going away to India, perhaps for ever!" was the burden of this woethat blanched even her lovely coral lips until their curves were lostin the pallor of her rounded cheek and dimpled chin. "Going away toIndia;" like some fateful rune presaging dire disaster, it seemedtraced in characters of flame across the glowing sky, and over thestony monuments that studded the necropolis. 

Suddenly Hero lifted his head, sniffed the air, and rose, and almostsimultaneously Regina heard the sound of footsteps on the graveloutside, and the low utterances of a voice which she recognized asHannah's. 

"I never told you before, because I was afraid that in the end youwould cheat me out of my share of the profit. But I have watched andwaited, and bided my time as long as I intend to, and I am too old towork as I have done. "

"It seems to me a queer thing you have hid it so long, so many years, when you might have turned it into gold. The old General ought to paywell for the paper. Let's see it. "

The response was in a man's voice, harsh and discordant, and, leaningslightly forward, Regina saw the old servant from the parsonagestanding immediately beneath the window, fanning herself with herwhite apron, and earnestly conversing in subdued tones with amiddle-aged man, whose flushed and rather bloated face still retainedtraces of having once been, though in a coarse style, handsome. Inlength of limb, and compact muscular development he appeared anathlete, a very son of Anak; but habitual dissipation had set itsbrutalizing stamp upon his countenance, and the expression of theinflamed eyes and sensuous mouth was sinister and forbidding, as if acareer of vice had left the stain of irremediable ruin on his swarthyface. 

As he concluded his remark and stretched out his hand, Hannah laughedscornfully. 

"Do you take me for a fool? Who else would travel around with a matchand a loaded fuse in the same pocket? I haven't it with me; it is toovaluable to be carried about. The care of that scrap of paper hastormented me all these years, worse than the tomb devils did theswine that ran down into the sea to cool off; and if I have changedits hiding-place once, I have twenty times. If the old Generaldoesn't pay well for it, I shall gnaw off my fingers, on account ofthe sin it has cost me. I was an honest woman and could have facedthe world until that night--so many years ago; and since then I havecarried a load on my soul that makes me--even Hannah Hinton, whonever flinched before man or woman or beast--a coward, a quakingcoward! Sin stabs courage, lets it ooze out, as a knife does blood. Don't bully me, Peleg! I won't bear it. Jeer me if you dare. "

"Never fear, Aunt Hannah. I have no mind to do theatre on a smallscale, and show you Satan reproving sin. After all, what is your bitof _petit larceny_, your thin slice of theft, in comparison with myblack work? But really I don't in the least begrudge my sins, if onlyI might have my revenge, --if I could only get Minnie in my power. "

"Bah! don't sicken me with any more of the Minnie dose! I hate thename as I do small-pox or cholera. A pretty life you have led, dancing after her, as an outright fool might after the pewter-bellson a baby's rattle!"

"You women can't understand how a man feels when his love changes tohate; and yet you ought to know all about it, for when you do turnupon one another you never let go. Aunt Hannah, I loved her betterthan everything else upon the broad earth; I would have kissed thedust where she walked; I always loved her, and she was fond of me, until that college dandy came between us, and made a fool of her, avillain of me. When she forsook me, and followed him off, I swore Iwould be revenged. There is tiger blood in me, and when I amthoroughly stirred up I never cool. It is a long, long time since Ilost her trail--soon after the child was born, and eight years ago Ialmost gave up and went to Cuba; but if I can only find the track, Iwill follow it till I hunt her down. I never received your letters, or I would have hurried back. Where is Minnie now?"

"That is more than I know, but I think somewhere in Europe. Theletters are always sent to a lawyer in New York, who directs them toher. I have tried in every way to find out, but they are all toosmart for me. "

"Why don't you pump the child?"

"Haven't I? And gained about as much as if I had put a handle on theside of a lump of cast iron, and pumped. She is closer than sealingwax, and shrewder than a serpent. If you pumped her till the starsfell, you would not get an air-bubble, She can neither be scared norcoaxed. "

"Where is the paper?"

"Safely buried here, among the dead. "

"What folly! Don't you know the dampness will destroy it? Pshaw! youhave ruined everything. "

"See here, Peleg, all the brains of the family did not lodge in yourskull; and I guess I was wiser at your age than you will be at mine. The paper was safe and sound when I looked at it a month ago, and itis wrapped up in oil-silk, then in cotton, and kept in a thick tinbox. "

"When can I see it? Suppose you get it now?"

"In daylight? You may depend on my steering clear of detection, nomatter what comes. I would take it up to-night, but there is going tobe an awful storm. Do you hear how the thunder keeps bellowing downyonder, under that dark line crossing the south? There will be wildwork pretty soon; it has been simmering all day, and when it beginsit won't be child's play. Even the marble slabs on the graves arehot, and the ground scorched my feet, as if Satan and his fires hadburnt through all but a thin crust. I never was afraid of the deviluntil my sin brought me close to him. I want to finish this business, and before day to-morrow I will come over here and dig up my box. There will be dim moonlight by three o'clock, and if it should becloudy, I can shut my eyes and find the place. I tell you, Peleg, Iam sick and tired of this dirty work; and sometimes I think I am nobetter than a hyena prowling among dead men's bones. Come around tothe cowshed in the morning, about seven o'clock, when the family willbe in the library holding prayers; and when I go to milk, I willbring you the paper. Only to look at, to read over, mind you! Itdoesn't leave my hands, until the old General's gold jingles in mypocket. Then he is welcome to it, and Minnie may suffer theconsequences; and you and I will divide the profits. I want to goaway and rest with my sister Penelope the remainder of my life, andthough the family here beg me to stay, I have already given noticethat I intend to stop work next month. "

"Very well, don't fail me; I am as anxious to close up the job as youpossibly can be. I should like to see the child, Minnie's child; butI might spoil everything if she looks like her mother. Good-bye tillto-morrow. "

The two walked away, one passing down the avenue of elms out into thestreet. The other sauntered in the direction of the parsonage, butere she reached the small gate, Hannah turned aside to a low ironrailing that enclosed two monuments; a marble angel with expandedwings standing above a child's grave, and a broken column wreathedwith sculptured ivy, placed on a mound covered with grass. Justbehind the former and close to the railing, rose a noble Lombardypoplar that towered even above the elms, and at its base a mass ofperiwinkle and ground ivy ran hither and thither in luxuriantconfusion, clasping a few ambitious tendrils even about the ancienttrunk. 

Over the railing leaned Hannah, peering down for several moments, atthe lush green creepers, then she walked on to the parsonage gate, and disappeared. 

Watching her movements, Regina readily surmised that somewhere nearthat tree the paper was secreted; and she was painfully puzzled tounravel the thread that evidently linked her with the mystery. 

"I am the child she spoke of, and she has tried again and again to'pump' me, as she called it. 'Minnie' must mean my mother; but thatis not her name. Odilie Orphia Orme never could be twisted into'Minnie;' and that coarse, common, low, wicked man never could havedared to love my own dear beautiful proud mother! There must be somedreadful mistake. Somebody is wrong; but not mother, --no, no--nevermy mother! Once she wrote that she was forced to keep some thingssecret, because she had bitter enemies; and this man must be one ofthem, for he said he would hunt her down. But he shall not! Was itProvidence that brought them here to talk over their wicked schemeswhere I could hear them? Oh if I only knew all! Mother--mother! youmight trust your child! I can't believe that I am ignorant even of mymother's name. Surely she never was that red-faced man's 'Minnie'!"

Covering her face with her hands, she shuddered at the familiarmention by profane lips of one so hallowed in her estimation, andthis vague threatening of danger to her mother sufficed for a time todivert her thoughts from the sorrow that for some days past hadengrossed her mind. 

Knowing the affection and confidence with which Hannah had alwaysbeen treated by the members of the family, and the great length oftime she had so faithfully served in the parsonage household, Reginawas shocked at the discovery of her complicity in a scheme which sheadmitted had made her dishonest. Only two days before she had heardMrs. Lindsay lamenting that misfortunes never came single, for as ifDouglass's departure were not disaster enough for one year, Hannahmust even imagine that she felt symptoms of dropsy and desired to goaway somewhere in Iowa or Minnesota, where she could rest, and benursed by her relatives. 

This announcement heightened the gloom that already impended, andvarious attempts had been made by Mr. Hargrove and his sister toinduce Hannah to reconsider her resolution. But she obstinatelymaintained that she was "a worn-out old horse, who ought to be turnedout to pasture in peace the rest of her days;" yet, notwithstandingher persistency, she evinced much distress at her approachingseparation from the family, and never alluded to it without a floodof tears. 

What would the members of the household think when they discoveredhow mistaken all had been in her real character? But had she a rightto betray Hannah to her employer? Perhaps the paper had no connectionwith the parsonage, and no matter whom else she might have wronged, Hannah had faithfully served the pastor, and repaid his kindness bydevotion to his domestic interests. Regina's nature was generous aswell as just, and she felt grateful to Hannah for many small favoursbestowed on herself, for a uniform willingness to oblige or assisther, as only servants have it in their power to do. 

Sweetening reminiscences of caramels and crullers, of parentheticpatty-pancakes not ordered or expected on the parsonage bill of fare, pleaded pathetically for Hannah, and were ably supported byrecollections of torn dresses deftly darned, of unseasonably andunreasonably soiled white aprons, which the same skilful hands hadsurreptitiously washed and fluted before the regular day forcommencing the laundry work, all of which now made clamorous anddesperate demands on the girl's gratitude and leniency. So completehad been her trust in Hannah that her reticence concerning her mothersprang solely from Mr. Hargrove's earnest injunction that she wouldpermit no one to question her upon the subject; consequently she hadvery tenderly intimated to the old woman that she was not at libertyto discuss that matter with any one. 

"She is going away very soon, bearing a good character. Would it beright for me to disgrace her in her old age, by telling Mr. Hargrovewhat I accidentally overheard? If I only knew 'Minnie' meant mother, I could be sure this paper did not refer to Mr. Hargrove, and then Ishould see my way clearly; for they both said 'old General, ' and noone calls Mr. Or Dr. Hargrove 'General. ' I only want to do what isright. "

As she lifted her face from her hands she was surprised at the suddengloom that since she last looked out had settled like a pall over thesky, darkening the church, rendering even the monuments indistinct. 

Hero began to whine and bark, and, starting from her seat, Reginahurried toward the steps leading down from the organ-loft. Ere shereached them a fearful sound like the roaring of a vast flood brokethe prophetic silence, then a blinding lurid flash seemed to wrapeverything in flame; there was simultaneously an awful detonatingcrash, as if the pillars of the universe had given way, and theinitial note ushered in the thunder-fugue of the tempest, that ragedas if the Destroying Angel rode upon its blast. 

In the height of its fury it bowed the ancient elms as if they weremere reeds, and shook the stone church to its foundations as a giantshakes a child's toy. 

Frightened by the trembling of the building, Regina began to descendthe stairs, guided by the incessant flashes of lightning, but whenabout half-way down a terrific peal of thunder so startled her thatshe missed a step, grasped at the balustrade but failed to find it, and rolled helplessly to the floor of the vestibule. Stunned and mutewith terror, she attempted to rise, but her left foot, crushed underher in the fall, refused to serve her, and with a desperate instinctof faith she crawled through the inside door and down the aisle, seeking refuge at the altar of God. Dragging the useless member, shereached the chancel at last, and as the lightning showed her therailing, she laid herself down, and clasped the mahogany balusters inboth hands. 

In the ghastly electric light she saw the wild eyes of the lion inthe pulpit window glaring at her, --but over all the holy smile ofChrist, as, looking down in benediction, He soared away heavenward;and above the howling of the hurricane rose her cry to Him whostilleth tempests, and saith to wind and sea, "Peace, be still!": "OJesus! save me, that I may see my mother once more!"

She imagined there was a lull, certainly the shrieking of the galeseemed to subside, but only for half a moment, and in the doublyfierce renewal of elemental strife, amid deafening peals if thunderand the unearthly glare that preceded each reverberation, there cameother sounds more appalling, and as the church rocked and quiveredsome portion of the ancient edifice fell, adding its crash to thediapason of the storm. 

Believing that the roof was falling upon her, Regina shut her eyes, and in after years she recalled vividly two sensations that seemedher last on earth: one, the warm touch of Hero's tongue on herclenched fingers; the other, a supernatural wail that came down fromthe gallery, and that even then she knew was born in the organ. Wasit the weird fingering of the sacrilegious cyclone that concentratedits rage upon the venerable sanctuary? After a little while the furyof the wind spent itself, but the rain began to fall heavily, and theelectricity drama continued with unabated vigour and fierceness. 

Although unusually brave for so young a person, Regina had beencompletely terrified, and she lay dumb and motionless, still clingingto the altar railing. At last, when the wind left the war to thethunder and the rain, Hero, who had been quite until now, began tobark violently, left her side, and ran to and fro, now and thenuttering a peculiar sound, which with him always indicated delight. His subtle instinct was stronger than her hope, and as she raisedherself into a sitting posture she saw that he had sprung upon thetop of one of the side aisle pews, and thence into the window, whichhad been left open by the sexton. Here he lingered as if irresolute, and in an agony of dread at the thought of being deserted, she criedout:

"Here, Hero! Come back! Hero, don't leave me to die alone. "

He whined in answer, and barked furiously as if to reassure her; thenthe whole church was illumined with a lurid glory that seemed toscorch the eyeballs with its intolerable radiance, and in it she sawthe white figure of the dog plunge into the blackness beyond. 

She knew the worst was over, unless the lightning killed her, for thewind had ceased, and the walls were still standing; but theatmosphere was thick with dust, and redolent of lime, and sheconjectured that the plastering in the gallery had fallen, though thetremendous crash portended something more serious. She tried to standup by steadying herself against the balustrade, but the foot refusedto sustain her weight, and she sank back into her former crouchingposture, feeling very desolate, but tearless and quiet as one of theapostolic figures that looked pityingly upon her whenever thelightning smote through them. 

She turned her head, so that at every flash she could gaze upon theplacid face of the beatified Christ floating above the pulpit; and inthe intense intervening darkness tried to possess her soul inpatience, thinking of the mercy of God and the love of her mother. 

She knew not how long Hero had left her, for pain and terror are notaccurate chronometers, but after what appeared a weary season ofwaiting, she started when his loud bark sounded under the window, through which he had effected his exit. She tried to call him, buther throat was dry and parched, and her foot throbbed and ached sopainfully, that she dreaded making any movement. Then a voice alwayspleasant to her ears, but sweeter now than an archangel's, shoutedabove the steady roar of the rain:

"Regina! Regina!"

She rose to her knees, and with a desperate exertion of lungs andthroat, answered:

"I am here! Mr. Lindsay, I am here!"

Remembering that words ending in o were more readily distinguished ata distance, she added:

"Hero! Oh, Hero!"

His frantic barking told her that she had been heard, and thenthrough the window came once more the music of the loved voice. 

"Be patient. I am coming. "

She could not understand why he did not come through the door insteadof standing beneath the window, and it seemed stranger still, thatafter a little while all grew silent again. But her confidence neverwavered, and in the darkness she knelt there patiently, knowing thathe would not forsake her. 

It seemed a very long time before Hero's bark greeted her once more, and, turning toward the window, a lingering zigzag flash of lightningshowed her Douglass Lindsay's face, as he climbed in, followed by thedog. 

"Regina! where are you?"

"Oh, here I am!"

He stood on one of the seats, swinging a lantern in his hand, and asshe spoke he sprang toward her. 

Still clutching the altar railing with one hand, she knelt, with herwhite suffering face upturned piteously to him, and stooping he threwhis arms around her and clasped her to his heart. 

"My darling, God has been merciful to you and me!"

She stole one arm up about his neck, and clung to him, while for thefirst time he kissed her cheek and brow. 

"Does my darling know what an awful risk she ran? The steeple hasfallen, and the whole front of the church is blocked up, a mass ofruins. I could not get in, and feared you were crushed, until I heardHero bark from the inside and followed the sound, which brought me tothe window, whence he jumped out to meet me. At last when youanswered my call, I was obliged to go back for a ladder. Here, darling, at God's altar, let us thank Him for your preservation. "

He bowed his face upon her head, and she heard the whisperedthanksgiving that ascended to the throne of grace, but no wordswere audible. Rising he attempted to lift her, but she winced andmoaned, involuntarily sinking back. 

"What is the matter? After all, were you hurt?"

"When I came down from the gallery it turned so dark I wasfrightened, and I stumbled and fell down the steps. I must havebroken something, for when I stand up my ankle gives way, and I can'twalk at all. "

"Then how did you get here? The steps are at the front of thechurch. "

"I thought the altar was the safest place, and I crawled here on myhands and knees. "

He pressed her head against his shoulder, and his deep manly voicetrembled. 

"Thank God, for the thought. It was your salvation, for the stairsand the spot where you must have fallen are a heap of stone, brick, and mortar. If you had remained there, you would certainly have beenkilled. "

"Yes, it was just after I got here and caught hold of the railingthat the crash came. Oh! is it not awful!"

"It was an almost miraculous escape, for which you ought to thank andserve your God all the days of the life He has mercifully spared toyou. Stand up a minute, even if it pains you, and let me find outwhat ails your foot. I know something of surgery, for once it was myintention to study medicine instead of divinity. "

He unbuttoned and removed her shoe, and as he firmly pressed the footand ankle, she flinched and sighed. 

"I think there are no bones broken, but probably you have wrenchedand sprained the ankle, for it is much swollen already. Now, littlegirl, I must go back for some assistance. You will have to be takenout through the window, and I am afraid to attempt carrying you downthe ladder unaided and in the darkness. I might break your neck, instead of your ankle. "

"Oh, please don't leave me here!"

She stretched out her arms pleadingly, and tears sprang to his eyesas he noted the pallor of her beautiful face and the nervousfluttering of her white lips. 

"I shall leave Hero and the lantern with you, and you may be sure Ishall be gone the shortest possible time. The danger is over now, even the lightning is comparatively distant, and you who have been sobrave all the while certainly will not prove a coward at the lastmoment. "

He took her up as easily as if she had been an infant, and laid hertenderly down on one of the pew cushions; then placed the lantern onthe pulpit desk, and came back. 

"Slip your hand under Hero's collar, to prevent him from following meif he should try to do so, and keep up your courage. Put yourself inGod's hands, and wait here patiently for Douglass. Don't you knowthat I would not leave you here an instant, if it could be avoided?God bless you, my white dove. "

He stooped and kissed her forehead, then hurried away, and after amoment Regina knew that she and her dog were once more alone in theancient church, with none nearer than the dead, who slept so soundly, while the soft summer rain fell ceaselessly above their coffins. 

CHAPTER X. 

The town clock was striking nine when the renewal of welcome soundsbeneath the window announced to Regina that her weary dark vigil wasended. Soon after Mr. Lindsay's departure, the lantern above thealtar grew dim, then went out, leaving the church in total darkness, relieved only by an occasional glimmer from the electric batteriesthat had wheeled far away to the north-east. Erect and alert Hero satbeside his mistress, now and then rubbing his head against hershoulder, or placing his paw on her arm, as if to encourage her bymute assurances of faithful guardianship; and even when the voicesoutside cheered him into one quick bark of recognition, he made noeffort to leave the prostrate form. 

"All in the dark? Where is your lantern?" asked Mr. Lindsay, as heclimbed through the window. 

"It went out very soon after you left. Can you find me? or shall Itry to come to you?"

"Keep still, Regina. Come up the ladder, Esau, and hold your torch sothat I can see. It is black as Egypt inside. "

In a few moments the ruddy glare streamed in, and showed the anxiousface of the sexton, and the figure of Mr. Lindsay groping from pew topew. Before that cheerful red light how swiftly the trooping spectresand grim phantoms that had peopled the gloom fled away for ever! Whata blessed, comforting atmosphere of love and protection seemed toencompass her, when, after handing one of the pew cushions to thesexton, Mr. Lindsay came to the spot where she lay. 

"How are your wounds?"

"My foot is very stiff and sore, but if you will let me hold yourarm, I can hop along. "

"Can you, my crippled snow-bird? Suppose I have a different use formy strong arms?"

He lifted her very gently, but apparently without effort, andcarried her to the window. 

"Go down, Esau, set the torch in the ground, and hold theladder, --press it hard against the wall. I am coming downbackward, --and if I should miss a round, you must be ready to helpme. Come, Hero, jump out first and clear the way. Steady now, Esau. "

Placing his charge on the broad sill, Mr. Lindsay stepped out, established himself securely on the ladder, and, drawing the girl tothe ledge, took her firmly in his arms, balancing himself with somedifficulty as he did so. 

"Now say your prayers. Clasp your hands tight around my neck, andshut your eyes. "

His chin rested upon her forehead, as she clung closely about hisneck, and they commenced the perilous descent. 

Once he wavered, almost tottered, but recovered himself, and from thefierce beating of his heart and the laboured sound of his deepbreathing she knew that it cost him great physical exertion; but atlast his close strain relaxed, he reached the ground safely and stoodresting a moment, while a sigh of relief escaped him. 

"Esau, put the end of the torch sideways in Hero's mouth, --mind, sothat it will not burn him; and lay the cushion on the plank. No!--that is wrong. Turn the torch the other way, so that as hewalks, the wind will blow the flame in the opposite direction, awayfrom his face. Take it, Hero! That's a noble fellow! Now home, Hero. "

When the cushion had been adjusted on the broad plank brought for thepurpose, Mr. Lindsay laid Regina upon it, threw a blanket over her, and, bidding the sexton take one end of the plank, he lifted theother, and they began the march. 

"Not that way, Hero, although it is the nearest. Truly the 'longestway round is the shortest way' home this time; for we could not twistabout among the graves, and must go down the avenue, though it issomewhat obstructed by fallen boughs. Come here, Hero, and walk aheadof us. Now, Regina, you can shut your eyes and imagine you are ridingin a palankeen, as the Hindustanee ladies do when they go out forfresh air. The motion is exactly the same, as you will find some daywhen you come to Rohilcund or Oude, to see Padre Sahib--Lindsay. Youshall then have a new dooley all curtained close with rose-colouredsilk; but I can't promise that the riding will prove any more easythan this cushioned plank. "

What a stab seemed each word, bringing back all the bitter sufferinghis departure would cause, --the reviving the grief, from which thestorm had temporarily diverted her thoughts. 

"You are not going to-night? You will not try to start, after thisdreadful storm?" she said, in an unsteady voice. 

"Yes, I am obliged to go, in order to keep an appointment forto-morrow night in New York; otherwise, I would wait a day to learnthe extent of the damage, for I am afraid the hurricane has made sadhavoc. Esau tells me the roof and a portion of the market house wascarried away, and it was the most violent gale I have ever known. "

They had reached the street and were approaching the gate of theparsonage, where Hero turned back, dropped the torch at Mr. Lindsay'sfeet, and shook his head vigorously, rubbing his nose with his paw. 

"Poor fellow! can't you stand it any longer? It must nave scorchedhim, as it burnt low. Brave fellow!"

"Oh, Douglass! is that you?" cried an eager voice at some distance. 

"Yes, mother. "

Mrs. Lindsay ran to meet them. 

"Did you find her?"

"Yes, I am bringing her home. "

"Bringing her--oh, my God! Is she dead?"

"No, she is safe. "

"My son, don't try to deceive me. What is the matter? You arecarrying something on a litter. "

"Why do you not speak, Regina, and assure her of your safety?"

Mrs. Lindsay had groped her way to the side of her son, and put herhand on the figure stretched upon the cushion. 

"I only sprained my foot badly, and Mr. Lindsay was so good as tobring me home this way. "

"Have they got her?" shouted Hannah, who accompanied by Mr. Hargrovehad found it impossible to keep pace with Mrs. Lindsay. 

"Oh, it is a corpse you are fetching home!" she added, with a genuinewail, as in the gloom she dimly saw the outline of several persons. 

"Nobody is dead, but we need a light. Run back and get a candle. "

Thankful that life had been spared, no more questions were askeduntil they reached the house, and deposited their burden on thelounge in the dining-room. 

Then Mr. Lindsay briefly explained what had occurred, andsuperintended the anointing and binding up of the bruised ankle, nowmuch swollen. 

As Hannah knelt, holding the foot in her broad palm, to enable Mrs. Lindsay to wrap it in a linen cloth saturated with arnica, the formerbent her grey head and tenderly kissed the wounded member. She hadbeen absent for a few minutes during the recital of the accident, andnow asked:

"Where were you, that you could not get home before the storm? Heavenknows that cloud grumbled and gave warning long enough. "

"Hannah, she was in the church, and when she tried to get out, it wastoo late. "

"In the church! Why I was in the yard, trying to get a breath of air, not twenty minutes before the cloud rolled up like a mountain of ink, and I saw nobody. "

Regina understood her nervous start, and the eager questioning of hereyes. 

"I was in the organ gallery, and, falling down the steps, I hurtmyself. "

"Honey, did you see me?"

Her fingers closed so spasmodically over the girl's foot, that shewinced from the pressure. 

"I saw you walking about the churchyard, and would have come homewith you, if I had thought the storm was so near. Please, Hannah, bring me some cool water. "

She pitied the old woman's evident confusion and anxiety, andrejoiced when Mr. Hargrove changed the topic. 

"I am very sorry, Douglass, that I cannot accompany you as far as NewYork. When I promised this afternoon to do so, of course I did notanticipate this storm. There may have been lives lost, as well assteeples blown down, and it is my duty not to leave my people at sucha juncture. If it were not for the sailing of the steamer, I wouldinsist on your waiting a day or so, in order that I might go with youand have a personal interview with Dr. Pitcairns. I ought to havethought of and attended to that matter before this. "

"Pray do not feel annoyed, uncle; it can be easily arranged byletter. Moreover, as my mother goes with me to Boston, it would notbe right to leave Regina here alone in her present helplesscondition. "

"Do not think of me a moment, Mr. Hargrove. Go with him and stay withhim as long as you can; I would if I could. Hannah will take care ofme. "

"My dear, I think of my duty, and that keeps me at home. Douglass, Iwill write a short note to Pitcairns, and you must explain matters tohim. Elise, it is ten o'clock, and you have not much time. "

He went into the library, and Mrs. Lindsay hurried upstairs to put onher bonnet, calling Hannah to follow and receive, some partinginjunctions. Kneeling by the lounge, Mr. Lindsay took one of thegirl's hands. 

"Regina, I desired and intended to have a long talk with you thisafternoon, but could not find you; and now I have no time, except tosay good-bye. You will never know how hard it is for me to leave mydear little friend; I did not realize it myself until to-night. "

"Then why will you go away? Can't you stay, and serve God as well bybeing a minister in this country? Can't you change your mind?"

She raised herself on her elbow, and tears gushed over her cheeks, as, twining her fingers around his, she looked all the intense lovingappeal that words could never have expressed. 

Just then his stony Teraph--Duty--smiled very benignantly at theaching heart he laid upon her dreary cold altar. 

"Don't tempt me to look back after putting my hand to the plough. Imust do my duty, though at bitter cost. Will you promise never toforget your friend Douglass?"

"How could I ever forget you? Oh, if I could only go with you!"

His fine eyes sparkled, and, drawing her hand across his cheek, hesaid eagerly:

"Do you really wish it? Think of me, write to me, and love me, andsome day, if it please God to let me come home, you may have anopportunity of going back with me to my work in India. Would you bewilling to leave all, and help me among the heathens?"

"All but mother. You come next to my mother. Oh, it is hard that Imust be separated from the two I love best!"

For a moment she sobbed aloud. 

"You are only a young girl now, but some day you will be a woman, andI hope and believe a very noble woman. Until then we shall beseparated, but when you are grown I shall see you again, if Godspares my life. Peculiar and unfortunate circumstances surround you;there are trials ahead of you, my darling, and I wish I could shieldyou from them, but it seems impossible, and I can only leave you inGod's hands praying continually for you. You say you love me nest toyour mother. All I ask is, that you will allow no one else, no newfriend, to take my place. When I see you again, years hence, I shallhope to hear you repeat those words, 'next to my mother. ' Far away inthe midst of Hindustan my thoughts and hopes will travel back andcentre in my white dove. Oh, child! my heart is bound to you forever. "

He drew her head to his shoulder, and held her close, and as in thechurch when kneeling before the altar she heard whispers which onlyGod interpreted. 

Mrs. Lindsay came back equipped for her journey, and Mr. Hargroveentered at the same moment, but neither spoke. At length, fully awareof their presence, the young missionary raised his head, and, placinghis hand under Regina's chin, looked long at the spirituellebeautiful face, as if he wished to photograph every feature on hismemory. Without removing his eyes, he said:

"Uncle, take care of her always. She is very dear to me. Keep herjust as she is, in soul 'unspotted from the world. '"

Then his lips quivered, and in a tremulous voice he added:

"God bless you, my darling! My pure lovely dove. "

He kissed her, rose instantly, and left the room. 

Mrs. Lindsay came to the lounge, and while the tears rolled over hercheeks she said tenderly:

"My dear child, it seems unkind to desert you in your crippledcondition, but I feel assured Peyton and Hannah will nurse youfaithfully; and every moment that I can be with Douglass seems doublyprecious now. "

"Do you think I would keep you even if I could from him? Oh! don'tyou wish we were going with him to India?"

"Indeed I do, from the depths of my soul. What shall we do withoutour Bishop?"

Bending over the girl the mother wept unrestrainedly, but Mr. Hargrove called from the threshold:

"Come, Elise. "

As Mrs. Lindsay turned to leave the room, she beckoned to Hannah. 

"Carry her upstairs and undress her; and if she suffers much pain, don't fail to send for the doctor. "

A white image of hopeless misery, Regina lay listening till the soundof departing steps became inaudible, and when Hannah left the roomthe girl groaned aloud in the excess of her grief:

"I did not even say good-bye. I did not once thank him for all he didfor me in the storm! And now I know, I feel I shall never see himagain! Oh, Douglass!"

The glass door leading into the flower-garden stood open, and Mr. Lindsay who had been watching her from the cover of the clusteringhoneysuckle, stepped back into the room. 

With a cry of delight, she held out her arms. 

"Dear Mr. Lindsay, I shall thank you, and pray for you, and love youas long as I live!"

He put a small packet in her hand, and whispered:

"Here is something I wish you to keep until you are eighteen. Do notopen it before that time, unless I give you permission, or unless youknow that I am dead. "

He drew her tenderly to his heart, and his lips pressed her cheek. Then he said brokenly:

"O God! be merciful in all things, to my darling!"

A moment after she heard his rapid footsteps on the gravelled walk, followed by the clang of the gate; then a great loneliness as ofdeath fell upon her. 

There are indeed sorrows "that bruise the heart like hammers, " andage it suddenly, prematurely. In subsequent years Regina looked backto the incidents of this eventful Sabbath, and marked it with a blackstone in the calendar of memory as the day on which she "put awaychildish things, " and began to see life and the world through new, strange disenchanting lenses, that dispelled all the gilding glamourof childhood, and unexpectedly let in a grey dull light that chilledand awed her. 

With tearless but indescribably mournful eyes, she looked vacantly atthe door through which her friend had vanished, as it then seemed, for ever, and, finding that her own remarks were entirely unheard, unheeded, Hannah touched her shoulder. 

"Poor thing! Are you ready to let me carry you upstairs?"

"Thank you, but I am not going upstairs to-night. I want to stayhere, because I am too heavy to be carried up and down, and I can getabout better from here. Bring a pillow and some bedclothes. I cansleep on this lounge. "

"I shall be scolded if you don't go to bed. "

"Let me alone, Hannah. I intend to stay where I am. Bring the thingsI need. Nobody shall scold you if you will only do as I ask. "

"Then I shall have to make a pallet on the floor, for Miss Elise gavepositive orders that I should sleep in your room until she came back. Don't you mean to undress yourself?"

"No. Please unfasten my clothes and then leave them as they are. Youmust not sleep on the floor. Roll in the hall sofa, and it will makea nice bed. "

There was no alternative, and when Mr. Hargrove returned at midnight, he deemed it useless to reprimand or expostulate, as Regina declaredherself very comfortable, and pleaded for permission to remain untilmorning. 

Looking very sad and careworn, the pastor stood for some minutesleaning on his gold-headed cane. As he bade her goodnight and turnedfrom the lounge, she put her hand on the cane. 

"Please, sir, lend me this until morning. Hannah sleeps soundly, andif I am forced to wake her, I can easily do so by tapping on thefloor with your cane. "

"Certainly, dear; keep it as long as you choose. But I am afraid noneof us will sleep much to-night. It is a heavy trial to give upDouglass. He is my younger, better self. "

He walked slowly away, and she thought he looked more aged and infirmthan she had ever seen him, his usually erect head drooping, as ifbowed by deep sorrow. 

For an hour after his departure his footsteps resounded in the roomoverhead, as he paced to and fro, but when the distant indistinctecho of the town clock told two all grew quiet upstairs. 

In the dining-room the shaded lamp burned dimly, and Regina could seethe outline of Hannah's form on the sofa, and knew from the continualturning first on one side, then on the other, that the old woman wasawake, though no sound escaped her. 

Engrossed by a profound yet silent grief that rendered sleepimpossible, Regina lay with her hands folded over the small packet, wondering what it contained, regretting that the conditions of thegift prohibited her opening it for so many long years, and strivingto divest herself of a haunting foreboding that she had looked forthe last time on the bright benignant countenance of the donor, whowas indissolubly linked with the happiest memories of her lonelylife. 

Imagination magnified the perils of the tedious voyage that includedtwo oceans, and as if to intensify and blacken the horrors of thefuture all the fiendish tragedies of Delhi, Meerut, and Cawnpore werevividly revived among the missionaries to whom Mr. Lindsay washastening. Deeply interested in the condition of a people whosewelfare was so dear to his heart, she had eagerly read all themission reports, and thus imbibed a keen aversion to the Sepoys, whohad become synonymous with treachery and ingenious atrocity. 

Is there an inherent affinity between brooding shadows of heart andsoul, and that veil of physical darkness that wraps the world duringthe silent reign of night? Why do sad thoughts like corporealsuffering and disease grow more intense, more tormenting, with theapproach of evening's gloom? Who has not realized that trials, sorrows, bereavements which in daylight we partly conquer and putaside, rally and triumph, overwhelming us by the aid of night? Whyare the sick always encouraged, and the grief-laden rendered morecheerful by the coming of dawn? Is there some physical or chemicalfoundation for Figuier's wild dream of reviving sun-worship, byreferring all life to the vivifying rays of the King Star? Does themind emit gloomy sombre thoughts at night, as plants exhale carbonicacid? What subtle connection exists between a cheerful spirit, andthe amount of oxygen we inhale in golden daylight? Is hope, radiantwarm sunny hope, only one of those "beings woven of air by light, "whereof Moleschott wrote?

To Regina the sad vigil seemed interminable, and soon after the clockstruck four she hailed with inexpressible delight the peculiarlyshrill crowing of her favourite white Leghorn cock, which she knewheralded the advent of day. The China geese responded from theircorner of the fowlyard, and amid the _reveille_ of the poultry Hannahrose, crept stealthily to the table and extinguished the lamp. Intently listening to every movement, Regina felt assured she wasdressing rapidly, and in a few moments the tremulous motion of thefloor, and the carefully guarded sound of the bolt turned slowly, told her that the old woman had started to fulfil her promise. 

Having fully determined her own course, the girl lost no time inreflection, but hastily fastening her clothes took her shoes in onehand, the cane in the other, and limping to the glass door softlyunlocked it, loosened the outside Venetian blinds, and sat down onthe steps leading to the garden. Taking off the bandage, she slippedher shoe on the sprained foot, and wrapping a light white shawlaround her, made her way slowly down the walk that wound toward thechurch. 

Unaccustomed to the cane, she used it with great difficulty, and theinstant her wounded foot touched the ground, sharp twinges renewedthe remonstrance that had been silent until she attempted to walk. 

A waning moon hung above the tree tops on the western boundary of theenclosure, and its wan spectral lustre lit up the churchyard, showingRegina the tall form of Hannah, who carried a spade or short shovelon her shoulder, and had just passed through the gate, leaving itopen. Following as rapidly as she dared, in the direction of the ironrailing, the child was only a few yards in the rear, when the oldwoman stopped suddenly, then ran forward, and a cry like that of somebaffled wild beast broke the crystal calm of the morning air. 

"The curse of God is upon it! The poplar is gone!"

Gliding along, Regina reached the outer edge of the railing, and, creeping behind the broken granite shaft which shielded her fromobservation, she peered cautiously around the corner, and saw thatthe noble towering tree had been struck by lightning and fired. Whether shivered by electricity, or subsequently blown down by thefury of the gale, none ever knew; but it appeared to have beentwisted off about two feet above the ground, and in its fall smoteand shattered the marble angel, which a few hours before had hoveredwith expanded wings over a child's grave. A wreath of blue smokecurled and floated from the heart of the stump, showing that theroots were burning, and the ivy and periwinkle so luxuriant on theprevious day were now a mass of ashes and cinders. 

On her knees sank Hannah, raking the hot embers into a heap, and atlast she bent her grey head almost to the ground. Lifting somethingon the end of the spade, she uttered a low wail of despair:

"Melted--burnt up! I thought it was tin: it must have been lead!Either the curse of God, or the work of the devil!"

She fell back like one smitten with a stunning blow, and sobs shookher powerful frame. 

Very near the ground the tree had contained a hollow, hidden by therank lush creepers, and in this cavity she had deposited a small can, cylindrical in form, and similar in appearance to those generallyused for hermetically sealed mushrooms. Upon it several spadefuls ofearth had been thrown, to secure it from detection, should pryingeyes discover the existence of the hollow. 

All that remained was a shapeless lump of molten metal. 

Along the east a broad band of yellow was rapidly mounting into thesky, and in the blended light of moon and day the churchyardpresented a melancholy scene of devastation. 

The spire and belfry had fallen upon and in front of the church, andthe long building stood like a dismasted vessel among the billowygraves, that swelled as a restless sea around its grey weather-beatensides. Here and there ancient headstones had been blown down on themounds they guarded; and one venerable willow in the centre of acluster of graves had been torn from the earth, and its network ofroots lifted until they rested against a stone cross. 

Awed by the solemn influence of the time and place, and painfullyreminded of her own peril on the previous night, Regina stepped downfrom the base of the monument, and approached the figure crouchingover the blasted smoking roots. There was no rustle of grass or leafas she limped across the dewy turf, but warned by that mysteriousmagnetic instinct which so often announces some noiseless, invisiblehuman presence, Hannah lifted and turned her head. With a scream ofsuperstitious terror she sprang to her feet. 

Very ghostly the girl certainly appeared, in her snowy mull muslindress and white shawl, as she leaned forward on the cane, and lookedsteadily at the old woman. Her long black hair, loosened anddisordered by tossing about all night, hung over her shoulders andgave a weird, almost supernatural, aspect to the blanched andsorrowful young face, which in that strange chill light seemedwellnigh as rigid and pallid as a corpse. 

"Hannah Hinton!"

"God have mercy! Who are you?"

Hannah seized the spade and brandished it, with hands that shook fromterror. 

"You wicked woman, do you want to kill me? Put down that spade. "

Regina advanced, but the old woman retreated, still waving the spade. 

"Hannah, are you afraid of me?"

"Good Lord! Is it you, Regina?"

"Your sin makes you a coward. Did you really think me a ghost?"

"It is true, I am afraid of everything now, even of my own shadow, and once I was so brave. But what are you doing here? I thought youwere crippled? What are you tracking me for?"

She threw down the spade, ran forward, and seized the girl'sshoulder, while a scowl of mingled fear and rage darkened hercountenance. 

"You are watching, trailing me like a bloodhound! Is it any of yourbusiness where I go? Suppose I do choose to come here and say myprayers among the dead, while other folks are sound asleep in theirbeds, who has the right to hinder me?"

"Don't tell stories, Hannah. If you really said your prayers, youwould never have come here to sell your soul to Satan. "

Tightening her clutch, the old woman shook her, as if she had beena slender weed, and an ashen hue settled upon her wrinkled features, as she cried in an unnaturally shrill quavering tone:

"Aha! you were eavesdropping yesterday in the church. How I wish toGod it had all blown down on you! And you watched me, --you mean todisgrace me, --to ruin me, --to arrest me! You do! But you shall not! Iwill strangle you first!"

"Take your hands off my shoulders, Hannah. Do you think you can scareme with such wild desperate threats? In the first place, I am notafraid to die, and in the second you know very well you dare not killme. Let go my shoulder, you hurt me. "

Very white but fearless, the young face was lifted to hers, andbefore those wrathful glittering eyes that flashed like blue steel, Hannah quailed. 

"Will you promise not to betray me?"

"I will promise nothing while you threaten me. Sit down, you areshaking all over as if you had an ague. When I came here I had nointention of betraying you; I only wanted to prevent you fromcommitting a sin. Are you going to have a spasm? Do sit down. "

Hannah's teeth were chattering violently, and her trembling limbsseemed indeed unable to support her. When she sank down on the stonebase of the shaft, Regina stood before her, leaning more heavily uponthe cane. 

"I heard all that you said yesterday, yet I was not 'eavesdropping. 'You came and stood under the window where I sat, and if you hadlooked up would have seen me. When I learned you were engaged in awicked plot, I determined to try to stop you before it was too late. I followed you here, hoping that you would give that paper to me, instead of to that bold, bad man; for though you did very wrong, Ican't believe that you have a wicked cruel heart. "

She paused, but the only response was a deep groan, and; Hannahshrouded her face in her arms. 

"Hannah, did my mother ever injure you, ever harm you, in any way?"

"Yes, she caused me to steal, and I shall hate her as long as I live. I was as honest as an angel until she came that freezing night somany years ago, and showed me by her efforts, her anxiety to get thepaper, how valuable it was. Beside, it was on her account that mynephew went to destruction; and I was sure all the blame andsuspicion would fall on her: it seemed so clear that she stole thepaper. I knew Mr. Hargrove gave her a copy of it, and I only wantedto sell the paper itself to the old General in Europe because I waspoor, and had not money enough to stop work. I have not had a happyday since; my conscience has tormented me. I have carried a mountainof lead upon my soul, day and night, and at last when Peleg came, andI was about to get my gold, the Lord interfered and took it out of myhands. Oh! it is an awful thing to shut your eyes and stop your ears, and run down a steep place to meet the devil who is waiting at thebottom for you, and to feel yourself suddenly jerked back bysomething which you know Almighty God has sent to stop you! He sentthat lightning to burn up the paper, and I feel that His curse willfollow me to my grave. "

"Not if you earnestly repent, and pray for His forgiveness. " Hannahraised her grey head, and gazed incredulously at the pale delicateface, into the violet eyes that watched her with almost tendercompassion. 

"Oh, child! when our hands are tied, and we are so helpless we can'tdo any more mischief, who believes in our repentance?"

"I do, Hannah; and how much more merciful is God?"

"You don't mean that you would ever trust me, ever believe in meagain?"

Her hand caught the white muslin dress, and her haggard wrinkled facewas full of eager, breathless supplication. 

"Yes, Hannah, I would. I do not believe you will ever steal again. Suppose the lightning had struck you as well as the tree where youhid the stolen paper, what do you think would have become of yourpoor wicked soul? You intended to sell that paper to a person whohates my mother, and who would have used it to injure her; but she isin God's hands, and you ought to be glad that this sin at least wasprevented. In a few days you are going away, far out to the west, yousay, where we shall probably never see or hear from you again, unlessyou choose to write us. Until you are gone, I shall keep all thissecret. Mrs. Lindsay never shall know anything about it; but if Mr. Hargrove believes my mother took that paper, it is my duty to her totell him the truth; and this I must do after you leave us. I promisehe shall suspect nothing while you remain here. Can you ask me to domore than this for you?"

Hannah was crying passionately, and attempted no answer, save bydrawing the girl closer to her, as if she wanted to take the slenderfigure in her brawny arms. 

"I am sorry for you, Hannah; sorry for my dear mother; sorry formyself. The storm came and put an end to all the mischief you meantto do, so let us be thankful. You say my mother has a copy; and itwould have injured her, if the original paper had been sold. Then youhave harmed only yourself. Don't cry, and don't say anything more. Let it all rest; I shall never speak to you again on the subject. Hannah, will you please help me back to the house? My foot pains medreadfully, and I begin to feel sick and faint. "

In the mellow orange light that had climbed the sky, and was floodingthe world with a mild glory, wherein the wan moon waned ghostly, theold woman led the white figure toward the parsonage. When theyreached the little gate, Regina grasped the supporting arm, and adeadly pallor overspread her features. 

"Where are you, Hannah? I cannot see----"

The blue eyes closed, she tottered, and as Hannah caught and bore herup, a swift heavy step on the gravel caused her to glance over hershoulder. 

"What is the matter, Aunt Hannah? You look ill and frightened. Isthat Minnie's child?"

"Hush! our game is all up. For God's sake go away until seveno'clock, then I will explain. Don't make a noise, Peleg. I must gether in the house without waking any one. If Mr. Hargrove should seeus, we are ruined. "

As Hannah strode swiftly toward the glass door, bearing the slightform in her stout arms, the stranger pressed forward, eagerlyscrutinizing the girl's face; but at this juncture Hero, barkingviolently, sprang down the walk, and the intruder hastily retreatedto the churchyard, securing the gate after he passed through. 

CHAPTER XI. 

The steamer sailed promptly on the Thursday subsequent to Mrs. Lindsay's departure from the parsonage, but she had been absent tendays, detained by the illness of a friend in Boston. 

Impatiently her return was anticipated by every member of thehousehold, and when a telegram announced that she might be expectedon the following morning, general rejoicing succeeded the gloom whichhad hung chill and lowering over the diminished family circle. UnderHannah's faithful, cautious treatment Regina had sufficientlyrecovered from the effects of the sprain to walk once more withoutmuch pain, though she still limped perceptibly; but a nameless, formless foreboding of some impending evil--some balefulinfluence--some grievous calamity hovering near--rendered herparticularly anxious for Mrs. Lindsay's comforting presence. 

The condition of the church, which was undergoing a completerenovation, as well as repairing of the steeple, prevented the usualservices, and this compulsory rest and leisure seemed singularlyopportune for Mr. Hargrove, who had been quite indisposed and feeblefor some days. The physician ascribed his condition to the lassitudeinduced by the excessive heat, and Regina attributed his pale wearyaspect and evident prostration to grief for the loss of his nephewand adopted son; but Hannah looked deeper, shook her grizzled head, and "wished Miss Elise would come home. "

The pastor's eyes which had long resented the exaggerated taxationimposed upon them by years of study, had recently rebelled outright, and he spoke of the necessity of visiting New York to consult aneminent oculist, who, Mrs. Lindsay wrote, had gone to Canada, butwould return in September, when he hoped to examine and undertake thetreatment of her brother's eyes. 

During Thursday morning the minister lay upon his library sofa, whileRegina read aloud for several hours, but in the afternoon, receivinga summons to attend a sick man belonging to his church, he persistedin walking to a distant part of the town, to discharge what heconsidered a clerical obligation. 

In vain Regina protested, assuring him that the heat and fatiguewould completely prostrate him. He only smiled, patted her head, andsaid cheerfully as he put on his hat:

"Is the little girl wiser than her guardian? And has she not yetlearned that a pastor's duty knows neither heat nor cold, neitherfatigue nor bodily weaknesses?"

"I am so glad Mrs. Lindsay will come to-morrow. She can keep you athome, and make you take care of yourself. "

Holding his sleeve, she followed him to the front door, and detainedhim a moment, to fasten in the button-hole of his coat a tuberose andsprig of heliotrope, his favourite flowers. 

"Thank you, my dear. You have learned all of Elise's pretty pettingtricks, and some day you will be, I hope, just such a noble, tender-hearted woman. While I am gone, look after the young guineas;I have not seen them since yesterday. I shall not stay very long. "

He walked away, and she went out among the various pets in thepoultry yard. 

It was late in August, but the afternoon was unusually close andwarm, and argosies of frail creamy clouds with saffron shadows seemedbecalmed in the still upper air, which was of that peculiar blue thatbetokens turbid ether, and hints at showers. 

About sunset Regina rolled the large easy chair out on the verandahat the west of the library, and, placing a table in front of it, busied herself in arranging the pastor's evening meal. It consistedof white home-made lightbread, a pineapple of golden butter, deftlyshaped and printed by her own slender hands, a glass bowl filledwith honey from the home hives--honey that resembled melted amber incells of snow, a tiny pyramid of baked apples, and a goblet of icedmilk. 

Upon a spotless square of damask daintily fringed she placed thesupper, and in the centre a crystal vase filled with beautiful Clothof Gold and Prince Albert roses, among which royal crimson and whitecarnations held up their stately heads and exhaled marvellousfragrance. Upon the snowy napkin beside the solitary plate, she lefta Grand Duke jasmine lying on the heart of a rose-geranium leaf. 

"Has he come?" asked Hannah, throwing wide the Venetian blinds. 

"Not yet; but he must be here very soon. "

"Well, I am going to milk. Dapple has been lowing these ten minutesto let me know I am behind time. I waited to see if a cup of teawould be wanted, but it is getting late. If he should ask for it, thekettle is boiling, and I guess you can make it in a minute. I havelighted the lamp and turned it down low. "

She went toward the cattle-shed, swinging her copper milk-pail, whichwas burnished to a degree of ruddy glory beautiful to contemplate, and which, alas! is rarely seen in this age of new fashions andnew-fashioned utensils. 

"Come, Hero, let us go and meet the master. "

But Regina had not left the verandah before Mr. Hargrove came slowlytowards the easy chair, walking wearily, she thought, as if spentwith fatigue. 

"How tired you are! Give me your hat and cane. "

"Yes, dear--very tired. I had something like vertigo, accompanied bysevere palpitation as I came home, and was obliged to sit on theroadside till it passed. "

"Let me send for Dr. Melville. "

"You silly soft-souled young pigeon! These attacks are not dangerous, merely annoying while they last. "

"Perhaps a cup of tea will strengthen you?"

"Thank you, dear; but I believe I prefer some cool water. "

She brought a tumbler of iced water, and a stool which she placedbeneath his feet. 

"How delicious! worth all the tea in China; all the wine in Spain. "

He handed back the empty glass, and sank down in his comfortablechair. 

"How did you find Mr. Needham?"

"Much worse than when I saw him last. He had another hemorrhageto-day, and is evidently sinking. I should not so surprised if I wererecalled before to-morrow, for his poor wife is almost frantic andwished me to remain all night; but I knew you were lonely here. "

The exertion of speaking wearied him, and he laid his head back, andclosed his eyes. 

"Won't you eat your supper? It will help you; and your milk isalready iced. "

"I will try after a while, when I have rested a little. My child, youare very good to anticipate my wants. I noticed all you have done forme, and the flowers are lovely; so deliciously sweet too. "

He opened his eyes, took the Grand Duke, smelled it, smiled andstroked her hand which rested on the arm of his chair. 

Scarlet plumes and dashes of cirrus cloud that glowed likesacrificial fires upon the altar of the west, paled, flickered, diedout in ashen grey; and a moon more gold than silver hung inshimmering splendour among the cloud ships, lending a dazzling fringeto their edges, and making quaint arabesque patterns of giltembroidery on the verandah floor, where the soft light fell throughinterlacing vines of woodbine and honeysuckle. With the night camesilence, broken only by the subdued plaint of the pigeons in theneighbouring yard, and the cooing or a pair of pet ring-doves thatslept in the honeysuckle, and were kept awake by the moonshine whichinvaded their nest, and tempted them to gossip. After awhile awhipporwill which haunted the churchyard elms drew gradually nearer, finally settling upon a deodar cedar in the flower garden, whence itpoured forth its lonely _miserere_ wail. 

Mr. Hargrove sat so still, that Regina hoped he had fallen asleep, but very soon he said:

"My dear, you need not fan me. "

"I hoped you were sleeping, and that a nap would refresh you. "

He took her hand, pressed it gently, and said with the gravetenderness peculiar to him:

"What a thoughtful good little nurse you are! Almost as watchful andpatient as Elise. Have you had your supper?"

"All that I want, some bread and milk. Hero and I ate our supperbefore you came. Shall I bring your slippers?"

"Thank you, I believe not. Before long I will go to sleep. Regina, open the organ, and play something soft and holy, with the Tremulant. Sing me that dear old 'Protect us through the coming eight, ' which myDouglass loves so well. "

"I wish I could, but you know, sir, it is a quartette; and beside, Ishould never get through my part: it reminds me so painfully of thelast time we all sang it. "

"Well then, my little girl, something else. 'Oh that I had wings likea dove!' To-night I am almost like a weary child, and only need alullaby to hush me to sleep. Go, dear, and sing me to rest. "

Reluctantly she obeyed, brightened the library lamp, and sat downbefore the cabinet organ which had been brought over to the parsonagefor safe keeping while the church was being repaired. As shepulled out the stops, Hannah touched her. 

"Has he finished his supper? Can I move the dishes and table?"

"Not yet. He is too tired just now to eat. "

"Then I will wait here. To tell you the truth, I have a queer feelingthat scares me, makes my flesh creep. While I was straining the milkjust now, a screech-owl flew on the top of the dairy, and its awfuldeath-warning almost froze the blood in my veins. How I do wish MissElise was here! I hope it is not a sign of a railroad accident toher, or that the vessel is lost that carried her boy!"

"Hush, you superstitious old Hannah! I often hear that screech-owl, and it is only hunting for mice. Mrs. Lindsay will come to-morrow. "

Her fingers wandered over the keys, and in a sweet, pure, andremarkably clear voice she sang "Oh that I had wings. " With greatearnestness and pathos she rendered the final "to be at rest, "lingering long on the "Amen. "

Then she began one of Mozart's symphonies, and from it glided awayinto favourite selections from Rossini's "Moďse. "

Once afloat upon the mighty tide of sacred music she drifted on andon, now into a requiem, now a "Gloria, " and at last the grandtriumphant strains of the pastor's favourite "Jubilate" rolledthrough the silent house, out upon the calm lustrous summer night. 

Of the flight of time she had taken no cognizance, and as she closedthe organ and rose she heard the clock striking nine, and saw thatHannah was nodding in a corner of the sofa. 

Surprised at the lateness of the hour, she stepped out on theverandah, and approached the arm chair. 

The moon had sunk so low that its light had been diminished, but thereflection from the library lamp prevented total darkness. Mr. Hargrove had not moved from the posture in which she left him, andshe said very softly:

"Are you asleep?"

He made no answer, and, unwilling to arouse him, she sat down on thestep to wait until he finished his nap. 

As the moon went down a light breeze sprang from some blue depths ofthe far west, and began to skim the frail foamy clouds that driftedimperceptibly across the star-lit sky; and to the crystal fingers ofthe dew the numerous flowers in the garden below yielded a generoustribute of perfume that blended into a wave of varied aromas, androlled to and fro in the cool night air. Calm, sweet and holy, thenight seemed a very benison, dispensing peace. 

Watching the white fire of constellations burning in the vault aboveher, Regina wondered whether it were a fair night far out at sea, ifthe same glittering stellar clusters swung above the deck of thenoble vessel that had been for many days upon the ocean, or if thestorm fiend held cyclone carnival upon the distant Atlantic. 

Her thoughts wandered toward the future, that _terra incognita_ whichMr. Lindsay's vague words--"There are trials ahead of you"--hadpeopled with dread yet intangible phantoms, whose spectral shadowssolemnly presageful, hovered over even the present. Why was her ownhistory a sealed volume--her father a mystery--her mother a wandererin foreign lands?

From this most unprofitable train of reflection she was graduallyrecalled by the restless singular behaviour of her dog. He had beenlying near the table, with his head on his paws, but rose, whined, came close to his mistress and caught her sleeve between histeeth--his usual mode of attracting her attention. 

"What is it, Hero? Are you hungry?"

He barked, ran to the easy chair, rubbed his nose against thepastor's hand, came back whining to Regina, and finally returning tothe chair, sat down, bent his head to the pastor's feet and uttered aprolonged and dismal howl. 

An undefinable horror made the girl spring toward the chair. 

The sleeper had not moved, and stooping over she put her hand on hisforehead. The cold damp touch terrified her, and with a cry of"Hannah! Oh, Hannah!" she darted into the library, and seized thelamp. By its light held close to the quiet figure, she saw that theeyes were closed as in slumber, and the lips half parted, as thoughin dreaming he had smiled; but the features were rigid, the handsstiff and cold, and she could feel no flutter in the wrists ortemples. 

"Oh, my God! he is dead!" screamed Hannah, wringing her hands, anduttering a succession of shrieks, while like a statue of despair thegirl stood staring almost vacantly at the white placid face of thedead. At last, shuddering from head to foot, she exclaimed:

"Run for Dr. Melville! Run, Hannah! you can go faster now than Icould. "

"What is the use? He is dead! stone dead!"

"Perhaps not--he may revive. Oh, Hannah! why don't you go?"

"Leave you alone in the house--with a corpse?"

"Run--run! Tell the doctor to hurry. He may do something. "

As the old servant disappeared, Regina fell on her knees, and seizingthe right hand, carried it to her lips; then began to chafe itviolently between her own trembling palms. 

"O Lord, spare him a little while! Spare him till his sister comes?"

She rushed into the library, procured some brandy which was kept inthe medicine chest, and with the aid of a spoon tried to force somedown his throat, but the muscles refused to relax, and, pouring thebrandy on her handkerchief, she rubbed his face and the hand she hadalready chafed. In the left he tightly held the jasmine, as when hespoke to her last, and she shrank from touching those fingers. 

Finding no change in the fixed white face she took off his shoes andrubbed his feet with mustard, but no effect encouraged her, andfinally she sat, praying silently, holding the feet tenderly againsther heart. 

How long lasted that lonely vigil with the dead, she never knew. Hopedeserted her, and by degrees she realized the awful truth that thearrival of the physician so impatiently expected would bring nosuccour. How bitterly she upbraided herself for leaving him a moment, even though in obedience to his wishes. Perhaps he had called and theorgan had drowned his voice. 

Had he died while she sang, and was his spirit already with God whenshe repeated the words "Far away in the regions of the blest"? Whenshe came on tiptoe, and asked, "Are you asleep?" was he indeed verily"Asleep in Jesus"? While she waited, fearful of disturbing hisslumber, was his released and rejoicing soul nearing the pearlybattlements of the City of Rest, lead by God's most pitying andtender angel, loving yet silent Death?

When will humanity reject and disown the hideous, ruthless monsterits own disordered fancy fashioned, and accept instead the beautifulOriental Azrael, the most ancient "Help of God, " who is sent ininfinite mercy to guide the weary soul into the blessed realm ofPeace?

 "O Land! O Land! For all the broken-hearted, The mildest herald by our fate allotted-- Beckons, and with inverted torch doth stand, To lead us with a gentle hand Into the Land of the great departed, -- Into the Silent Land. "

When the solemn silence that hung like a pall over the parsonage wasbroken by the hurried tread of many feet and the confused sound ofstrange voices, Regina seemed to be aroused from some horriblelethargy, and gazed despairingly at the doctor. 

"It is too late. You can't do anything for him now, " she said, clinging to his feet, as an attempt was made to lift them from herlap. 

"He must have been dead several hours, " answered Dr. Melville. 

"None but God and the angels know when he died. I thought he had goneto sleep; and so indeed he had. "

Hannah had spread the alarm, while searching for the doctor, and verysoon Mr. Hargrove's personal friends and some of the members of thecongregation thronged the library, into which the body of theminister had been removed. 

An hour afterward Dr. Melville, having searched for the girl all overthe house, found her crouched on the steps leading down to the flowergarden. She sat with her arm around Hero's neck, and her head bowedagainst him. Seating himself beside her, the physician said:

"Poor child, this is an awful ordeal for you, and in Dr. Hargrove'sdeath you have lost a friend whom the whole world cannot replace. Hewas the noblest man, the purest Christian, I ever knew, and if thechurch has a hundred pastors in future, none will ever equal him. Hemarried me, he baptized my children, and when I buried my wife, hisvoice brought me the most comfort, the----"

His tone faltered, and a brief silence ensued. 

"Regina, I wish you would tell me as nearly as you can how he seemedto-day, and how it all happened. I could get nothing satisfactory putof old Hannah. "

She described the occurrences of the morning, his debility and entirelack of appetite, and the long walk in the afternoon, followed by theattack of vertigo and palpitation, to which he alluded after hisreturn. When she concluded her recital of the last terrible scene inthe melancholy drama, Dr. Melville sighed, and said:

"It has ended just as I feared, and predicted. His heart has beenaffected for some time, and not a month ago I urged him to give uphis pulpit work for a while at least, and try rest and change of air. But he answered that he considered his work imperative, and when hedied it would be with the harness on. He would not permit me toallude to the subject in the presence of his family, because he toldme he did not wish to alarm his sister, who is so devoted to him, orrender the parting with his nephew more painful, by addingapprehensions concerning his health. I fear his grief at the loss ofDouglass has hastened the end. "

"When Mrs. Lindsay comes to-morrow it will kill her, " groaned Regina, whose soul seemed to grow sick, as she thought of the devoted fondsister, and the anguish that awaited her already bruised and achingheart. 

"No, sorrow does not kill people, else the race would becomeextinct. "

"It has killed Mr. Hargrove. "

"Not sorrow, but the disease, which sorrow may have aggravated. "

"Mrs. Lindsay would not go to India with her son, because she saidshe could not leave her brother whose sight was failing, and whoneeded her most. Now she has lost both. Oh, I wish I could run awayto-morrow, somewhere, anywhere, out of sight of her misery!"

"Some one must meet her at the train, and prepare her for the sadnews. My dear child, you would be the best person for that melancholytask. "

"I? Never! I would cut off my tongue before it should stab her heartwith such awful news! Are people ever prepared for trouble likethis?"

"Well, somebody must do it; but, like you, I am not brave enough tomeet her with the tidings. When it is necessary, I can amputatelimbs, and do a great many apparently cruel things, but when itconies to breaking such bad news as this I am a nervous coward. Mr. Campbell is a kind, tenderhearted friend of the family, and I willrequest him to take a carriage and meet her to-morrow. Poor thing!what a welcome home!"

Soon after he left her she heard the whistle of the night express, which arrived simultaneously with the departure of the outward trainbound south, and she knew that it was eleven o'clock. 

Hannah was in the kitchen talking with Esau the sexton, and whenseveral gentlemen who offered to remain until morning came out on theverandah, leaving the blinds of the library windows wide open, Reginarose and stole away to escape their observation. 

Although walking swiftly she caught sight of the table in the middleof the room and of a mass of white drapery, on which the lamp-lightfell with ghostly lustre. Twelve hours before she had sat there, reading to the faithful kind friend whose affectionate gaze restedall the while upon her; now stiff and icy he was sleeping his lastsleep in the same spot, and his soul? Safely resting, after thefeverish toil and strife of Time, amid the palms of Eternal Peace. Not the peace of Nirwana; neither the absolute absorption of oneschool of philosophy, nor the total extinction inculcated by a yetgrosser system. Not the vague insensate peace of Pantheism, but thespiritual rest of a heaven of reunion and of recognition promised byJesus Christ our Lord, who, conquering death in that lonely rock-hewnJudćan tomb, won immortal identity for human souls. Not thesuccession of progressive changes that constitute the hereafter of--

 "This age that blots out life with question-marks, This nineteenth century with its knife and glass That make thought physical, and thrust far off The heaven, so neighbourly with man of old, To voids sparse-sown with alienated stars. "

Among the multitudinous philosophic, psychologic, biologic systemsthat have waxed and waned, dazzled and deluded, from the firstutterances of Gotama, to the very latest of the advancedEvolutionists, is there any other than the Christian solution of thetriple-headed riddle--Whence? Wherefore? Whither?--that will deliverus from the devouring Sphinx Despair, or yield us even shadowyconsolation when the pinions of gentle yet inexorable death poiseover our household darling, and we stand beside the cold silent clay, which natural affection and life-long companionship render soinexpressibly precious?

When we lower the coffin of our beloved is there soothing comfort inthe satisfactory reflection that perhaps at some distant epoch, bythe harmonious operation of "Natural Selection" and by virtue of the"Conservation of Force, " the "Survival of the fittest" will certainlyensure the "Differentiation" the "Evolution" of our buried treasureinto some new, strange, superior type of creature, to us for everunknown and utterly unrecognizable? Tormented by aspirations whichneither time nor space, force nor matter, will realize or satisfy, consumed by spiritual hunger fiercer than Ugolino's, we are invitedto seize upon the Barmecide's banquet of "The Law which formulatesorganic development as a transformation of the homogeneous into theheterogeneous;" and that "this universal transformation is a changefrom indefinite homogeneity to definite heterogeneity; and that onlywhen the increasing multiformity is joined with increasingdefiniteness, does it constitute Evolution, as distinguished fromother changes that are like it, in respect of increasingheterogeneity. "

Does this wise and simple pabulum cure spiritual starvation?

"God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And theLord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into hisnostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. "Nay--thunders Science--put away such childish superstition, smitesuch traditionary idols; man was first made after the similitude of amarine ascidian, and once swam as a tadpole in primeval seas. 

In all the wide universe of modern speculation there remains nounexplored nook or cranny, where an immortal human soul can findrefuge or haven. Having hunted it down, trampled and buried it as oneof the little "inspired legendary" foxes that nibble and bruise thepromising sprouts of the Science Vineyard, what are we requested toaccept in lieu of the doctrine of spiritual immortality? "NaturalEvolution. "

One who has long been regarded as an esoteric in the Eleusis ofScience, and who ranks as a crowned head among its hierophants, frankly tells us: "What are the core and essence of this hypothesisNatural Evolution? Strip it naked, and you stand face to face withthe notion that not alone the more ignoble forms of animalcular oranimal life, not alone the nobler forma of the horse and lion, notalone the exquisite and wonderful mechanism of the human body, butthat the human mind itself--emotion, intellect, will, and all theirphenomena--were once latent in a fiery cloud. Many who hold it wouldprobably assent to the position that at the present moment all ourphilosophy, all our poetry, all our science, all our art--Plato, Shakespeare, Newton, and Raphael--are potential in the fires of thesun. ". . . A different pedigree from that offered us by Moses and theProphets, Christ and the Apostles; but does it light up theHereafter?

We are instructed that our instincts and consciousness dwell in the"sensory ganglia, " that "an idea is a contradiction, a motion, aconfiguration of the intermediate organ of sense, " that "memory isthe organic registration of their effects of impressions, " and thatthe "cerebrum" is the seat of ideas, the home of thought and reason. But when "grey-matter" that composes this thinking mechanism becomesdiseased, and the cold touch of death stills the action of fibre andvesicle, what light can our teachers pour upon the future of thatcoagulated substance where once reigned hope, ambition, love, orhate? Those grey granules that were memory, become oblivion. Certainly physiology has grown to giant stature since the days of St. Paul, but does it bring to weeping mourners any more comfort than thedoctrine he taught the Corinthians?

Does the steel Law Mill of Progressive Development grind us eithertonic or balm for the fatal hours of sorest human trial? We havelearned that "the heart of man is constructed upon the recognizedrules of hydraulics, and with its great tubes is furnished withcommon mechanical contrivances, valves. "

But when the valvular action is at rest under the stern finger ofdeath, can all the marvellous appliances of this intensely andwonderfully mechanical age force one ruddy drop through those greattubes, or coax one solitary throb, where God has said "Be still"?

To the stricken mother, bowed over the waxen image of her darling, isthere any system, theory, or creed that promises aught of the GreatBeyond comparable to the Christian's sublime hope that the pet lambis safely and tenderly folded by the Shepherd Jesus?

To the aching heart and lonely soul of sorrowing Regina these vexingriddles that sit open-mouthed at our religious and scientificcross-roads, brought no additional gloom; for with the pure holyfaith of unquestioning childhood she seemed to see beside the rigidform of her pastor and friend the angel who on sea-girt Patmos badeSt. John write, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, fromhenceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from theirlabours; and their works do follow them. "

Anxious to avoid those who sat within keeping sad watch, the unhappygirl went around to the front entrance, and sank down on the loweststep, burying her face in her hands. 

The library was merely a continuation of the hall that ran east andwest through the centre of the house, and though comparatively remotefrom the front door was immediately opposite, and from the sight ofthat room Regina shrank instinctively. 

Too much shocked and stunned to weep, she became so absorbed bythoughts of to-morrow's mournful mission, that she failed to noticethe roll of wheels along the street, or the quick rattle of thegate-latch. The sound of rapid footsteps and the rustle of drapery onthe pebbled walk, finally arrested her attention, and rising shewould have moved aside, but a hand seized her arm. 

"What is the matter? How is my brother?"

"Oh, Mrs. Lindsay!"

"Something must have happened. I had such a presentiment of troubleat home that I could not wait till to-morrow. I came on the nightexpress. Why is the house all lighted up? Is Peyton ill?"

Trembling from head to foot, she waited an instant, but Regina onlycrouched and groaned, and Mrs. Lindsay sprang up the steps. As shereached the door, the light in the library revealed the shroudedtable, --the rigid figure resting thereon, --and a piercing wail brokethe silence of death. 

"Merciful God!--not my Peyton?"

Thrusting her fingers into her ears, Regina fled down the walk out ofthe yard, anywhere to escape the sound and sight of thatbroken-hearted woman, whose cry was indeed _de profundis_. 

"Console if you will, I can bear it; 'Tis a well-meant alms ofbreath; But not all the preaching since Adam Has made Death otherthan Death. "

CHAPTER XII. 

A dreary sunless December day had drawn to a close, prematurelydarkened by a slow drizzling rain, that brought the gloom of earlynight, where sunset splendours should have lingered, and deepened thesombre desolation that mantled the parsonage. In anticipation of thearrival of the new minister, who was expected the ensuing week, thefurniture had been removed and sold, the books carefully packed andtemporarily stored at the warehouse of a friend, and even the trunkscontaining the wearing apparel of the occupants had been despatchedto the railway depot, and checked for transmission by the nightexpress. 

The melancholy preparations for departure were completed, friends hadpaid their final visits, and only Esau the sexton waited with hislantern, to lock up the deserted house, and take charge of the keys. 

The last mournful tribute had been offered at the grave in thechurchyard, where the beloved pastor slept serenely; and the coldleaden rain fell upon a mass of beautiful flowers, which quitecovered the mound, that marked his dreamless couch. 

Since that farewell visit to her brother's tomb, Mrs. Lindsay seemedto have lost her wonted fortitude and composure, and was pacing theempty library, weeping bitterly, giving vent to the long-pent anguishwhich daily duties and business details had compelled her torestrain. 

Impotent to comfort, Regina stood by the mantlepiece, gazing vacantlyat the wood fire on the hearth, which supplied only a dim fitful anduncertain light in the bare chill room, once the most cosy andattractive in the whole cheerful house. 

How utterly desolate everything appeared now, with only the drearymonotone of the wintry rain on the roof, and the occasional sob thatfell from the black-robed figure walking to and fro. 

It had been such a happy, peaceful, blessed home, where piety, charity, love, taste, refinement, and education all loaned theircharms to the store of witchery, which made it doubly sad to realizethat henceforth other feet would tread its floors, other voices echoin its garden and verandahs. 

To the girl who had really never known any other home (save the quietconvent courts) this parsonage was the dearest spot she had yetlearned to love; and with profound sorrow she now prepared to bidadieu for ever to the haven where her happiest years had passed likea rosy dream. 

The dreary deserted aspect of the house recalled to her mind--

 "How some they have died, and some they have left me, And some are taken from me; all are departed"--

of Charles Lamb's quaint tender "Old familiar faces, " as full ofmelancholy pathos as human eyes brimming with unshed tears; and fromit her thoughts gradually drifted to another poem, which she hadfirst heard from Mr. Lindsay during the week of his departure, andlater from the sacred lips that were now placidly smiling beneath thefloral cross and crown in the neighbouring churchyard. 

To-night the words recurred with the mournful iteration of somedolorous refrain; and yielding to the spell she leaned her foreheadagainst the chimney-piece, and repeated them sadly and slowly:

 "'We sat and talked until the night Descending, filled the little room; Our faces faded from the sight-- Our voices only broke the gloom. We spake of many a vanished scene, Of what we once had thought and said, Of what had been, and might have been, And who was changed, and who was dead; And all that fills the hearts of friends, When first they feel with secret pain, Their lives thenceforth have separate ends, And never can be one again. The very tones in which we spake Had something strange, I could but mark; The leaves of memory seemed to make A mournful rustling in the dark. '"

Attracted by the rhythm, which softly beat upon the air like somemuffled prelude striking only minor chords, Mrs. Lindsay came to thehearth, and with her arm resting on the girl's shoulder, stoodlistening. 

"How dearly my Douglass loved those lines. "

"And on the night before he died, Mr. Hargrove repeated them, askingme afterward to select some sweet solemn sacred tune with an organaccompaniment, and sing them for him. But what music is there thatwould suit a poem, which henceforth will seem as holy as a psalm tome?"

"Perhaps after a while you and I may be able to quiet the pain, andset it to some sweet old chant. Just now our hearts are too sore. "

"After a while? What hope has after a while? It cannot bring back thelost; and does memory ever die? After a while has not given me mymother; after a while has not taught me to forget her, or made memore patient in my waiting. After a while I know death will come tous all, and then there will be no more heartache; but I can't seethat there is any comfort in after a while, except beyond the grave. Mrs. Lindsay, I do not wish to be wicked or rebellious, but it seemsvery hard that I must leave this dear quiet home, and be separatedfrom you and Mr. Lindsay whom I dearly love, and go and live in acity, with that cold, hard, harsh, stern man, of whom I am so muchafraid. He may mean well, but he has such unkind ways of showing it. You have no idea how dreadful the future looks to me. "

She spoke drearily, and in the fitful flashes of the firelight theyoung face looked unnaturally stern. 

"My dear child, you must not despond; at your age one must try to seeonly the bright side. If I expected to remain in America, I would notgive you up without a struggle; would beg your mother's permission tokeep you until she claimed you. But I shall only wait to learn thatDouglass has arranged for my arrival. As you know, my sister andbrother-in-law are in Egypt, and if I were with them in Cairo, Icould hear more regularly and frequently from my dear boy. I wish Icould keep you, for you have grown deep into my heart, but my ownfuture is too uncertain to allow me to involve any one else in myplans. "

"I understand the circumstances, but if mother only knew everything, I believe she would not doom me to the care of that man of stone. Oh, if you could only take me across the ocean, and let me go to Veniceto mother. "

Mrs. Lindsay tightened her arm around the erect slender figure, andgently stroked back the hair from her temples. 

"My dear, you paint your future guardian too grimly. Mr. Palmais very reserved, rather haughty, and probably stern, butnotwithstanding has a noble character, I am told, and certainlyappears much interested in and kindly disposed toward you. DearPeyton liked him exceedingly, and his two letters to me were full ofgenerosity and kind sympathy. As I believe I told you, his stepmotherresides with him, and her daughter Miss Neville, though a young lady, will be more of a companion for you than the older members of thehousehold. Mr. Palma is one of the most eminent and popular lawyersin New York, is very ambitious, I have heard, and at his house youwill meet the best society of that great city; by which I mean themost cultivated, high-toned, and aristocratic people. I am sorry thathe has no religious views, habits, or associations, as I inferredfrom the remarks of the lady whom I met in Boston, and who seemedwell acquainted with the Palma household. She told me 'none of thatfamily had any religion, though of course they kept a pew in thefashionable church. ' But, my dear little girl, I hope your principlesand rules of life are sufficiently established to preserve you fromall free-thinking tendencies. Constant attendance at church does notconstitute religion, any more than the _bonâ fide_ pulpit means thespiritual Gospel; but I have noticed that where genuine piety exists, it is generally united with a recognition of church duties andobligations. The case of books I packed and sent with your trunkscontains some very admirable though old-fashioned works, written bysuch women as Hannah More, Mrs. Chapone, Mrs. Opie, and others, tomould the character of girls, and instruct them in all that isrequisite to make them noble, refined, intelligent, useful Christianwomen. Hannah More's 'Lucilla Stanley' is one of the loveliestportraitures of female excellence in the whole domain of literature, and you will find some of the passages marked to arrest yourattention. In this age of rapid deviation from the standard rulesthat governed feminine deportment and education when I was agirl, many of the precepts and admonitions penned by the authorsI have mentioned are derided and repudiated as 'puritanical, ''old-fashioned, ' 'strait-laced, ' 'stupid and prudish'; but if theseindeed be faults, certainly in the light of modern innovations theyappear 'to lean to virtue's side. ' In fashionable society, such asyou are destined to meet at Mr. Palma's, you will find many thingsthat no doubt will impress you as strange, possibly wrong; but in allthese matters consult the books I have selected for you, read yourBible, pray regularly, and under all circumstances hold fast to yourprinciples. Question and listen to your conscience, and no matter howkeen the ridicule, or severe the condemnation to which your views maysubject you, stand firm. Moral cowardice is the inclined plane thatleads to the first step in sin. Be sure you are right, and thensuffer no persuasion or invective to influence you in questionsinvolving conscientious scruples. You are young and peculiarlyisolated, therefore I have given you a letter to my valued old friendMrs. Mason, who will always advise you judiciously, if you will onlyconsult her. I hope you will devote as much time as possible tomusic, for to one gifted with your rare talent it will serve as asieve straining out every ignoble discordant suggestion, and willhelp to keep your thoughts pure and holy. "

"I suppose there are wicked ways and wicked people everywhere, and itis not the fashion or the sinfulness that I am afraid of in New York, but the loneliness I anticipate. I dread being shut up between brickwalls: no flowers, no grass, no cows, no birds, no chickens, none ofthe things I care for most. "

"But, my dear child, you forget that you have entered your fifteenthyear, and as you grow older you will gradually lose your inordinatefondness for pets. Your childish tastes will change as you approachwomanhood. "

"I hope not. Why should they? When I am an old woman with white hair, spectacles, wrinkled cheeks, and a ruffled muslin cap like poorHannah's, I expect to love pigeons and rabbits, and all pretty whitethings, just as dearly as I do now. Speaking of Hannah, how I shallmiss her? Since she went away, I shun the kitchen as much aspossible, --everything is so changed, so sad. Oh! the dear, dearold-dead-and-gone-days will never, never come back to me. "

For some time neither spoke. Mrs. Lindsay wept, the girl only groanedin spirit; and at length she said suddenly, like one nerved for somepainful task:

"When we separate at the depot, you to take one train and I another, we may never meet again in this world, and I must say something toyou, which I could mention to no one else. There is a cloud hangingover me. I have always lived in its cold shadow, even here wherethere is, or was, so much to make me happy, and this mystery rendersme unwilling to go into the world of curious, harsh people, who willwonder and question. I know that Orme is not my real name, but amforbidden to ask for information until I am grown. I have full faithin my mother: I must believe that all she has done is right, nomatter how strange things seem; but on one point I must be satisfied. Is my mother's name Minnie?"

"I cannot tell you, for it was the only secret dear Peyton ever keptfrom me. In speaking of her, he always called her Mrs. Orme. "

"Do you know anything about the loss of a valuable paper, once in Mr. Hargrove's possession?"

"A great many years ago, before you came to live with us, some oneentered this room, opened the secret drawer of Peyton's writing desk, and carried off a tin box containing some important papers. "

"And suspicion rested on my mother?"

"My darling girl, who could have been so cruel as to distress youwith such matters? No one----"

Regina interrupted her, with an imperative motion of her hand:

"Please answer my question. Truth is better than kindness, is more tome than sympathy. Did not you and Mr. Hargrove believe that mothertook--stole that box?"

"Peyton never admitted to me that he suspected her, though somecircumstances seemed to connect the disappearance of the papers withher visit here the night they were carried off. He accused no one. "

Regina was deeply moved, and her whole face quivered as she answered:

"Oh! how good, how truly charitable he was! I wonder if in all thewide borders of America there are any more like him? If I could onlyhave told him the facts, and satisfied him that my mother wasinnocent! But I waited until Hannah could get away in peace, andbefore she was ready to start God called him home. In heaven ofcourse he knows it all now. I promised Hannah to tell no one but him, and to defer the explanation until she was safe, entirely beyond thereach of his displeasure; but since you suspected my mother, it isright that I should justify her in your estimation. "

Very succinctly she narrated what had occurred on the evening of thestorm, and the incidents of the ensuing morning, when she followedHannah into the churchyard. As she concluded, an expression of reliefand pleasure succeeded that of astonishment which had rested on Mrs. Lindsay's worn and faded face. 

"I am heartily glad that at last the truth has been discovered, andthat it fully exonerated your mother from all connection with thetheft; for I confess the circumstances prejudiced me against her. Letus be encouraged, my dear little girl, to believe that in due timeall the other mysteries will be quite as satisfactorily cleared up. "

"I can't afford to doubt it; if I did, I should not be able to----"

She paused, while an increasing pallor overspread her features. 

"That is right, dear, believe in her. We should drink and live uponfaith in our mothers, as we did their milk that nourished us. Whenchildren lose faith in their mothers, God pity both! Did you learnfrom Hannah the character of the paper?"

"How could I question a servant concerning my mother's secrets? Ionly learned that Mr. Hargrove had given to my mother a copy of thatwhich was burned by the lightning. "

"In writing to her, did you mention the facts?"

"I have not as yet. I doubted whether I ought to allude to thesubject, lest she should think I was intruding upon her confidence. "

"Dismiss that fear, and in your next letter acquaint her fully withall you learned from poor Hannah; it may materially involve herinterest or welfare. Now, Regina, I am about to say something whichyou must not misinterpret, for my purpose is to comfort you, tostrengthen your confidence in your mother. I do not know her realname, I never heard your father's mentioned, but this I doknow, --dear Peyton told me that in this room he performed themarriage ceremony that made them husband and wife. Why such profoundsecrecy was necessary your poor mother will some day explain to you. Until then, be patient. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Lindsay. It does comfort me to know that Mr. Hargrove was the minister who married them. Of course it is no secretto you that my mother is an actress? I discovered it accidentally, for you know the papers were never left in my way, and in all herletters she alluded to her 'work being successful, ' but nevermentioned what it was; and I always imagined she was a musiciangiving concerts. But one day last June, at the Sabbath-schoolFestival, Mrs. Potter gave me a Boston paper, containing an articlemarked with ink, which she said she wished me to read, because itwould edify a Sunday-school pupil. It was a letter from Italy, describing one of the theatres there, where Madame Odille Orme wasplaying 'Medea. ' I cut out the letter, gave it to Mr. Hargrove, andasked him if it meant my mother. He told me it did, and advised me toenclose it to her when I wrote. But I could not, I burned it. Peoplelook down on actresses as if they were wicked or degraded, and forawhile it distressed me very much indeed, but I know there must begood as well as bad people in all professions. Since then I have beenmore anxious to become a perfect musician, so that before long I canrelieve mother from the necessity of working on the stage. "

"It was wickedly malicious in Mrs. Prudence to wound you; and we wereall so anxious to shield you from every misgiving on your mother'saccount. Some actresses have brought opprobrium upon the profession, which certainly is rather dangerous, and subjects women to suspicionand detraction; but let me assure you, Regina, that there have beenvery noble, lovely, good ladies who made their bread exactly as yourmother makes hers. There is no more brilliant, enviable, or stainlessrecord among gifted women than that of Mrs. Siddons'; or to come downto the present day, the world honours, respects, and admires nonemore than Madame Ristori, or Miss Cushman. Personal characteristicsmust decide a woman's reputation, irrespective of the fact that shelives upon the stage; and it is unjust that the faults of some shouldreflect discreditably upon all in any profession. Individually I mustconfess I am opposed to theatres and actresses, for I am the widow ofa minister, and have an inherited and a carefully educated prejudiceagainst all such things; but while I acknowledge this fact, I darenot assert that some who pass their lives before the footlights maynot be quite as conscientious and upright as I certainly try to be. Ishould grieve to see you on the stage, yet should circumstancesinduce you to select it as a profession, in the sight of God whoalone can judge human hearts, your and your mother's chances of finalacceptance and rest with Christ might be as good, perhaps better, than mine Let us 'judge not, lest we be judged. '"

"The world has not your charity, but let it do its worst. Come whatmay, my mother is still my own mother, and God will hold the scalesand see that justice is done. Perhaps some day we may follow you toIndia, and spend the remainder of our lives in some cool quietvalley, under the shadow of the rhododendrons on the Himalayan hills. Who knows what the end may be? But no matter how far we wander, or where we rest, we shall never find a home so sweet, so peaceful, so full of holy and happy associations, as this dear parsonage hasbeen to me. "

The fire burned low, and in its dull flicker the shadows thickened;while the rising wind sobbed and wailed mournful as a coranacharound the desolate old house, whence so many generations had glidedinto the sheltering bosom of the adjoining necropolis. 

Across the solemn gloomy stillness ran the sharp shivering sound ofthe door-bell, and when the jarring had ceased Esau entered with hislantern in his hand. 

"The carriage is at the gate. The schedule was changed last week, andthe driver says it is nearly train time. Give me the satchels andbasket. "

Slowly the two figures followed the lantern-bearer down the dim barehall, and the sound of their departing footsteps echoed strangely, dismally through the empty, forsaken house. At the front door bothpaused and looked back into the darkness that seemed like a vasttomb, swallowing everything, engulfing all the happy hallowed past. 

But Regina imagined that in the dusky library, by the wan flicker ofthe dying fire, she could trace the spectral outline of a whitedraped table, and of a tall prostrate form bearing a Grand Dukejasmine in its icy hand. Shuddering violently, she wrapped her shawlaround her and sprang down the steps into the drizzling rain, whileMrs. Lindsay slowly followed, weeping silently. 

 "Were it mine I would close the shutters, Like lids when the life is fled, And the funeral fire should wind it, This corpse of a home that is dead. "

CHAPTER XIII. 

The snow was falling fast nest morning, when with a long hoarseshriek the locomotive dashed into New York, and drew up to theplatform, where a crowd of human beings and equipages of everydescription had assembled to greet the arrival of the train. 

The din of voices, ringing of bells, whistle of engines, and all thevaried notes of that Babel diapason that so utterly bewilders thestranger stranded on the bustling streets of busy Gotham, fell uponRegina's ears with the startling force of novelty. She wondered ifthere were thunder mixed with swiftly falling snow--that low, dull, ceaseless roar--that endless monologue of the paved streets--whereiron and steel ground down the stone highways, along which theJuggernaut of Traffic rolled ponderously, day in and day out. 

Gazing curiously down from her window at the sea of faces whereincabmen, omnibus drivers, porters, vociferated and gesticulated, eachstriving to tower above his neighbour, like the tame vipers in theEgyptian pitcher, whereof Teufelsdröckh discourses in Sator Resartus, Regina made no attempt to leave her seat, until the courteousconductor to whose care Mrs. Lindsay had consigned her touched herarm to arrest her attention. 

"You are Miss Orme, I believe, and here is the gentleman who came tomeet you. "

Turning quickly, with the expectation of seeing Mr. Palma, she foundherself in the presence of an elegantly dressed young gentleman, notmore than twenty-two or three years old, who wore ample hay-colouredwhiskers brushed in English style, after the similitude of the finsof a fish, or the wings of a bat. A long moustache of the same colourdrooped over a mouth feminine in mould, and as he lifted his brownfur cap and bowed she saw that his light hair was parted in themiddle of his head. 

He handed her a card on which was printed, "Elliott Roscoe. "

"Regina Orme, I presume. My cousin Mr. Palma desired me to meet youat the train, and see you safely to his house, as he is not in thecity. I guess you had a tiresome trip; you look worn out. Have youthe checks for your baggage?"

She handed them to him, took her satchel, and followed him out of thecar, through the dense throng, to a _coupé_. 

The driver, whose handsome blue coat with its glittering gilt buttonswas abundantly embroidered with snow-flakes, opened the door, and asMr. Roscoe assisted the stranger to enter, he said:

"Wait, Farley, until I look after the baggage. "

"Yonder is O'Brien with his express waggon. Give him the checks, andhe will have the trunks at home almost as soon as we get there. Michael O'Brien!"

As the ruddy, beaming pleasant countenance of the express manapproached, and he received the checks, Mr. Roscoe sprang into thecarriage, but Regina summoned courage to speak. 

"If you please, I want my dog. "

"Your dog! Did you leave it in the car? Is it a poodle?"

"Poodle! He is a Newfoundland, and the express agent has him. "

"Then O'Brien will bring him with the trunks, " said Mr. Roscoe, preparing to close the door. 

"I would not like to leave him behind. "

"You certainly do not expect to carry him in the carriage?" answeredthe gentleman, staring at her, as if she had been a refugee from someinsane asylum. 

"Why not? There seems plenty of room. I am so much afraid somethingmight happen to him among all these people. But perhaps you would notlike him shut up in the carriage. "

For an instant she seemed sorely embarrassed, then leaning forward, addressed the coachman. 

"Would you mind taking my dog up there with you? thank you very muchif you will please be so kind. "

Before the wistful pleading of the violet eyes, and the sweet tonesof the hesitating voice, the surly expression vanished from Farley'scountenance, and, touching his hat, he replied cheerfully:

"Aye, miss; if he is not venomous, I will take him along. "

"Thank you. Mr. Roscoe, if you will be so good as to go with me tothe express car, I can get my dog. "

"That is not necessary. Besides it is snowing hard, and your wrapsare not very heavy. Give me the receipt, and I will bring him out. "

There was some delay, but after a little while Mr. Roscoe came backleading Hero by a chain attached to his collar. The dog looked sulkyand followed reluctantly, but at sight of his mistress, sprangforward, barking joyfully. 

"Poor Hero! poor fellow! Here I am. "

When he had been prevailed upon to jump up beside the driver, and thecarriage rolled homeward, Mr. Roscoe said:

"That is a superb creature. The only pure white Newfoundland I eversaw. Where did you get him?"

"He was bought in Brooklyn several years ago, and sent to me. "

"What is his name?"

"Hero. "

"How very odd. Bruno, or Nero, or Ponto, or even Fido, would be somuch more suitable. "

"Hero suits him, and suits me. "

Mr. Roscoe looked curiously into the face beside him, and laughed. 

"I presume you are a very romantic young miss, and have been dreamingabout some rustic Leander in round jacket. "

"My dog was not called after the priestess at Sestos. It means herothe common noun, not Hero the proper name. Holding torches to guidepeople across the Hellespont was not heroism. "

If she had addressed him in Aramaic he would not have been moresurprised; and for a moment he stared. 

"I am afraid your Hero will not prove a thoroughly welcome additionto my cousin's household. He has no fondness whatever for dogs, orindeed for pets of any kind, and Mrs. Palma, who has a chronic terrorof hydrophobia, will not permit a dog to come near her. "

He saw something like a smile flicker across the girl's mouth, butshe did not look up, and merely asked:

"Where is Mr. Palma?"

"He was unexpectedly called to Philadelphia two days ago, on urgentbusiness. Do you know him?"

"I have not seen him for several years. "

She turned away, fixing her attention upon the various objects ofinterest that flitted by, as they rolled rapidly along one of theprincipal streets. The young gentleman who in no respect resembledMr. Palma, found it exceedingly pleasant to study the fair delicateface beside him, and not a detail of her dress, from the shape ofher hat to the fit of her kid gloves, escaped his criticalinspection. 

Almost faultily fastidious in his Broadway trained tastes, he arrivedat the conclusion that she possessed more absolute beauty than anyone in his wide circle of acquaintance; but her travelling suit wasnot cut in the approved reigning style, and the bow of ribbon at herthroat did not exactly harmonize with the shade of the feather in herhat, all of which jarred disagreeably. 

As the carriage entered Fifth Avenue, and drew up before one of thehandsome brown-stone front mansions that stretch like palatial wallsfor miles along that most regal and magnificent of American streets, Mr. Roscoe handed his companion out, and rang the bell. 

Hero leaped to the sidewalk, and, patting his head, Regina said:

"Driver, I am very much obliged to you for taking care of him forme. "

"You are quite welcome, miss. He is an uncommon fine brute, and Iwill attend to him for you if you wish it. "

The door opened, and Regina was ushered in, and conducted by Mr. Roscoe into the sitting-room, where a blazing coal fire lent pleasantwarmth and a ruddy glow to the elegantly furnished apartment. 

"Terry, tell the ladies we have come. "

The servant disappeared, and, holding his hands over the fire, Mr. Roscoe said:

"I believe you are a stranger to all but my cousin; yet you areprobably aware that his stepmother and her daughter reside with him. "

Before she could reply the door suddenly opened wide, as if moved byan impatient hand, and a middle-aged lady, dressed in black silk thatrustled proudly at every step, advanced toward Regina. Involuntarilythe girl shivered, as if an icy east wind had blown upon her. 

"Mrs. Palma, I have brought this young lady safely, and transfer herto your care. This is Regina Orme. "

"Miss Orme has arrived on a cold day, and looks as if she realizedit. "

She put out her hand, barely touched the fingers of the stranger, andher keen, probing, inquisitorial eyes of palest grey wanderedsearchingly over the face and figure; while her haughty tone waschill--as the damp breath of a vault. 

Catching sight of Hero she started back, and exclaimed withundisguised displeasure:

"What! A dog in my sitting-room! Who brought that animal here?"

Regina laid a protecting hand on the head of her favourite, and saidtimidly, in a voice that faltered from embarrassment:

"It is my dog. Please, madam, allow me to keep him; he will disturbno one; shall give no trouble. "

"Impossible! Dogs are my pet aversion. I would not even allow mydaughter to accept a lovely Italian greyhound which Count Fagdalinisent her on her last birthday. That huge brute there would give mehysterics before dinner-time. "

"Then you shall not see him. I will keep him always out of eight; heshall never annoy you. "

"Very feasible in a Fifth Avenue house! Do you propose to lock him upalways in your own chamber? How absurd!"

She touched the bell, and added:

"It always saves trouble to start exactly as we expect or intend tocontinue. I cannot endure dogs--never could, and yours must bedisposed of at once. "

Pitying the distress so eloquently printed on the face of the girl, Mr. Roscoe interposed:

"Strike, but hear me! Don't banish the poor fellow so summarily. Hecan't go mad before May or June, if then; and at least let her keephim a few days. She feels strange and lonely, and it will comfort herto have him for a while. "

"Nonsense, Elliott! Terry, tell Farley I shall want the carriage inhalf an hour, and meantime ask him to come here and help you take outthis dog. We have no room for any such pests. Send Hattie to showthis young lady to her own room. "

Mr. Roscoe shrugged his shoulder, and closely inspected his sealring. 

There was an awkward silence. Mrs. Palma stirred the coals with thepoker, and at last asked abruptly:

"Miss Orme, I presume you have breakfasted?"

"I do not wish any, thank you. "

Something in her quiet tone attracted attention, and as the lady andgentleman turned to look at her, both noticed a brilliant flush onher cheek, a peculiar sparkle dancing in her eyes. 

Passing her arm through the handle of her satchel, she put both herhands upon Hero's silver collar. 

"Hattie will show you up to your room, Miss Orme; and if you needanything call upon her for it. Farley, take that dog away, and do notlet me see him here again. "

The blunt but kind-hearted coachman looked irresolute, glancing firstat his mistress, and then pityingly at the girl. As he advanced toobey, Regina said in a quiet but clear and decisive tone:

"Don't you touch him. He is mine, and no one shall take him from me. I am sorry, Mrs. Palma, that I have annoyed you so much, and I haveno right to force unpleasant things upon you, even if I had thepower. Come, Hero! we will find a place somewhere; New York is largeenough to hold us both. Good-bye, Mr. Roscoe. Good-day, Mrs. Palma. "

She walked toward the door, leading Hero, who rubbed his headcaressingly against her. 

"Where are you going?" cried Mr. Roscoe following, and catching herarm. 

"Anywhere--away from this house, " she answered very quietly. 

"But Mr. Palma is your guardian! He will be dreadfully displeased. "

"He has no right to be displeased with me. Beside, I would not forforty guardians give up my Hero. Please stand aside, and let mepass. "

"Tell me first, what you intend to do. "

"First to get out, where the air is free. Then to find the house ofa lady, to whom I have a letter of introduction from Mrs. Lindsay. "

Mrs. Palma was sorely perplexed, and though she trembled with excessof anger and chagrin, a politic regard for her own future welfare, which was contingent upon the maintenance of peaceful relations withher stepson, impelled her to concede what otherwise she would neverhave yielded. Stepping forward she said with undisguised scorn:

"If this is a sample of his ward's temper, I fear Erle has resumedguardianship of Tartary. As Miss Orme is a total stranger in NewYork, it is sheer madness to talk of leaving here. This is ErlePalma's house, not mine, else I should not hesitate a moment; butunder the circumstances I shall insist upon this girl remaining hereat least until his return, which must be very soon. Then the dogquestion will be speedily decided by the master of the establishment. "

"Let us try and compromise. Suppose you trust your pet to me for afew days, until matters can be settled? I like dogs, and promise totake good care of yours, and feed him on game and chicken soup. "

He attempted to put his hand on the collar, but Hero, who seemed tocomprehend that he was a _casus belli_, growled and showed his teeth. 

"Thank you, sir, but we have only each other now. Mrs. Palma, I donot wish to disturb or annoy you in any way, and as I love my dogvery much, and you have no room for him, I would much rather go awaynow and leave you in peace. Please, Mr. Roscoe, let me pass. "

"I can fix things to suit all around, if madam will permit, " said thecoachman. 

"Well, Farley, what is your proposition?"

His mistress was biting her lip from mortification and ill-concealedrage. 

"I will make a kennel in the corner of the carriage-house, where hecan be chained up, and yet have room to stretch himself; and theyoung miss can feed him, and see him as often as she likes, tillmatters are better settled. "

"Very well. Attend to it at once. I hope Miss Orme is satisfied?"

"No, I do not wish to give so much trouble to you all. "

"Oh, miss I it is no trouble worth speaking of; and if you will onlytrust me, I will see that no harm happens to him. "

For a moment Regina looked up at the honest, open, though somewhatharsh Hibernian face, then advanced and laid the chain in his hand. 

"Thank you very much. I will trust you. Be kind to him, and let mecome and see him after awhile. I don't wish him ever to come into thehouse again. "

"The baggage-man has brought the trunks, " said Terry. 

"Have them taken upstairs. Would you like to go to your room, MissOrme?"

"If you please, madam. "

"Then I must bid you good-bye, " said Mr. Roscoe, holding out hishand. 

"Do you not live here?"

"Oh no! I am only a student in my cousin's law-office, but come herevery often. I hope the dog-war is amicably settled, but ifhostilities are reopened, and you ever make up your mind to give Heroaway, please remember that I am first candidate for his ownership. "

"I would almost as soon think of giving away my head. Good-bye, sir. "

As she turned to follow the servant out of the room, she ran againsta young lady who hastily entered, singing a bar from "Traviata. "

"Bless me! I beg your pardon. This is----"

"Miss Orme; Erle's ward. "

"Miss Orme does not appear supremely happy at the prospect ofsojourning with us, beneath this hospitable roof. Mamma, I understandyou have had a regular Austerlitz battle over that magnificent dog Imet in the hall, --and alas! victory perched upon the standard of theinvading enemy! Cheer up, mamma! there is a patent medicine justadvertised in the _Herald_ that hunts down, worries, shakes, andstrangles hydrophobia, as Gustave Billon's Skye terrier does rats. Good-morning, Mr. Elliott Roscoe! Poor Miss Orme looks strikinglylike a half-famished and wholly hopeless statue of Patience that Isaw on a monument at the last funeral I attended in Greenwood. Hattie, do take her to her room, and give her some hot chocolate, orcoffee, or whatever she drinks. "

She had taken both the stranger's hands, shook them rather roughly, and in conclusion pushed her toward the door. 

Olga Neville was twenty-two, tall, finely formed, rather handsome;with unusually bright reddish-hazel eyes, and a profusion of tawnyhair, which nine persons in ten would unhesitatingly have pronouncedred, but which she persistently asserted was of exactly the classicshade of ruddy gold, that the Borgia gave to Bembo. Her features werelarge, and somewhat irregular in contour, but her complexion wasbrilliant, her carriage very graceful, and though one might safelypredict that at some distant day she would prove "fair, fat, andforty, " her full figure had not yet transgressed the laws ofsymmetry. 

As the door of the sitting-room closed, she put her large white handson her mother's shoulders, shook her a little, and kissed her on thecheek. 

"Do, mamma, let us have fair play, or I shall desert to the enemy. Itwas not right to open your batteries on that little thing before shegot well into position, and established her line. If I am any judgeof human nature, I rather guess from the set of her lips, and thestars that danced up and down in her eyes, that she is not quite aseasily flanked as a pawn on a chessboard. "

"I wish, Olga, that you were a better judge of common sense, and ofthe courtesy due to my opinions. I can tell you we are likely to seetrouble enough with this high-tempered girl added to the familycircle. "

"Why, she has not Lucretia-coloured tresses like my own lovely-spungold? I thought her hair looked very black. "

"I will warrant it is not half as black as her disposition. Shelooked absolutely diabolical when she pretended to march out into theworld, playing the _rôle_ of injured, persecuted innocence. "

"Now, mamma! She is decidedly the prettiest piece of diabolism I eversaw. Elliott, what do you think of her?"

"That some day she will be a most astonishing beauty. Can yourecollect that lovely green and white cameo pin set with diamondsthat Tiffany had last spring? Ned Bartlett bought it for his wife theday they started to Saratoga. Well, this girl is exactly like thatexquisite white cameo head; I noticed the likeness as soon as I sawher. But she needs polish, city training, society marks, and herclothes are at least two seasons old in style. I think too yourmother is quite right in believing she has a will of her own. She wasreally in earnest, and would have walked out, if Farley had not cometo the rescue. Olga, what are you laughing at?"

"I am anticipating the sport in store for me when her will and ErlePalma's come in conflict. Won't the sparks fly! We shall have adomestic shower of meteors to enliven our daily dull routine! Youknow the stately and august head of this establishment savours ofFitz-James, and in all matters of controversy acts fully out whatScott only dreamed:

 'Come one, come all! this rock shall fly From its firm base, as soon as I!'

I daresay it is his terrapin habit that helps Erle Palma to his greatsuccess as a lawyer; when he once takes hold, he never lets go. Now, mamma, if you do not hoist a white flag as far as that poor girl isconcerned, I shall certainly ask your wary stepson to give her asprig of phryxa from Mount Brixaba. Do you understand, Elliott?"

"Of course not I rarely do understand you when you begin yourspiteful challenges. Now, Olga, I always preserve an unarmedneutrality, so do let me alone. "

He made a deprecating gesture, and put on his hat. 

"Free schools and universal education is one of my spavined hobbies, and a brief canter for your improvement in classic lore would becharitable, so I proceed: Agatho the Samian says that in the ScythianBrixaba grows the herb phryxa (hating the wicked), which especiallyprotects step children; and whenever they are in danger from astepmother (observe the antiquity of Stepmotherly characteristics!)the phryxa gives them warning by emitting a bright flame. You seeErle Palma remembers his classics, and early in life turned hisattention to the cultivation of phryxa, which flourishes----"

"Olga, you vex me beyond endurance. Put on your furs at once; it istime to go to the Studio. Elliott, will you ride down with us, andlook at the portrait?"

"Thanks! I wish I could, but promised to write out some legalreferences before my cousin returns, and must keep my word; for youvery well know he has scant mercy on delinquents. "

"I only hope he will bring his usual iron rule to bear upon this newelement in the household, else her impertinent self-assertion will beunendurable. Will you be at Mrs. Delafield's reception to-night?"

"I promised to attend. Suppose I call for you and Olga about nine?"

"Quite agreeable to all parties. I shall expect you. Good-morning. "

When Regina left the sitting-room she followed the housemaid up twoflights of steps, and into a small but beautifully furnishedapartment, where a fire was not really necessary, as the house washeated by a furnace, still the absence of the cheerful red light shehad left below made this room seem chill and uninviting. 

The trunks had been brought up, and after lowering the curtain ofthe window that looked down on the beautiful Avenue, Hattie said:

"Will you have tea, coffee, or chocolate?"

"Neither, I thank you. "

"Have you had any breakfast?"

"I do not want any. "

"It is no trouble, miss, to get what you like. "

Regina only shook her head, and proceeded to take off her hat andwrappings. 

"Are you an orphan?" queried Hattie, her heart warming toward astranger who avoided giving trouble. 

"No; but my mother is in----is too far for me to go to her. "

"Then you aren't here on charity?"

"Charity! No, indeed! Mr. Palma is my guardian until I go to mymother. "

"Well, miss, try to be contented. Miss Olga has a kinder heart thanher mother, and though she has a bitter tongue and rough ways shewill befriend you. Don't fret about your dog, we folks belowstairswill see that he does not suffer. We will help you take care of him. "

"Thank you, Hattie. I shall be grateful to all who are kind to him. Please give him some water and a piece of bread when you go down. "

It was a great relief to find herself once more alone, and, sinkingdown wearily into a rocking chair, she hid her face in her hands. 

Her heart was heavy, her head ached; her soul rose in rebellionagainst the cold selfishness and discourtesy that had characterizedher reception by the inmates of her guardian's house. 

Everything around her betokened wealth, taste, elegance; the carpetsand various articles of furniture were of the most costly materials, but at the thought of living here she shuddered. Fine and fashionablein all its appointments, but chilly, empty, surface gilded, she feltthat she would stifle in this mansion. 

By comparison, how dear and sacred seemed the old life at theparsonage I how desolate and dreary the present! how inexpressiblylonely and hopeless the future!

From the thought of Mr. Palma's return, she could borrow no pleasantauguries, rather additional gloom and apprehension; and his absencehad really been the sole redeeming circumstance that marked herarrival in New York. With an unconquerable dread which arose fromearly childish prejudice and which she never attempted to analyze, she shrank from meeting him. 

There came a quick low rap on the door, but she neither heard norheeded it, and started when a warm hand removed those that coveredher face. 

"Just as I expected, you are having a good cry all to yourself. No, your eyes are dry and bright as stars. I daresay you have set us alldown as a family of brutes; as more cruel than the Piutes or Modocs;as stony hearted as Solomon, when he ordered the poor little baby tobe cut in half and distributed among its several mothers. But thereis so little justice left in the world, that I imagine eachindividual would do well to contribute a moiety to the awfullyslender public stock. Suppose you pay tithes to the extent ofcounting me out of this nest of persecutors? Thank Heaven! I am not aPalma! My soul does not work like the piston of a steam-engine, --isnot regulated by a gauge-cock and safety-valve to prevent allexplosions, to keep the even, steady, decorous, profitable tenor ofits sternly politic way. I am a Neville. The blood in my veins is not'blue' like the Palma's, but red, --and hot enough to keep my heartfrom freezing, as the Palma's do, and to melt the ice theymanufacture, wherever they breathe. I am no Don Quixote to redressyour grievances, or storm windmills; for verily neither mamma norErle Palma belongs to that class of harmless innocuous bugaboos, asthose will find to their cost who run against them. I am simply OlgaNeville, almost twenty-three, and quite willing to help you ifpossible. Shall we enter into an alliance--offensive and defensive?"

She stood by the mantlepiece, slowly buttoning her glove, and lookedquite handsome, and very elegant in her rich wine-coloured silk andcostly furs. 

Looking up into her face, Regina wondered how far she might trustthat apparently frank open countenance, and Olga smiled, and added:

"You are a cunning fledgling, not to be caught with chaff. Have theysent you anything to eat?"

"I declined having anything. My head aches. "

"Then do as I tell you, and you will soon feel relieved. There is abath-room on this floor. Ring for Hattie, and tell her you want agood hot bath. When you have taken it, lie down and go to sleep. Oneword before I go. Do try not to be hard on mamma. Poor mamma! Shemarried among these Palmas, and very soon from force of habit andassociation she too grew politic, cautious; finally she also froze, and has never quite thawed again. She is not unkind, --you must notthink so for an instant; she only keeps her blood down to the safe, wise prudent temperature of sherbet. Poor mamma! She does not likedogs; once she was dreadfully bitten, almost torn to pieces by one, and very naturally she has developed no remarkable 'affinity' forthem since that episode. Hattie will get you anything you need. Takeyour bath and go to sleep, and dream good-natured things aboutmamma. "

She nodded, smiled pleasantly, and glided away as noiselessly as shecame, leaving Regina perplexed, and nowise encouraged with referenceto the stern cold character of her guardian. 

She had eaten nothing since the previous day, had been unable toclose her eyes after bidding Mrs. Lindsay farewell; and now, quiteovercome with the reaction from the painful excitement of yesterday'sincidents, she threw herself across the foot of the bed, and claspedher hands over her throbbing temples. No sound disturbed tier, savethe occasional roll of wheels on the street below, and very soon thelong lashes drooped, and she slept the heavy deep sleep of mental andphysical exhaustion. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Led by poppy-wreathed wands, through those fabled ivory gates thatopen into the enchanted realm of dreams, the weary girl forgot herwoes, and found blessed reunion with the absent dear ones, whose losshad so beclouded the morning of her life. 

Under the burning sun of India, through the tangled jungles of Oude, she wandered in quest of the young missionary and his mother, nowspringing away from the crouching tigers that glared at her as shepassed; now darting into some Himalayan cavern to escape the wildferocious eyes of Nana Sahib, who offered her that wonderful lostruby that he carried off in his flight, and when she seized it, hoping its sale would build a church for mission worship, itdissolved into blood that stained her fingers. With a fiendish laughNana Sahib told her it was a part of the heart of a beautiful womanbutchered in the "House of Massacre" at Cawnpore. On and on shepressed, footsore and weary but undaunted, through those awfulmountain solitudes, and finally hearing in the distance the bark ofHero, she followed the sound, reached the banks of Jumna, and thereamid the ripple of fountains, and the sighing of the cypress, in thecool shadow cast by the marble minarets and domes of Shah Jehan'sMoomtaj mausoleum, Mr. And Mrs. Lindsay joyfully welcomed her; whileupon the fragrant air floated divine melodies that Douglass told herwere chanted by angels in her mother's grave, beneath the clusteringwhite columns. 

When after many hours she awoke, it was night. A faint light trembledin one of the globes of the gas chandelier, and a blanket had beenlaid over her. Starting up she saw a figure sitting at the window, apparently watching what passed in the street below. 

"I hope you feel refreshed. I can testify you have slept as soundlyas the youths whom Decius put to bed some time since near Ephesus. "

Olga rose, turned on the gas that flamed up instantly, and showed herelaborately dressed in evening toilette. Her shoulders and arms, round and pearly white, were bare save the shining tracery of jewelsin necklace and bracelets; and in the long train of blue silk thatflowed over the carpet, she looked even taller than in the morningwalking suit. Her ruddy hair, heaped nigh on her head, was surmountedby a jewelled comb, whence fell a cataract of curls of variouslengths and sizes, that touched the filmy lace which bordered hershoulders like a line of foam where blue silk broke on dimpled flesh. 

As Regina gazed admiringly at her, Olga came closer, and stood underthe gas-light. 

"A penny for your thoughts! Am I handsome? Somebody says only 'foolsand children tell the truth. ' You are not exactly the latter;certainly not the former; nevertheless, being a rustic, all unversedin the fashionable accomplishment of 'fibbing, ' you may dispense withthe varnish pot and brush. Tell me, Regina, don't you feel inclinedto fall at my feet and worship me?"

"Not in the least. But I do think you very handsome, and your dressis quite lovely. Are you going to a party or a ball?"

"To a 'Reception, ' where the people will be crowded like sardines, where my puffs will be mashed as flat as buckwheat cakes, and mytrain will go home with various gentlemen, clinging in scraps totheir boot-heels! Were you ever at the seashore? If you have everchanced to walk into a settlement of fiddlers, and seen themsquirming, wriggling, backward, forward, sideways, you mayunderstand that I am going into a similar promiscuous scramble. Human ingenuity is vastly fertile in the production of fashionabletortures; and when that outraged and indignant poet savagelyasserted, that 'Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousandsmourn, ' I have an abiding conviction that he had just been victimizedat a 'Reception, ' or 'German, ' or 'Kettle-drum, ' or 'MasqueBall, '--or some such fine occasion, where people are amused bytreading on each other's toes, and gnawing (metaphorically) theirnearest neighbour's vertebrć. "

"Do you not enjoy going into society?"

"_Cela dépend!_ You are an unsophisticated little package of innocentrusticity, and have yet to learn

 'Society is now one polished horde, Formed of two mighty tribes, The Bores and Bored!'

I speak advisedly, for lo these four years I have energeticallypreyed, and been preyed upon. When I was your age, I was impatient tobreak away from my governess, and soar into the flowery pastures offashionable gaiety, with the crowd of other butterflies that seemedso happy, so lovely; but now that I have bruised my pretty wings, andtarnished the gilding, and rubbed off the fresh enamelling, I wouldif I could crawl back into a safe brown cocoon, or hide in some quietand forgotten chrysalis. Did you ever hear of Moloch?"

"Yes, of course; I know it was a brazen image, heated red hot, inwhose arms children were placed by idolatrous heathen parents. "

"No such thing! that is a foolish, obsolete Rabbinical myth. You mustnot talk such old-fashioned folly. Hearken to the solemn truth thatunderlies that fable; Moloch reigns here, in far more pomp andsplendour than the Ammonites ever dreamed of. Crowned and sceptred, he is now called 'Wealth and Fashion, ' holds daily festivals andmighty orgies where salads, boned turkeys, charlotte russe, _fistachio soufflés, creams, ices, champagne-julep, champagnefrappé_, and persicot call the multitude to worship; and there whilethe stirring notes of Strauss ring above the sighs and groans of theheroic victims, fathers and mothers bring their sons and daughtersbravely decked in broadcloth and satin, white kid and diamonds, andoffer them in sacrifice; and Moloch clasps, scorches, blackens all!Wide wonderful blue eyes, how shocked you look!"

Olga laughed lightly, shook out the fringed ends of her broad whitesilk sash, and glanced in the mirror of the bureau, to see theeffect. 

"Regina, don't begin city life by a system of starvation that woulddo infinite credit to a Thebaid anchorite. Eat abundantly. Takegenerous care of your body, for spiritual famine is inevitably aheadof you. Yonder on the table, carefully covered, is your dinner. Ofcourse it is cold, stone-cold as this world's charity; but people whosleep until eight o'clock, ought not to expect smoking hot viands. Agood meal gives one far more real philosophy and fortitude, than allthe volumes Aristotle and Plato ever wrote. Do you hear that bell? Itis a signal to attend the festival of Milcom. Oh, Mammon I behold Icome. "

She moved towards the door, and said from the threshold:

"I say unto you--eat. Then come downstairs and amuse yourself lookingabout the house. There are some interesting things in the parlours, and if you are musical, you will find a piano that cost one thousanddollars. When I am away, there are no skeletons in this house, so youneed not fear sleeping here alone. My room is on the same floor. Good-night. "

Refreshed by her sound sleep, Regina bathed her face, rearranged herhair, and ate the dinner, which although cold, was very temptinglyprepared. When Hattie came to carry down the silver tray containingthe delicate green and gold china dishes, she complimented thestranger upon the improvement in her appearance, adding:

"Miss Olga directed me to show you the house, and anything you mightlike to look at, so I lighted the palours and reception-room; and thelibrary always has a fire, and the gas burning. That is next to Mr. Palma's bedroom, and is his special place. He comes and goes soirregularly that we never can tell when he is in it. Once last yearhe got home at nine o'clock unexpectedly, and sat up all nightwriting there in the cold. Next morning he gave orders for fire andlight in that room, whether he was at home or not. Miss, if you don'tmind looking about yourself, I should like to run around to EighthAvenue for a few minutes, to see my sick aunt. Terry has gone out, and Mary promised to answer the bell, if any one called. Farley saysbe easy about your dog; he had a hearty dinner of soup and meat, andis on a softer bed than some poor souls lie on to-night. Can I go?"

"Certainly, I am not afraid; and when I get sleepy I will come up andgo to bed. When will Mrs. Palma and Miss Neville come home?"

"Not before midnight, if then. "

She explained to Regina how to elevate and extinguish the gas, andthe two went down to the sitting-room, whence Hattie soondisappeared. Raising the silk curtain that divided this apartmentfrom the parlours, Regina walked slowly up and down upon the velvetcarpet in which her feet seemed to sink, as on a bed of moss; and hereyes wandered admiringly over the gilded stands, gleaming bronzes, marble statuettes, papier maché, ormolu, silk, lace, brocatel, moquette, satin and silver which attracted her gaze. 

Beautiful pictures adorned the tinted walls, and the ceiling wasbrilliantly frescoed, while one of the wide bay-windows contained astand filled with a superb array of wax flowers. Regina opened theelegant grand piano, but forbore to touch the keys, and at last whenshe had feasted her eyes sufficiently upon some lovely landscapes byGifford and Bierstadt, she quitted the richly decorated parlours, andslowly went up the stairs that led to the room which Hattie hadpointed out as Mr. Palma's library. 

Leaving the door partly open, she entered a long lofty apartment, thefloor of which was of marquetry, polished almost as glass, withfurred robes laid here and there before tables, and deep luxuriouseasy chairs. 

Four spacious lines of book shelves with glass doors bearing silverhandles, girded the sides of the room, and the walls were painted inimitation of the Pompeian style; while the corners of the ceilingheld lovely frescoes of the season, and in the centre was a zodiac. Bronze and marble busts shone here and there, and where the panels ofthe wall were divided by representations of columns, metal bracketsand wooden consoles sustained delicate figures and groups ofsculpture. 

Filled with wonder and delight the girl glided across the shiningmosaic floor, gazing now at the glowing garlands, and winged figureson the wall, and now at the elegantly bound books Whose gilded titlesgleamed through the plate glass. 

She had read of such rooms in "St. Martin's Summer, " a volume Mrs. Lindsay never tired of quoting; but this exquisite realitytranscended all her previous flights of imagination, and, approachingthe bright coal fire, she basked in the genial glow, in theatmosphere of taste, culture, and rare luxury. A quaint clock inlaidwith designs in malachite, ticked drowsily upon the low black marblemantle, which represented winged lions bearing up the slab, and nearthe hearth was an ebony and gold escritoire which stood open, revealing a bronze inkstand and velvet penwiper. Before it sat therevolving chair, with a bright-coloured embroidered cushion for thefeet to rest upon; and in a recess behind the desk, and partlyscreened by the sweep of damask Curtains, hung a man's pearl-greydressing-gown, lined with silk; while under it rested a pair of blackvelvet slippers encrusted with vine leaves and bunches of grapes ingold bullion. 

Wishing to see the effect, Regina took a taper from the Murrhine cupon the mantle, and standing on a chair lighted the cluster of burnersshaped like Pompeian lamps, in the chandelier nearest the grate; thenwent back to the rug before the fire, and enjoyed the spectaclepresented. 

What treasures of knowledge were contained in this beautiful, quiet, brilliant room!

Would she be permitted to explore the contents of those book shelves, where hundreds of volumes invited her eager investigation? Could sheever be as happy here as in the humble yet hallowed library at thedear old parsonage?

An oval table immediately under the gas-globes held a china standfilled with cigars, and seeing several books lying near it, she tookup one. 

It was Gustave Doré's "Wandering Jew, " and, throwing herself down onthe rug, she propped her head with one hand, while the other slowlyturned the leaves, and she examined the wonderful illustrations. Shewas vaguely conscious that the clock struck ten, but paid littleattention to the flight of time, and after awhile she closed thebook, drew the cushion before the desk to the rug in front of thefire, laid her head on it, and soothed by the warmth and perfectrepose of the room fell asleep. 

Soon after the door opened wider, and Mr. Palma entered, and walkedhalf way down the room ere he perceived the recumbent figure. Hepaused, then advanced on tiptoe and stood by the hearth, warming hiswhite scholarly hands and looking down on the sleeper. 

With the careless grace of a child, innocent of the art ofattitudinizing, she had made herself thoroughly comfortable; and asthe light streamed full upon her, all the marvellous beauty of thedelicate face and the perfect modelling of the small hands and feetwere clearly revealed. The glossy raven hair clung in waving massesaround her white full forehead, and the long silky lashes lay likejet fringe on her exquisitely moulded cheeks; while the remarkablyfine pencilling of her arched brows, which had attracted herguardian's notice when he first saw her at the convent, was stillmore apparent in the gradual development of her features. 

Studying the face and form, and rigidly testing both by thefastidious canons that often rendered him hypercritical, Mr. Palmacould find no flaw in contour or in colouring, save that thecomplexion was too dazzlingly white, lacking the rosy tinge whichyouth and health are wont to impart. 

Stretching his arm to the escritoire, he softly opened a side drawer, took out an oval-shaped engraving of his favourite Sappho, andcompared the nose, chin, and ear with those of the unconscious girl. Satisfied with the result, he restored the picture to itshiding-place. Four years had materially changed the countenance hehad seen last at the parsonage, but the almost angelic purity ofexpression which characterized her as a child, had been intensifiedby time and recent grief, and watching her in her motionless reposehe thought that unquestionably she was the fairest image he had everseen in flesh; though a certain patient sadness about her beautifullips told him that the waves of sorrow were already beating hoarselyupon the borders of her young life. 

Standing upon his own hearth, a man of magnificent stature and almosthaughty bearing, Erle Palma looked quite forty, though in realityyounger; and the stern repression, the cautious reticence which hadlong been habitual, seemed to have hardened his regular handsomefeatures. Weary with the business cares, the professional details ofa trip that had yielded him additional laurels and distinction, andgratified his towering pride, he had come home to rest; and found itsingularly refreshing to study the exquisite picture of innocencelying on his library rug. 

He wondered how the parents of such a child could entrust her to theguardianship of strangers; and whether it would be possible for herto carry her peculiar look of holy purity safely into the cloudyBeyond--of womanhood?

While he pondered the clock struck, and Regina awoke. 

At sight of that tall stately figure, looming like a black statuebetween her and the glow of the grate, she sprang first into asitting posture, then to her feet. 

He made no effort to assist her, only watched every movement, andwhen she stood beside him, he held out his hand. 

"Regina, I am glad to see you in my house; and am sorry I could nothave been at home to receive you. "

Painfully embarrassed by the thought of the position in which he hadfound her, she covered her face with her hand; and at the sound ofhis grave deep voice the blood swiftly mounted from her throat to thetip of her small shell-shaped ears. 

He waited for her to speak, but she could not sufficiently conquerher agitation, and with a firm hand he drew down the shieldingfingers, holding, them in his. 

"There is nothing very dreadful in your being caught fast asleep, like a white kitten on a velvet rug. If you are never guilty ofanything worse, you and your guardian will not quarrel. "

Her face had drooped beyond the range of his vision, and when he putone hand under her chin and raised it, he saw that the missing lightin the alabaster vase had been supplied, and her smooth cheeks wereflushed to brilliant carmine. 

How marvellously lovely she was in that rush of colour that dyed herdainty lips, and made the large soft eyes seem radiant as stars, whenthey bravely struggled up to meet his, so piercing, so coollycritical. 

"Will you answer me one question, if I ask it?"

"Certainly, Mr. Palma; at least I will try. 

"Are you afraid of me?"

The sweet mouth quivered, but the clear lustrous eyes did not sink. 

"Yes, sir; I have always been afraid of you. "

"Do you regard me as a monster of cruelty?"

"No, sir. "

"Will your conscience allow you to say, 'My guardian, I am glad tosee you'?"

She was silent. 

"That is right, little girl. Be perfectly truthful, and some day wemay be friends. Sit down. "

He handed her a chair, and, rolling forward one of the deep cushionedseats, made himself comfortable in its soft luxurious latitude. Throwing his massive head back against the purple velvet lining, headjusted his steel-rimmed spectacles, joined his hands, and built apyramid with his fingers; while he scrutinized her as coldly, assearchingly as Swammerdam or Leeuwenhoek might have inspected somenew and as yet unclassified animalculum, or as Filippi or Pasteurstudied the causes of "_Pébrine_. "

"What do you think of New York?"

"It seems a vast human sea, in which I could easily lose myself, andbe neither missed nor found. "

"Have you studied mythology at all? Or was your pastor-guardianafraid of paganizing you? Did you ever hear of Argus?"

"Yes, sir, I understand you. "

"He was merely a dim prophecy of our police system; and whenadventurous girls grow rebellious and essay to lose themselves ahundred Arguses are watching them. You seem to like my library?"

"It is the most beautiful room I have ever seen. "

"Wait until you examine the triumph of upholstering skill and geniuswhich Mrs. Palma calls her parlours. "

"I saw all the pretty things downstairs, but nothing will comparewith this lovely place. " She glanced around with undisguisedadmiration. 

"Pretty things! _Objets de luxe!_ Oh, ye gods of fashionable_bric-ŕ-brac!_ verily 'out of the mouths of babes, ' etc. , etc. Bevery careful to suppress your heretical and treasonable preference inthe presence of Mrs. Palma, who avoids this pet library of mine as ifit were a magnified Pandora's box. Regina, I have reason to apprehendthat you and she declared war at sight. "

"I know she does not like me. "

"And you fully reciprocate the prejudice?"

"Mrs. Palma of course has a right to consult her own wishes in themanagement of her home and household. "

"Just here permit me to correct you. My house, if you please, myhousehold, over which at my request she presides. Upon your arrivalyou did not find her quite as cordial as you anticipated?"

Her gaze wandered to the fire, and she was silent. 

"Be so good as to look at me when I speak to you. Mrs. Palma appearedquite harsh to you to-day?"

"I have made no complaint against your mother. "

"Pardon me, Mrs. Palma, my father's wife, if you please. Tell me theparticulars of your reception here. "

The beautiful face turned pleadingly to him. 

"You must excuse me, sir. I have nothing to tell you. "

"And if I will not excuse you?"

She folded her hands together, and compressed her lips. 

"Then I have some things to tell you. I am acquainted with all thatoccurred to-day. "

"I thought you were in Philadelphia? How could you know?'

"Roscoe told me everything, and I have questioned Farley, who has nottaken your vow of silence. Mrs. Palma has some prejudices, which, asfar as is compatible with reason, a due sense of courtesy constrainsme to respect; and as I have invited her to officiate as mistress ofmy establishment, it is eminently proper that I should consult heropinions, and encourage no rebellion against her domesticregulations. One of her sternest mandates, inexorable as Mede andPersian statutes, prohibits dogs. Now what do you expect of me?"

He leaned forward, eyeing her keenly. 

"That you will do exactly----"

"As I please?" he interrupted. 

"No, sir, exactly right. "

"That amounts to the same thing, does it not?"

She shook her head. 

"Your impression is, that I will not please to do exactly right?"

"I have not said so, sir. "

"Your eyes are very brave honest witnesses, and need no support fromyour lips. Suppose we enter into negotiations and compromise mattersbetween Mrs. Palma and you? This troublesome dog is a pestiferouscreature, which might possibly be tolerated in country clover fields, but is most woefully out of place in a Fifth Avenue house. Beside, you will soon be a young lady, and your beaux will leave you noleisure to pet him. You are fifteen?"

"Not yet; and if I were fifty it would make no difference. I don'twant any beaux, sir; but--I must have my Hero. "

"Of course, all misses in their teens believe that their favourite isa hero. "

"Mr. Palma, Hero is my dog's name. "

He could detect a quiver in her slender nostril, and understood theheightening arch of her lip. 

"Oh! is it indeed? Well, no dog that ever barked is worth a householdhurricane. You must make up your mind to surrender him, to shed a fewtears and say _vale_ Hero! Now I am disposed to be generous for once, though understand that is not my habit, and I will buy him. I willpay you--let me see--thirty-five, forty--well, say fifty dollars?That will supply you with Maillard's _bonbons_ for almost a year;will sweeten your bereavement. "

She rose instantly, with a peculiar sparkle leaping up in hersplendid eyes. 

"There is not gold enough in New York to buy him. "

"What! I must see this surly brute, that in your estimation is beyondall price. Tell me truly, do you cling to him so fondly, because someschoolboy sweetheart, some rosy-cheeked lad in V---- gave him to youas a love token? Trust me; we lawyers are locked iron safes for allsuch tender secrets, and I will never betray yours. "

The rich glow overflowed her cheeks once more. 

"I have no sweetheart. I love my Hero, because he is truly noble andsagacious; because he loves me, and because he is mine--all mine. "

"Truly satisfactory and sufficient reasons. I might ask how he cameinto your possession; but probably you shrink from divulging yourlittle secret, and I am unwilling to force your confidence. "

She looked curiously into his face, but the handsome mouth and chinmight have been chiselled in stone for any visible alteration intheir fixed stern expression, and his piercing black eyes seemeddiving into hers through microscopic glasses. 

"At least, Regina, I venture the hope that he came properly andhonestly into your heart and hands?"

"I hope so too, because you gave him to me. "

"I?"

"Yes, sir. You know perfectly well that you sent him to me. "

"I sent you a dog? When? Is he black, brown, striped, or spotted?"

"Snow-white, and you know as well as I do that you asked Mr. Lindsayto bring him to me soon after you left me at V----. "

"Indeed! Was I guilty of so foolish a thing? Did you thank me for thepresent?"

"I asked dear Mr. Hargrove to tell you when he wrote that I wasexceedingly grateful for your kindness. "

"Certainly it appears so. All these years the dog was not worth evena simple note of thanks; now all the banks in Gotham cannot buy him. "

The chill irony of his tone painfully embarrassed her. 

"You positively refuse to sell him to me?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Because you love him?"

"Because I love him more than I can ever make you comprehend. "

"You regard me as a dullard in comprehending canine qualities?"

"I did not say so. "

"Do you really find yourself possessed of any sentiment of gratitudetoward me? If so, will you do me a favour?"

"Certainly, if I can. "

"Thank you. I shall always feel exceedingly obliged. Pray do not lookso uneasy, and grow so white; it is a small matter. I gave you thedog years ago, little dreaming that I was thereby providing futurediscord for my own hearthstone. With a degree of flattering delicacy, which I assure you I appreciate, you decline to sell what was afriendly gift; and now I simply appeal to your generosity, and askyou please to give him back to me. "

She recoiled a step, and her fingers clutched each other. 

"Oh, Mr. Palma! Don't ask me. I cannot give up my Hero. I would giveyou anything, everything else that I own. "

"Rash little girl! What else have you to give? Yourself?"

He was smiling now, and the unbending of his lips, and glitter of hisremarkably fine teeth, gave a strange charm to his countenance, generally so grave. 

"You would give yourself away, sooner than that unlucky dog?"

"I belong to my mother. But he belongs to me, and I never, never willpart with him!"

"_Jacta est alea!_" muttered the lawyer, still smiling. 

"Mr. Palma, I hope you will excuse me. It may seem very selfish andobstinate in me, and perhaps it really is so, but I can't help it. Iam so lonely now, and Hero is all that I have left to comfort me. Still I know as well as you or any one else, that it would be verywrong and unkind to force him into a house where dogs areparticularly disliked; and therefore we will annoy no one here, --wewill go away. "

"Will you? Where?"

He rose, and they stood side by side. 

Her face wore its old childish look of patient pain, reminding him ofthe time when she stood with the cluster of lilies drooping againsther heart. He saw that tears had gathered in her eyes, tendering themlarger, more wistful. 

"I do not know yet. Anywhere that you think best, until we can writeand get mother's permission for me to go to her. Will you not pleaseuse your influence with her?"

"To send you from the shelter of my roof? That would be eminentlycourteous and hospitable on my part. Besides your mother does notwant you. "

Observing how sharply the words wounded her, he added:

"I mean, that at present she prefers to keep you here, because it isbest for your own interests; and in all that she does, I believe yourfuture welfare is her chief aim. You understand me, do you not?"

"I do not understand why or how it can be best for a poor girl to beseparated from her mother, and thrown about the world, burdeningstrangers. Still, whatever my mother does must be right. "

"Do you think you burden me?"

"I believe, sir, that you are willing for mother's sake to do all youcan for me, and I thank you very much; but I must not bring troubleor annoyance into your family. Can't you place me at school? Mrs. Lindsay has a dear friend--the widow of a minister--living in NewYork, and perhaps she would take me to board in her house? I have aletter to her. Do help me to go away from here. "

He turned quickly, muttering something that sounded very like ahalf-smothered oath, and took her little trembling hand, folding itgently between his soft warm palms. 

"Little girl, be patient; and in time all things will be conquered. As long as I have a home, I intend to keep you, or until your mothersends for you. She trusts me fully, and you must try to do so, eventhough sometimes I may appear harsh, --possibly unjust. Of course Herocannot remain here at present, but I will take him down to my office, and have him carefully attended to; and as often as you like youshall come and see him, and take him to ramble with you through theparks. As soon as I can arrange matters, you shall have him with youagain. "

"Please, Mr. Palma! send me to a boarding school; or take me back tothe convent. "

"Never!"

He spoke sternly, and his face suddenly hardened, while his fingerstightened over hers like a glove of steel. 

"I shall never be contented here. "

"That remains to be seen. "

"Mrs. Palma does not wish me to reside here. "

"It is my house, and in future you will find no cause to doubt yourwelcome. "

She knew that she might as efficaciously appeal to an iron column, and her features settled into an expression that could never havebeen called resignation, --that plainly meant hopeless endurance. Sheattempted twice to withdraw her hand, but his clasp tightened. Bending his haughty head, he asked:

"Will you be reasonable?"

A heavy sigh broke over her compressed mouth, and she answered in alow, but almost defiant tone:

"It seems I cannot help myself. "

"Then yield gracefully to the inevitable, and you will learn thatwhen struggles end, peace quickly follows. "

She chose neither to argue, nor acquiesce, and slowly shook her head. 

"Regina. "

She merely lifted her eyes. 

"I want you to be happy in my house. "

"Thank you, sir. "

"Don't speak in that sarcastic manner. It does not sound respectableto one's guardian. "

She was growing paler, and all her old aversion to him was legible inher countenance. 

"Let us be friends. Try to be a patient, cheerful girl. "

"Patient, --I will try. Cheerful, --no, no, not here! How can I behappy in this house? Am I a brute, or a stone? Oh! I wish I couldhave died with my dear, dear Mr. Hargrove, that calm night when hewent to rest for ever while I sang!"

One by one the tears stole over her long lashes, and rolled swiftlydown her cheeks. 

"Will you tell me the circumstances of his death?"

"Please do not ask me now. It would bring back all the sad thingsthat began when Mr. Lindsay left me. Everything was so bright untilthen, --until he went away. Since then nothing but trouble, trouble. "

A frown clouded the lawyer's brow; then with a half smile he asked:

"Of the two ministers, who did you love best? Mr. Hargrove, or theyoung missionary?"

"I do not know, both were so noble, good, and kind; and both are sovery dear to me. Mr. Palma, please let go my hand; you hurt me. "

"Pardon me! I forgot I held it. "

He opened his hands, and, looking down at the almost childishfingers, saw that his seal ring had pressed heavily upon, andreddened the soft palm. 

"I did not intend to bruise you so painfully, but in some respectsyou are such a tender little thing, and I am only a harsh, selfishstrong man, and hurt you without knowing it. One word more, before Isend you off to sleep. Olga has the most kindly ways, and really themost affectionate heart under this roof of mine, and she will do allshe can for your comfort and happiness. Be respectful to Mrs. Palma, and she shall meet you half way. This is as you say the mostattractive room in the house, this is exclusively and especiallymine; but at all times, whether I am absent, or present, you mustconsider yourself thoroughly welcome, and recollect, all it containsin the book line is at your service. To-morrow I will talk with youabout your studies, and examine you in some of your text-books. _Apropos!_ I take my breakfast alone, before the other members of thefamily are up, and unless you choose to rise early and join me at theseven o'clock table, you need not be surprised if you do not see meuntil dinner, which is usually at half-past six. If you requireanything that has not been supplied in your room, do not hesitate toring and order it. Try to feel at home. "

"Thank you, sir. "

She moved a few steps, and he added:

"Do not imagine that Hero is suffering all the torments painted inDante's 'Inferno'; but go to sleep like a good child, and accept myassurance that he is resting quite comfortably. When I came home, Itook a light, went out and examined his kennel; found him liberallyprovided with food, water, bed, every accommodation that even yourdog, which all New York can't buy, could possibly wish. Good-night, little one. Don't dream that I am Blue Beard or Polyphemus. "

"Good-night, Mr. Palma. "

CHAPTER XV. 

"Mrs. Orme, I am afraid you will overtax your strength. You seem toforget the doctor's caution. "

"No, I am not in the least fatigued, and this soft fresh air andsunshine will benefit me more than all the medicine in your uglyvials. Mrs. Waul, recollect that I have been shut up for two monthsin a close room, and this change is really delicious. "

"You have no idea how pale you look. "

"Do I? No wonder, bleached as I have been in a dark house. I daresayyou are tired, and I insist that you sit yonder under the trees, andrest yourself while I stroll a little farther. No, keep the shawl, throw it around your own shoulders, which seem afflicted with achronic chill. Here is a New York paper; feast on American news tillI come back. "

Upon a seat in the garden of the Tuileries Mrs. Orme placed hergrey-haired Duenna attendant, and gathering her black-lace draperyabout her turned away into one of the broad walks that divided theflower-bordered lawns. 

Thin, almost emaciated, she appeared far taller than when last sheswept across the stage, and having thrown back her veil, a startlingand painful alteration was visible in the face that had so completelycaptivated fastidious Paris. 

Pallid as Mors, the cheeks had lost their symmetrical oval, werehollow, and under the sunken eyes clung dusky circles that made themappear unnaturally large, and almost Dantesque in their mournfulgleaming. Even the lips seemed shrunken, changed in their classiccontour; and the ungloved hand that clasped the folds of lace acrossher bosom was wasted, wan, diaphanous. 

That brilliant Parisian career, which had opened so auspiciously, closed summarily during the second week of her engagement in darknessthat threatened to prove the unlifting shadow of death. The severetax upon her emotional nature, the continued intense strain on hernerves, as night after night she played to crowded houses--shunningas if it contained a basilisk, the sight of that memorable box--whereshe felt, rather than saw, that a pair of violet eyes steadilywatched her, all this had conquered even her powerful will, her sternresolute purpose, and one fatal evening the long-tried woman wasirretrievably vanquished. 

The _rôle_ was "Queen Katherine, " and the first premonitory faintnessrendered her voice uneven, as, kneeling before King Henry, theunhappy wife uttered her appeal:

 . . . "Alas, sir, In what have I offended you? What cause Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure, That thus you should proceed to put me off, And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness, I have been to you a true and humble wife. ". . . 

As the play proceeded, she was warned by increasing giddiness, and atremulousness that defied her efforts to control it; and she rushedon toward the close, fighting desperately with physical prostration. 

Upon the last speech of the dying and disowned wife she had safelyentered, and a few more minutes would end her own fierce strugglewith numbing faintness, and bring her succour in rest. But swiftlythe blazing footlights began to dance like witches of Walpurgis nighton Brocken heights; now they flickered, suddenly grew blue, thenblack, an icy darkness as from some ghoul-haunted crypt seized her, and while she threw out her hands with a strange groping motion, likea bird beating the air with dying wings, her own voice sounded faroff, a mere fading echo:

"Farewell--farewell. Nay, Patience----"

She could only hear a low hum, as of myriads of buzzing bees; sherealized that she must speak louder, and thus blind, shivering, reeling, she made her last brave rally:

 . . . "Strew me o'er With maiden flowers, that all the world may know I was a chaste wife to my grave; embalm Then lay me forth;--although unqueened, --yet-- Yet--like--like----"

The trembling shadowy voice ceased; the lips moved to utter the fewremaining words, but no sound came. The wide eyes stared blankly atthe vast audience, where people held their breath, watching theghastly livid pallor that actually settled upon the face of the dyingQueen, and in another instant the proud lovely head drooped like abroken lily, and she fell forward senseless. 

As the curtain was rung hastily down, Mr. Laurance leaned from hisbox, and hurled upon the stage a large crown of white roses, whichstruck the shoulder of the prostrate figure, and shattering, scattered their snowy petals over the marble face and golden hair. 

The enthusiastic acclaim of hundreds of voices announced the triumphof the magnificent acting; but after repeated calls and prolongedapplause, during which she lay unconscious, the audience was brieflyinformed that Madame Orme was too seriously indisposed to appearagain, and receive the tribute she had earned at such fearful cost. 

Recovering slowly from that long swoon, she was carefully wrapped up, and led away, supported by the arms of Mr. Waul and his wife. As theylifted her into the carriage at the rear entrance of the theatre, shesank heavily back upon the cushions, failing to observe a manly formleaning against the neighbouring lamp-post, or to recognize thehandsome face where the gas shone full lighting up the anxious blueeyes that followed her. 

For several days she was too languid to move from her couch, whereshe persisted in reclining, supported by pillows; still strugglingagainst the prostration that hourly increased, and at last thedisease asserted itself fever, ensued, bringing unconsciousness anddelirium. 

Not the scorching violent type that rapidly consumes the vitalforces, but a low tenacious fever that baffled all opposition, andsteadily gained ground, creeping upon the nerve centre, and sappingthe foundations of life. 

For many weeks there seemed no hope of rescue, and two physicians, distinguished by skill and success in their profession, finallyadmitted that they were powerless to cope with this typhoid serpent, whose tightening folds were gradually strangling her. 

At length most unexpectedly, when science laid down its weapons towatch the close of the struggle, and nature the Divine Doctor quietlytook up the gage of battle, the tide of conflict turned. Slowly thenumbed brain began to exert its force, the fluttering thready pulsegrew calmer, and one day the dreamer awoke to the bitterconsciousness of a renewal of all the galling burden of woes whichthe tireless law of compensation had for those long weeks mercifullyloosed and lifted. 

Although guarded with tender care by the faithful pair, who hadfollowed her across the Atlantic, she convalesced almostimperceptibly, and out of her busy life two months fruitful alone inbodily pain glided away to the silent grey of the past. 

Dimly conscious that days and weeks were creeping by unimproved, sheretained in subsequent years only a dreamy reminiscence of the perioddating from the moment when she essayed to utter the last words ofQueen Katherine, words which ran zigzag, hither and thither like anelectric thread through the leaden cloud of her delirium, to thehour, when with returning strength, keen goading thrusts from theunsheathed dagger of memory, told her that the Sleeping Furies hadonce more been aroused on the threshold of the temple of her life. 

Noticing some rare hothouse flowers in a vase upon the table near herbed, Mrs. Waul hastened to explain to the invalid that every otherday during her illness, bouquets had been brought to their hotel bythe servant of some American gentleman, who was anxious to receiveconstant tidings of Mrs. Orme's condition, adding that the physicianshad forbidden her to keep the flowers in the sick-room, until alldanger seemed passed. No card had been attached, no name given, andby the sufferer none was needed. Gazing at the superb heart's-ease, whose white velvet petals were enamelled with scarlet, purple, andgold, the mockery stung her keenly, and with a groan she turned away, hiding her face on the pillow. Hearts-ease from the man who hadbruised, trampled, broken her heart? She instructed Mrs. Waul todecline receiving the bouquet when next the messenger came, and torequest him to assure his master that Madame Orme was fully consciousonce more and wished the floral tribute discontinued. During thetedious days of convalescence she contracted a cold that attacked herlungs, and foreboded congestion; and though yielding to medicaltreatment, it left her as _souvenir_, a. Troublesome cough. 

Her physician informed her that her whole nervous system had receiveda shock so severe that only perfect and prolonged rest of mind andfreedom from all excitement could restore its healthful tone. Interdicting sternly the thought of dramatic labour for at least ayear, they urged her to seek a quiet retreat in Italy, or SouthernFrance, as her lungs had already become somewhat involved. 

More than once she had been taken in a carnage through the Bois deBoulogne, but to-day for the first time since her recovery sheventured on foot, in quest of renewed vigour from outdoor air andexercise. 

Wrapped in a mental cloud of painful speculation concerning herfuture career, a cloud unblessed as yet by silver lining, andunfringed with gold, she wandered aimlessly along the walk, taking nonotice of passers-by until she approached the water, where swans wereperforming their daily regatta evolutions for the amusement of thosewho generally came provided with crumbs or grain wherewith to feedthem. 

The sound of a sob attracted Mrs. Orme's attention, and she paused towitness a scene that quickly aroused her sympathy. 

A child's carriage had been pushed close to the margin of the basin, to enable the occupant to feast the swans with morsels of cake, andin leaning over to scatter the food a little hat composed of lace, silk, and flowers, had fallen into the water. Near the carriage stooda boy apparently about ten years old, who with a small walking-stickwas maliciously pushing the dainty millinery bubble as far beyondreach as possible. 

In the carriage, and partly covered by a costly and brilliant afghan, reclined a forlorn and truly pitiable creature, who seemed to havesunk down helplessly on the cushions. Although her age was sevenyears, the girl's face really appeared much older, and in itsshrunken, sallow, pinched aspect indicated lifelong suffering. 

The short thin dark hair was dry and harsh, lacking the silken glossthat belongs to childhood, and the complexion a sickly yellowishpallor. Her brilliant eyes were black, large and prominent, andacross her upper lip ran a diagonal scar, occasionally seen in thoseso afflicted as to require the merciful knife of a skilful surgeon toaid in shaping the mouth. 

The unfortunate victim of physical deformity, increased by a fallwhich prevented the possibility of her ever being able to walk, nature had with unusual malignity stamped her with a feebleness ofintellect that at times bordered almost on imbecility. 

Temporarily deserted by her nurse, the poor little creature wascrying bitterly over the fate of her hat. Walking up behind the boy, who was too much engrossed by his mischievous sport to observe herapproach, Mrs. Orme seized his arms. 

"You wicked boy! How can you be so cruel as to torment that afflictedchild?"

Taking his pretty mother-of-pearl-headed cane, she tried to touch thehat, but it was just beyond her reach, and, resolved to rescue it, she fastened the cane to the handle of her parasol, using herhandkerchief to bind them together. Thus elongated it sufficed todraw the hat to the margin, and, raising it, she shook out the water, and hung the dripping bit of finery upon one of the handles of thecarriage. 

"Give me my walking-stick, " said the boy, whose pronunciationproclaimed him thoroughly English. 

"No, sir. I intend to punish you for your cruelty. You tyrannizedover that helpless little girl, because you were the strongest. Ithink I have more strength than you, and you shall feel how pleasantsuch conduct is. "

Untying the cane, she raised it in the air, and threw it with all theforce she could command into the middle of the water. 

"Now if you want it, wade in with your best boots and Sunday clothesand get it; and go home and tell your parents, if you have any, thatyou are a bad, rude, ugly-behaved boy. When you need your toy, thinkof that hat. "

The cane had sunk instantly, and with a sullen scowl of rage at her, and a grimace at the occupant of the carriage, the boy walked sulkilyaway. 

With her handkerchief, Mrs. Orme wiped off the water that adhered tothe hat, squeezed and shook out the ribbons and laid it upon theafghan, in reach of the fingers that more nearly resembled claws thanthe digits of a human hand. 

"Don't cry, dear. It will soon dry now. "

The solemn black eyes, still glistening with tears, stared up at her, and impelled by that peculiar pitying tenderness that hovers in thehearts of all mothers, Mrs. Orme bent down and gently smoothed theelfish locks around the sallow forehead. 

"Has your nurse run away and left you? Don't be afraid; nothing shalltrouble you. I will stay with you till she comes back. "

"Hellene is gone to buy candy, " said the dwarf, timidly, "My dear, what is your name?"

"Maud Ames Laurance. "

The stranger had compassionately taken one of the thin hands in herown, but throwing it from her as if it had been a serpent, sherecoiled, involuntarily pushing the carriage from its resting-place. It rolled a few steps and stopped, while she stood shuddering. 

Her first impulse was to hurry away; the second was more feminine inits promptings, and conquered. Once more she approached theunfortunate child, and scrutinized her, with eyes that graduallykindled into a blaze. 

She bore in no respect the faintest resemblance to her father, butMrs. Orme fancied she traced the image of the large-featuredbold-eyed mother; and as she contrasted this feeble deformed creaturewith the remembered face and figure of her own beautiful darlinggirl, a bitter but intensely triumphant laugh broke suddenly on theair. 

"Maud Ames Laurance! A proud name truly--and royally you grace it!Ah, Nemesis! Christianity would hunt you down as a pagan myth, butall honour, glory to you, incorruptible pitiless Avenger! Accept myhomage, repay my wrongs, and then demand in sacrificial tribute whatyou will, though it were my heart's best blood! Aha! will she lendlustre to the family name? Shall the splendour of her high-bornaristocratic beauty gild the crime that gave her being? Yes verily, it seems that after all, even for me the Mills of the Gods do notforget to grind. '_The time of their visitation will come, and thatinevitably; for, it is always true, that if the fathers have eatensour grapes, the children's teeth are set on edge_' Command mylifelong allegiance, oh Queenly Nemesis!"

Sometimes grovelling in the dust of gross selfishness which clingsmore or less to all of us, we bow worshipping before the gods, intowhich we elevate the meanest qualities of our own nature, apotheosizing sinful lusts of hate and vengeance; and while we vowreckless tribute and measureless libations, lo, we are unexpectedlycalled upon for speedy payment!

Looking down with exultant delight on the ugly deformity who staredback wonderingly at her, Mrs. Orme's wan thin face grew radiant, thebrown eyes dilated, glowed, and the blood leaped to her hollowcheeks, burning in two scarlet spots; but the invocation seemedliterally answered, when she was suddenly conscious of a strangebubbling sensation, and over her parted, laughing lips crept thecrimson that fed her heart. 

At this moment the child's nurse, a pretty bright-eyed youngcoquette, hurried toward the group, accompanied by a companion of thesame class; and as she approached and seized the handles of thecarriage, Mrs. Orme turned away. The hemorrhage was not copious, butsteady, and lowering her thick veil, she endeavoured to stanch itsflow. Her handkerchief, already damp from contact with the wet hat, soon became saturated, and she was obliged to substitute the end ofher lace mantle. 

Fortunately Mrs. Waul, impatiently watching for her return, caught aglimpse of the yet distant figure and hastened to meet her. 

"Are you crying? What is the matter?"

"My lungs are bleeding; lend me a handkerchief. Try and find acarriage. "

"What caused it? Something must have happened?"

"Don't worry me now. Only help me to get home. "

Screened both by veils and parasols, the two had almost gained thestreet, when they met a trio of gentlemen. 

One asked in unmistakable New-England English:

"Laurance, where is your father?"

And a voice which had once epitomized for Minnie Merle the "music ofthe spheres, " answered in mellow tones:

"He has been in London, but goes very soon to Italy. "

Mrs. Waul felt a trembling hand laid on her arm, and turned anxiouslyto her companion. 

"Give me time. My strength fails me. I can't walk so fast. "

The excitement of an hour had overthrown the slow work of weeks; andafter many days the physicians peremptorily ordered her away fromParis. 

"Home! Let us go home. You have not been yourself since we reachedthis city. In New York you will get strong. "

As Mrs. Waul spoke she stroked one of the invalid's thin hands, thathung listlessly over the side of the sofa. 

"I think Phoebe is right. America would cure you, " added thegrey-haired man, whose heart was yearning for his native land. 

Alluring, seductive as the Siren song that floated across Sicilianwaves, was the memory of her fair young daughter to this sufferingweary mother; and at the thought of clasping Regina in her arms, offeeling her tender velvet lips once more on her cheek, the lonelyheart of the desolate woman throbbed fiercely. 

Her sands of life seamed ebbing fast, --the end might not be distant;who could tell? Why not go back--give up the chase for the emptyshadow of a name--gather her baby to her bosom, and die, findingunder an humble cenotaph the peace that this world denied her?

An intolerable yearning for the sight of her child, for the sound ofher voice, broke over her like some irresistible wave bearing awaythe vehement protests of policy, the sterner barriers of vindictivepurpose, and with a long shivering moan she clasped her hands andshut her eyes. 

Impatiently the old man and his wife watched her countenance, confident that the decision would not long be delayed, trusting thatthe result would be a compliance with their wishes. But hope began tofade as they noticed the gradual compression of her pale sorrowfulmouth, --the slow gathering of the brows that met in a heavyfrown, --the tightening of the clenched fingers, --the greyish shadowthat settled down on the face where renunciation was very legiblywritten. The temptation had been fierce, but she put it aside, afterbitter struggles to hush the wail of maternal longing; and before shespoke the two friends looked at each other and sighed. 

Lifting her marble eyelids that seemed so heavy with their sweepingbrown lashes, the invalid raised herself on one elbow, and saidmournfully:

"Not yet, --oh! not yet. I cannot give up the fight without one morestruggle, even if it should prove that of death to me. I must notreturn to America until I win what I came for; I will not. But, myfriends, --for such I consider you, such you have proved, --I will notselfishly prolong your exile; will not exact the sacrifice of yourdearest wishes. Go back home at once, and enjoy in peace the old agethat deserves to be so happy. I am going to Italy, hoping to regainmy health, --possibly to die; but still I shall go. How long I may bedetained, I know not, but meanwhile you shall return to those youlove. "

"Idle words--all idle words; not worth the waste of your breath. Phoebe and I are homesick, --we do not deny it, and we are sorry youcan't see things as we do; but since that night when I stumbled overyou in the snow, and carried you to my own hearth, you have been toPhoebe and me--as the child we lost; and unless you are ready to gohome with us, we stay here. You know we never will forsake you, especially now. Hush, --don't speak, Phoebe. Come away, wife; she iscrying like a tired child. I never saw her give way like that before. It will do her good. Every tear softens the spasms that wring herpoor heart when she thinks of her baby. In crossing the ocean shesaid that every rolling wave seemed to her a grave, in which she wasburying her blue-eyed baby. Let her alone to-day; keep out of hersight. To-morrow we will arrange to quit Paris, I hope for ever. "

CHAPTER XVI. 

"Mrs. Palma, if you are at leisure, I should like to see you for amoment. "

"Certainly, Miss Orme; come in. "

Mrs. Palma looked up for an instant only from the blue sash which shewas embroidering with silver. 

"Is your discourse confidential? If so, I shall certainly retire, andleave you and mamma to tender communings, and an interchange ofsouls, " said Olga, who reclined on a lounge in her mother's room, andslowly turned the leaves of a volume of Balzac. 

"Not at all confidential. Mrs. Palma, I have reason to fear that mypractising has long annoyed you. "

"Upon what do you base your supposition? During the year I have notfound fault with you, have I?"

"Hattie told me that you often complained that you could no longerenjoy your morning nap, because the sound of the piano disturbed you;and I wish to change the hour. The reason why I selected that timewas because I always rose early and practised before breakfast untilI came here; and because later in the day company in the parlours orreception-room keep me out. I am anxious to do whatever is mostagreeable to you. "

"It is very true that when I am out frequently until two and threeo'clock, with Olga, it is not particularly refreshing to be arousedat seven by scales and exercises. People who live as continually insociety as we do must have a little rest. 

"I have been trying to arrange, so as to avoid annoying you, but donot well see how to correct the trouble. From nine until one Mr. VanKleik comes to attend to my Latin, German, French, and mathematics, and from four until five Professor Hurtzsel gives me my lessons. Inthe interval persons are frequently calling, and of course interruptme. If you will only tell me what you wish, I will gladly consultyour convenience. 

"Indeed, Miss Orme, I do not know when the tiresome practising willbe convenient, though of course it is a necessary evil and must beborne. The fact is, that magnificent grand piano downstairs oughtnever to be thrummed upon for daily practising. I told Erle soonafter you came that it was a shame to have it so abused, but men haveno understanding of the fitness of things. "

"Pray, mamma, do not forget your Bible injunction: 'Render unto Cćsarthe things that are Cćsar's, ' and to music, the matters that belongto its own divine art. Until Regina came among us that melodioussiren in the front parlour had a chronic lock-jaw from want of use. Some of the white keys stuck fast when they were touched, and theblack ones were so stiff they almost required a hammer to make themsound. Do let her limber them at her own 'sweet will. ' Who wants apiano locked up, like that hideous old china and heavy glass thatyour grandfather's fifth cousin brought over from Amsterdam?"

"At what time of day did you practise when you were a young girl?"asked Regina, appealing to the figure now coiled up on the lounge. 

"At none, thank fortune! Regard me as a genuine _rara avis_, afashionable young lady with no more aptitude for the 'concord ofsweet sounds, ' than for the abstractions of Hegel, or DifferentialCalculus. It is traditional, that while in my nurse's arms, Iperformed miracles of melody such as Auld Lang Syne, with one littlefinger; but such undue precocity, madly stimulated by ambitious mammaand nurse Nell, resulted fatally in the total destruction of mymarvellous talent, which died of cerebro-musical excitement whenconfronted with the gamut. Except as the language in which Straussappeals to my waltzing genius, I have no more use for it than forancient Aztec. Thank Heaven! this is a progressive age, and girls areno longer tormented as formerly by piano fiends, who once persistedin pounding and squeezing music into their poor struggling nauseatedsouls, as relentlessly as girls' feet are still squeezed in China. Mytalent is not for the musical tones of Pythagoras. "

"I should be truly glad to learn in what direction it tends. " saidher mother, rather severely. 

Up rose the head with its tawny crown, and there was evident emphasisin the ringing voice and in the fiery glance that darted from herlaughing hazel eyes. 

"Cruel mamma! Because Euterpe did not preside when I was lucklesslyushered into this dancing gilt bubble that we call the world, wereall good gifts denied me? The fairies ordained that I should paint, should soar like Apelles, Angelo, and Da Vinci into the empyrean ofpure classic art, but no sooner did I dabble in pigment, and plume myslender artistic pin-feathers, than the granite hands of Palma prideseized the ambitious ephemeron, cut off the sprouting wings, and bademe paint only my lips and cheeks, if dabble in paint I must. I amconfident the soul of Zeuxis sleeps in mine, but before the _ukase_of the Palmas a stouter than Zeuxis would quail, lie low, --be silent. Hence I am a young miss who has no talent, except for appreciatingBalzac, caramels, Diavolini, _vanille soufflé_, lobster-croquettes, and Strauss' waltzes; though envious people do say that I have adecided genius for 'malapropos historic quotations, ' which you knoware regarded as unpardonable offences by those who cannot comprehendthem. Come here, St. John, and let me rub your fur the wrong way. Theworld will do it roughly if you survive tender kittenhood, and it ismerciful to initiate you early, and by degrees. "

She took up a young black cat that was curled comfortably on theskirt of her dress, and stroking him softly, resumed her book. 

Mrs. Palma compressed her lips, knitted her heavy brows, and turnedthe silk sash to the light to observe the effect of the silversnowdrops she was embroidering. 

During her residence under the same roof, Regina had becomeaccustomed to these verbal tournaments between mother and daughter, and having been kept in ignorance of the ground of Olga's grievance, she could not understand allusions that were frequently made in herpresence, and which never failed to irritate Mrs. Palma. 

Desirous of diverting the conversation from a topic that threatenedrenewed tilts, she said timidly:

"You do not in the least assist me, with reference to my music. Wouldyou object to having a hired piano in the house? I could have itplaced in my room, and then my practising in the middle of the day, or in the evening would never be interfered with, and you could haveyour morning nap. "

"Indeed, Miss Orme, a very good suggestion; a capital idea. I willspeak to Erle about it to-night. "

Regina absolutely coloured at the shadowy compliment. 

"Will it be necessary to trouble Mr. Palma with the matter? He isalways so busy, and besides you know much better than a gentlemanwhat----"

"I know nothing better than Erle Palma, where it concerns his_ménage_, or the expenses incident to its control. "

"But out of my allowance I will pay the rent, and he need knownothing of the matter. "

"Of course that quite alters the case; and if you propose to pay therent, there is no reason why he should be consulted. "

"Then will you please select a piano, and order it to be sent upto-day or to-morrow? An upright could be most conveniently carriedupstairs. "

"Certainly, if you wish it. We shall be on Broadway this afternoon, and I will attend to the matter. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Palma. "

"Regina Orme! what an embryo diplomatist, what an incipientTalleyrand, Kaunitz, Bismarck you are! Mamma is as invulnerable toall human weaknesses as one of the suits of armour hanging in theTower of London; and during my extended and rather intimateacquaintance with her, I have never discovered but one foibleincident to the flesh, love of her morning nap! You have adroitlystruck Achilles in the heel. Sound the timbrel and sing like Miriamover your victory; for it were better to propitiate one of the houseof Palma, than to strangle Pharaoh. You should apply for a positionin some foreign legation, where your talents can be fitly trained forthe tangles of diplomacy. Now if you were only a man, how admirablyyou would suit the Hon. Erle Palma as Deputy----"

"He prefers to appoint his deputies without suggestion from others, and regrets he can find no vacant niche for you, " answered Mr. Palma, from the threshold of the door where he had been standing for severalmoments, unperceived by all but the hazel eyes of the graceful figureon the lounge. 

"Ah! you steal upon one as noiselessly, yet as destructive as therats that crept upon the bowstrings at Pelusium! And the music ofyour eavesdropping voice;--

 'Oh it came o'er my ear like the sweet south That breathes upon a bank of violets. '"

She rose, made him a profound salaam, and with the black kitten inher arms, quitted the room. 

"Will you come, in, Erle? Do you wish to see me?"

Mrs. Palma always looked ill at ease when Olga and her stepbrotherexchanged words, and Regina had long observed that the entrance ofthe latter was generally the signal of departure for the former. 

"I came in search of Regina, but chancing to hear the piano questiondiscussed, permit me to say that I prefer to take the matter in myown hands. I will provide whatever may be deemed requisite, so thatthis young lady's Rothschild's allowance may continue to flowuninterruptedly into the coffers of confectioners and flower-dealers. Mrs. Palma, if you can spare the carriage, I should like the use ofit for an hour or two. "

"Oh, certainly! I had thought of driving to Stewart's, but to-morrowwill suit me quite as well. "

"By no means. You will have ample time after my return. Regina, Iwish to see you. "

She followed him into the hall. 

"In the box of clothing that arrived several days ago, there is awhite cashmere suit with blue silk trimmings?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Be so good as to put it on. Then wrap up well, and when ready cometo the library. Do not keep me waiting. Bring your hair-brush andcomb. "

Her mother had sent from Europe a tasteful wardrobe, which, whenunpacked, Mrs. Palma pronounced perfect; while Olga asserted that oneparticular sash surpassed anything of the kind she had ever seen, andwas prevailed upon to accept and wear it. 

With many conjectures concerning the import of Mr. Palma'ssupervision of her toilette, Regina obeyed his instructions, andfearful of trespassing on his patience, hurried down to the library. 

With one arm behind him, and the hand of the other holding ahalf-smoked cigar, he was walking meditatively up and down thepolished floor, that reflected his tall shadow. 

"Where do you suppose you are going?"

"I have no idea. "

"Why do you not inquire?"

"Because you will not tell me till you choose; and I know thatquestions always annoy you. "

"Come in. You linger at the door as if this were the den of a lion ata menagerie, instead of a room to which you have been cordiallyinvited several times. I am not voracious, have had my luncheon. Youare quite ready?"

"Quite ready----"

She was slowly walking down the long room, and suddenly caught sightof something that seemed to take away her breath. 

The clock on the mantle had been removed to the desk, and in itsplace was a large portrait neither square nor yet exactly kit-cat, but in proportion more nearly resembled the latter. In imitation ofDa Vinci's celebrated picture in the Louvre, the backgroundrepresented a stretch of arid rocky landscape, unrelieved by foliage, and against it rose in pose and general outline the counterpart of"_La Joconde_. "

The dress and drapery were of black velvet, utterly bare of ornament, and out of the canvas looked a face of marvellous, yet mysteriouslymournful beauty. The countenance of a comparatively young woman, whose radiant brown eyes had dwelt in some penetrale of woe, untiltheir light was softened, saddened; whose regular features werestatuesque in their solemn repose, and whose gold-tinted hair simplyparted on her white round brow, fell in glinting waves down upon herpolished shoulders. The mystical pale face of one who seemed alikeincapable of hope or of regret, who gazed upon past, present, future, as proud, as passionless and calm as Destiny; and whose perfect handswere folded in stern fateful rest. 

As Regina looked up at it she stopped, then run to the hearth, andstood with her eyes riveted to the canvas, her lips parted andquivering. 

Watching her, Mr. Palma came to her side, and asked:

"Whom can it be?"

Evidently she did not hear him. Her whole heart and soul appearedcentred in the picture; but as she gazed, her own eloquent face grewwhiter, she drew her breath quickly, and tears rolled over hercheeks, as she lifted her arms toward the painting. 

"Mother I my beautiful sad-eyed mother!"

Sobs shook her frame, and she pressed toward the mantelpiece till theskirt of her dress swept dangerously close to the fire. Mr. Palmadrew her back, and said quietly:

"For an uncultivated young rustic, I must say your appreciation offine painting is rather surprising. Few city girls would have paidsuch a tearful tribute of heartfelt admiration to my pretty 'MonaLisa. '"

Without removing her fascinated eyes she asked:

"When did it come?"

"I have had it several days. I presume that you know it is a copy ofDa Vinci's celebrated picture, upon which he worked four years, andwhich now hangs in the gallery of the Louvre at Paris?"

She merely shook her head. 

"In France it is called '_La Joconde_; but I prefer the softer 'MonaLisa' for my treasure. "

"Is it not mine? She must have sent it to me?"

"She? Are you dreaming? Mona Lisa has been dead three hundred years!"

"Mr. Palma, it is my mother. No other face ever looked like that, noother eyes except those in the _Mater Dolorosa_ resemble thesebeautiful sad brown eyes, that rained their tears upon my head. Doyou think a child ever mistook another for her own mother? Can theface I first learned to know and to love, the lovely--oh! howlovely--face that bent over my cradle ever--ever be forgotten? If Inever saw her again in this world, could I fail to recognise her inheaven? My own mother!"

"Obstinate, infatuated little ignoramus! Read--and be convinced. "

He opened and held before her a volume of engravings of the picturesand statues in the Louvre, and turning to the Leonardo Da Vinci's, moved his fingers slowly beneath the title. 

Her eyes fell upon "_La Joconde_, " then wandered back to the portraitover the fireplace; and through her tears broke a radiant smile. 

"Yes, sir, I perfectly understand. Your engraving is of Da Vinci'spainting, and of course I suppose it is very fine, though the face isnot pretty; but up yonder! that is mother! My mother who kissed andcried over me, and hugged me so close to her heart. Oh! Your Da Vincinever even dreamed of, much less painted, anything half so heavenlyas my darling mother's face!"

Closing the book, Mr. Palma threw it on the table, and as he glancedfrom the lovely countenance of the girl to that of the woman on thewall, something like a sigh heaved his broad chest. 

Did the wan meek shadow of his own patient much-suffering youngmother lift her melancholy image in the long silent adytum of hisproud heart, over whose chill chambers ambition and selfishness hadpassed with ossifying touch?

Years ago, at the initial steps of his professional career, he hadset before him one glittering goal, the Chief-Justiceship. Inpreparing for the long race that stretched ahead of him, seeing onlythe Judicial crown that sparkled afar off, he had laid aside histender sensibilities, his warmest impulses of affection andgenerosity as so many subtle fetters, so much unprofitable luggage, so much useless weight to retard and burden him. 

While his physical and mental development had brilliantly attestedthe efficacy of the stern regiment he systematically imposed, --hisemotional nature long discarded, had grown so feeble and inane fromdesuetude, that its very existence had become problematical. Butto-day, deeply impressed by the intensity of love which Regina couldnot restrain at the sight of the portrait, strange softening memoriesbegan to stir in their frozen sleep, and to hint of earlier, warmer, boyish times, even as magnolia, mahogany, and cocoa trunks strandedalong icy European shores, babble of the far sweet sunny south, andthe torrid seas whose restless blue pulses drove them to hyperboreanrealms. 

"Is it indeed so striking and unmistakable a likeness? After all, theinstincts of nature are stronger than the canons of art. Your motheris an exceedingly beautiful woman; but, little girl, let me tell you, that you are not in the least like her. "

"I know that sad fact, and it often grieves me. "

"You must certainly resemble your father, for I never saw mother andchild so entirely dissimilar. "

He saw the glow of embarrassment, of acute pain tinging her throatand cheeks, and wondered how much of the past had been committed toher keeping; how far she shared her mother's confidence. During theyear that she had been an inmate of his house she had never referredto the mystery of her parentage, and despite his occasional effortsto become better acquainted had shrunk from his presence, andremained the same shy reserved stranger she appeared the week of herarrival. 

"Is not the portrait for me? Mother wrote that she intended sendingme something which she hoped I would value more than all the prettyclothes, and it must be this, her own beautiful precious face. "

"Yes, it is yours; but I presume you will be satisfied to allow it tohang where it is. The light is singularly good. "

"No, sir, I want it. "

"Well you have it, where you can see it at any time. "

"But I wish to keep it, all to myself, in my room, where it will bethe last thing I see at night, the first in the morning--my sunrise. "

"How unpardonably selfish you are. Would you deprive me of thepleasure of admiring a fine work of art, merely to shut it in, converting yourself into a pagan, and the portrait into an idol?"

"But, Mr. Palma, you never loved any one or anything so very dearly, that it seemed holy in your eyes; much too sacred for others to lookat. "

"Certainly not. I am pleased to say that is a mild stage of lunacy, with which I have as yet never been threatened. Idolatry is a phaseof human weakness I have been unable to tolerate. "

He saw a faint smile lurking about the perfect curves of her rosymouth, but her eyes remained fixed on the picture. 

"I should be glad to know what you find so amusing in my remark. "

She shook her head, but the obstinate dimples reappeared. 

"What are you smiling at?"

"At the assertion that you cannot tolerate idolatry. "

"Well? Of all the men in New York, probably I am the most thoroughlyan iconoclast. "

"Yes, sir, of other people's gods; nevertheless, I think you worshipardently. "

"Indeed! Have you recently joined the 'Microscopical Society'? Isolicit the benefit of your discoveries, and shall be duly gratefulif you will graciously point out the unknown fane wherein I secretlyworship. Is it Beauty? Genius? Riches?"

"It is not done in secret. All the world knows that Mr. Palmaimitates the example of Marcus Marcellus, and dedicates his life totwo divinities. "

Standing on either side of the gate, and each pressing a hand uponthe slab of the mantle, the lawyer looked curiously down at thebright young face. 

"You are quite fresh in foraging from historic fields, --and since Iquitted the classic shade of Alma Mater I have had little leisure forRoman lore; but college memories suggest that it was to Honour andValour that Marcellus erected the splendid double temple at theCapene Gate. I bow to your parallel, and gratefully appreciate youringeniously delicate compliment. "

He laughed sarcastically as he interpreted the protest very legiblein her clear honest eyes, and waited a moment for her to disclaim theflattery. But she was silently smiling up at her mother's face. 

"Does my very observant ward approve of my homage to the Romandeities?"

"Are your favourite divinities those before whom Marcellus bent hisknee?"

Very steadily her large eyes, blue as the border of a clematis, wereturned to meet his, and involuntarily he took his under lip betweenhis glittering teeth. 

"My testimony would not be admissible before the bar, at which I havebeen arraigned. Since you have explored the Holy of Holies, be sokind as to describe what you find. "

"You might consider me presumptuous, possibly impertinent. "

"At least I may safely promise not to express any such opinion. Whatis there, think you, that Erle Palma worships?"

"A statue of Ambition that stands in the vestibule of the temple ofFame. "

"Olga told you that. "

"Oh no, sir! Have not I lived here a year?"

His eyes sparkled, and a proud smile curled his lips. 

"Do I offer sacrifices?"

"I think you would, if they were required. "

"Suppose my stone god demanded my heart?"

"Ah, sir! you know you gave it to him long ago. "

He laughed quite genially, and his whole face softened, warmed. 

"At least let us hope my ambition is not sordid; is unstained withthe dross of avarice. It is a stern god, and I shall not deny that'Ephraim is joined to his idols! Let him alone. '"

A short silence followed, during which his thoughts wandered far fromthe precincts of that quiet room. 

"Mr. Palma, will you please give me my picture?"

"It is yours of course, but conditionally. It must remain where itnow hangs: first, because I wish it; secondly, because your motherprefers (for good reasons) that it should not be known just yet asher portrait; and if it should be removed to your bed-chamber, themembers of the household would probably gossip. Remaining here, itwill be called an imitation of 'Mona Lisa del Giocondo, ' and nonewill ever suspect the truth. Pray don't straiten your lips in thatgrievously defiant fashion, as Perpetua doubtless did when she heardthe bellowing of beasts or the clash of steel in the amphitheatre. Make this room your favourite retreat. Now that it contains yourpainted Penates, convert it into an _atrium_. Come when you may, youwill never disturb me. In a long letter received this week, yourmother directs that your portrait shall be painted in a certainposition, and wishes you to wear the suit you have on. The carriageis ready, and I will take you at once to the artist. Put on yourhat. "

During the drive he was abstracted, now and then consulting a paperof memoranda, carried in the inside breast-pocket of his coat. 

Once introduced into the elegant studio of Mr. Harcourt in TenthStreet, Regina found much to interest and charm her, while herguardian arranged the preliminaries, and settled the details of thepicture. Then he removed the hat and cloak, and placed her in thecomfortable seat already prepared. 

The artist went into an adjoining room, and a moment after Herobounded in, expressing by a succession of barks his almost franticdelight at the reunion with his mistress. Since her removal to NewYork, she saw him so rarely, that the pleasure was mingled with pain, and now with her arms around his neck, and her face hidden in histhick white hair, she cried softly, unable to keep back the tears. 

"Come, Regina, sit up. Make Hero lie on that pile of cushions, whichwill enable you to rest one hand easily on his head. Crying! Mr. Harcourt paints no such weeping demoiselles. Dry your eyes, and takedown your hair. Your mother wishes it flowing, as when she saw youlast. "

While she unbraided the thick coil, and shook out the shining folds, trying to adjust them smoothly, the lawyer stood patiently besideher; and once his soft white hand rested on her forehead, as hestroked back a rippling tress that encroached upon her temple. 

The dress of pearly cashmere was cut in the style usually denominated"infant waist, " and fully exposed the dazzling whiteness and dimplingroundness of the neck and shoulders; while the short puffed sleevesshowed admirably the fine modelling of the arms. 

Walking away to the easel, Mr. Palma looked back, and criticallycontemplated the effect; and he acknowledged it was the fairestpicture his fastidious eyes had ever rested on. 

He put one hand inside his vest, and stood regarding the girl, withmingled feelings of pride in "Erle Palma's ward, " and an increasinginterest in the reticent calm-eyed child, which had first dawned whenhe watched her asleep in the railroad car. It was no easy matter tostir his leaden sympathies, save in some selfish ramification, butonce warmed and set in motion they proved a current difficult tostem. 

In a low voice the artist said, as he selected some brushes from aneighbouring stand:

"How old is she? Her features have a singularly infantile delicacyand softness, but the eyes and lips seem to belong to a much olderperson. "

"Regina, have you not entered upon your sixteenth year?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I believe, Mr. Palma, it is the loveliest living face I ever saw. Itis so peculiar, so intensely--what shall I say?--prophet-eyed. "

"Yes, I believe that is the right word. When she looks steadily at meshe often reminds me of a Sibyl. "

"But is this her usual, every-day expression?"

"Rather sadder than customary, I think. "

He went back to the group, and, standing in front of his ward, lookedgravely down in her upturned face. 

"Could you contrive to appear a little less solemn?"

She forced a smile, but he made an impatient gesture. 

"Oh, don't! Anything would be better than that dire conflict betweenthe expression of your mouth, and that of your eyes. Have you anyhermetically sealed pleasant thoughts hidden behind that smooth brow, that you could be prevailed upon to call up for a few moments, justlong enough to cast a glimmer of sunshine over your face? I think youonce indignantly denied ever indulging in the folly of possessing asweetheart, but perhaps you have really entertained more _affaires decoeur_ than you choose to confide to such a grim, iron guardian asyours? Possibly you may cherish cheerful memories of the kind-heartedyoung missionary, whose chances of hastening to heaven, _per_ Sepoypassport, _viâ_ Delhi route, seem at times to distress you? Does heever write you?"

"His mother has written to me twice since she reached India, and onceenclosed a note from him; but although she said he had written, and Ihoped for a letter, none has come. "

He noted the quick flutter of her lip, and the shadow that crept intoher eyes. 

"Then he went away with the expectation that you would correspondwith him?"

"Yes, sir. "

"He is quite a bold, audacious young fellow, and you are a verydisrespectful, imprudent, disobedient young ward, to enter into suchan arrangement without my consent and permission. Suppose I forbidall communication?"

"I think, sir, you would scarcely be so unreasonable and unjust; andif you were, I should not obey you. I would appeal to my mother. Mr. Hargrove, dear good Mr. Hargrove, was my guardian when Mr. Lindsaywent away, and he did not object to the promise I made concerning acorrespondence. "

The starry sparkle which during the last twelve months he had learnedmeant the signal of mutiny flashed up in her eyes. 

"Take care! when iron gloves are recklessly thrown down, seriousmischief sometimes ensues. My laws are rarely Draconian, until reasonhas been exhausted; but nature endowed me with a miserly share ofpatience, and I do not think it entirely politic in you to challengeme. Here is a document that has an intensely Hindustanee appearance, and is, as you see, at my mercy. Where it has been since it leftCalcutta last June, I know not. That Padre Sahib penned it, I indulgeno doubt. Pray sit still. So the sunshine has come to yourcountenance at last, and all the way from India! Verily, happiness isthe best cosmetic, and hope the brightest illuminator; even moresuccessful than Bengal lights. "

He held up a letter post-marked Calcutta, and coldly watched the glowthat overspread her face, as her gaze eagerly followed the motion ofhis hand. 

"I have not touched the seal; but as your guardian, It is proper thatI should be made acquainted with the contents. When you have devouredit, I presume you will yield to the promptings of respect due to myposition and wishes. When I assume guardianship of any person orthing, I invariably exert all the authority, exact all the obedience, and claim all the privileges and perquisites to which theresponsibility entitles me. "

He placed the letter on the cushion, where Hero nestled, and turningto the artist, added:

"I leave Miss Orme in your care, Mr. Harcourt, and shall send Mr. Roscoe to remain during the sitting, and take her home. Paint herjust as she is now. Good-morning. "

CHAPTER XVII. 

Through the creamy lace curtains that draped the open windows, theafternoon sun shone into the library, making warm lanes of yellowlight across the rich mosaic of many coloured woods that formed thepolished floor. Upon one of the round tables was a silver salver, whereon stood a wine-cooler of the same material, representingBacchus crushing ripe clusters into the receptacles, that nowcontained a bottle of Rüdesheim, and a crystal claret jug. Intempting proximity rose a Sevres _epergne_ of green and gold, whoseweight was upborne by a lovely figure, evidently modelled inimitation of Titian's Lavinia; and the crowning basket was heapedwith purple and amber grapes, crimson-cheeked luscious peaches, andgolden pears sun-flushed into carmine flecks. 

Two tall glittering Venice glasses stood upon the salver, castingprismatic radiance over the silver, as the sunbeams smote theirslender fluted sides, and a pair of ruby tinted finger-bowlscompleted the colour chord. 

On one side of the table sat Mr. Palma, who had returned an hourbefore from Washington, and was resting comfortably in his favouritechair, with his head thrown back, and a cigar between his lips. Hiseyes were turned to the mantlepiece, where since the day the portraitwas first suspended, ten months ago, Regina had never failed to keepa fresh dainty bouquet of fragrant flowers. This afternoon, thelittle vase held only apple-geranium leaves, and a pyramidal clusterof tuberoses; and her guardian had observed that when white blossomscould be bought, coloured ones were never offered in tribute. 

Opposite the lawyer was his cousin _protégé_, and occupied inpeeling a juicy peach, with one of the massive silver fruit-knives. 

"I have never doubted the success of the case; it was a foregoneconclusion when you assumed charge of it. Certainly considering thestrength of the defence, it is a brilliant triumph for you, andcompensates for the toil you have spent upon it. I have never seenyou labour more indefatigably. "

"Yes, for forty-eight hours I did not close my eyes, and of coursethe result gratifies me, for the counsel for the defence was the moststubbornly contestant I have dealt with for a long time. TheGovernment influence was immense. Where have Mrs. Palma and Olgagone?"

"To Manhattanville, I believe. "

"How long since Regina left the house?"

"Only a few moments before you arrived. It seems to me singularlyimprudent to allow her to wander about the city as she does. "

"Explain yourself. "

"I offered to accompany her as escort, but she rather curtly declinedmy attendance. "

"And in your estimation, that constitutes 'imprudence'?"

"I certainly consider it imprudent for any young girl to strollaround alone in New York on Sunday afternoon; especially one so veryattractive, so conspicuously beautiful as Regina. "

"During my absence has any one been kidnapped or garrotted in broaddaylight?"

"I do not study the police records. "

"Do you imagine that she perambulates about the sacred precincts of'Five Points, ' or the purlieus of Chatham Street?"

"I imagine nothing, sir; but I know that she frequents a distantportion of this city, where I should think young ladies of her socialstatus would find no attraction. "

"You have followed her then?" Mr. Palma raised himself and struck theashes from his cigar. 

"I have not; but others certainly have, and commented upon the fact. "

"Will you oblige me with the remarks, and the name of the author?"

"No, Cousin Erle, certainly not the last. But I will tell you that acouple of young gentlemen met her on Eighth Avenue, and were soimpressed by her face that they turned round and followed her; sawher finally enter one of a row of poor tenement buildings in ----Street. Soon after she came out and retraced her steps. They watchedher till she entered your house, and next day one of them asked me ifshe were a sewing girl. No ward of mine should have such latitude. "

"Not Elliott Roscoe; but I happen to be her guardian. She visits bymy permission the house you so vaguely designate, and the first timeshe entered it I accompanied her and pointed out the location, andthe line of street cars that would carry her almost to the square. Atpresent the house is occupied by Mrs. Mason, the widow of a ministerwho was related to Mr. Hargrove, Regina's former guardian; and thereferences furnished me by the lady give satisfactory assurance thatthe acquaintance is unobjectionable, although the widow is evidentlyin very reduced circumstances. I consented some weeks ago that myward should occasionally spend Sunday afternoon with her. "

"I presume you are the best judge of the grave responsibility of yourposition, " replied the young gentleman, stiffly. 

"Certainly I think so, sir; and as you may possibly have observed, Iam not particularly grateful for volunteer suggestions relative to myduty. Has it ever occurred to you that the green goggles you wear atpresent may accidentally lend an unhealthy tinge to your vision?"

A wave of vivid scarlet flowed to the edge of Mr. Roscoe's fairharvest-hued hair, as he answered angrily:

"You are the only person who could with impunity make such aninsinuation. "

"In insinuations I never indulge, and impunity I neither arrogate, nor permit in others. Keep cool, Elliott, or else change yourprofession. A man who cannot hold his temper in leash, and who fliesemotional signals from every feature in his face, has slender chanceof success in an avocation which demands that body and soul, heartand mind, abjure even secret signal service, and deal only in cipher. The youthful _naďveté_ with which you permit your countenance toreflect your sentiments, renders it quite easy for me to comprehendthe nature of your feeling for my ward. For some weeks your interesthas been very apparent, and while I am laying no embargo on youraffections, I insist that jealousy must not jaundice your estimate ofmy duties, or of Regina's conduct. Moreover, Elliott, I suggest thatyou thoroughly reconnoitre the ground before beginning this campaign, for, my dear fellow, I tell you frankly, I believe Cupid has alreadydeclared himself sworn ally of a certain young minister, who entered, and enjoys pre-emption right over what amount of heart may have thusfar been developed in the girl. In addition she is too young, not yetsixteen, and I rigidly interdict all love passages; besides herparentage is to some extent a secret; she has no fortune but herface; and you are poor in all save hope and social standing. _Verbum_, etc. , etc. "

Walking to the window, where he stood with his countenance averted, Mr. Roscoe said hesitatingly:

"I would rather my weakness had been discovered by the whole worldthan that you should know it; you, who never having indulged suchemotions, regard them as the height of folly. I am aware that at thismoment you think me an idiot. "

"Not necessarily. A known weakness thoroughly conquered sometimesbecomes an element of additional strength in human character. As theexercise of muscle builds up physical vigour, so the persistentexertion of will develops mental and moral power. Men who have aparamount aim in life should never hesitate in strangling allirrelevant and inferior appellants for sympathy. A comparativelybriefless attorney should trample out as he would an invading wormthe temptation to dream rose-coloured visions, wherein bows, arrows, and bleeding hearts are thick and plentiful as gooseberries. Love ina cottage with honeysuckle on the porch, and no provisions in thelarder, belongs to the age of fables, is as dead as feudal tenure. "

"That you are quite incapable of such impolitic weakness, I am wellaware; for under the heel of your iron will your heart would not evenstruggle. But unfortunately I am an impulsive, foolish, human Roscoe, not a systematically organized, well-regulated, and unerring Palma. "His cousin bowed complacently. 

"Be kind enough to hand me the cigars. This is defective; will notsmoke. "

He leisurely lighted one, and resumed: "While on the cars to-day Iread an article which contained a passage to this effect, and I offerit for your future reflection: 'That man, I think, has had a liberaleducation, who has been so trained in his youth, that his body is theready servant of his will, and does with ease and pleasure all thework that as a mechanism it is capable of; whose intellect is aclear, cold, logic engine, with all its parts of equal strength andin smooth working order; ready like a steam-engine to be turned totheir kind of work. ' Elliott, young gentlemen should put their heartsin their pockets, until they fully decide before what shrine it wouldbe most remunerative to offer them. The last time we dined at JudgeVan Zandt's, certainly not more than three months ago, you were alldevotion to his second daughter, Clara of the ruby lips and _cčdre_hair. "

"Clara Van Zandt, no thank you! I would not give Regina's pure faceand sweet violet eyes for all the other feminine flesh in New York!"

Had his attention been fixed just then upon Mr. Palma, he might havedetected the sudden flash in his black eyes, and the nervousclenching of his right hand that rested on the arm of the chair; butthe younger man was absorbed by his own emotions, and very soon hiscousin rose. 

"In future we will not discuss this folly. At present, pleaserecollect that my ward's face has not yet been offered in thematrimonial market; consequently your bid is premature. Those papersI spoke of must be prepared as early as possible in the morning, andsubmitted to me for revision. Be careful in copying the record. Havea cigar? I shall not be back before dark. "

The happiest hours Regina had known during her residence in New Yorkhad been spent in the room where she now sat; a basement room withlow ceiling, and faded olive-tinted walls. The furniture was limitedto an old-fashioned square table of mahogany, rich with that colourwhich comes only from the mellowing touch of age, and polished untilit reflected the goblet of white and crimson phlox, which Regina hadplaced in the centre; a few chairs, some swinging shelves filled withbooks, and a couch or lounge covered with pink and white chintz, whereon lay a pillow with a freshly ironed linen case, whose rufflededges were crisply fluted. 

Upon the whitewashed hearth were several earthen pots, filled withodorous geraniums; and over the two windows that opened on a narrowborder of ground between the house wall and the street were carefullytrained a solanum jasminoides white with waxen stars, and anabutilor, whose orange bells striped and veined with scarlet, swungin every breath of air that fluttered the spotless white cottoncurtains, so daintily trimmed with a calico border of rose-colouredconvolvulus. In the morning when the sun shone hot upon the front ofthe building, this room was very bright and cheerful, but itsafternoon aspect was dim, cool, shadowy. A gentle breeze now floatedacross a bunch of claret-hued carnations growing in a wooden box onthe window-sill, which was on a level with the ground outside, andbrought on its waves that subtle spiciness that dwells only in thedeep heart of pinks. 

In an old-fashioned maplewood rocking chair sat Mrs. Mason, with herwasted and almost transparent hands resting on her open Bible. Thefaded face which in early years had boasted of unusual comeliness, bore traces of severe sorrows meekly borne; and the patient sweetnessthat sat on the lip, and smiled serenely in the mild grey eyes, invested it with that irresistible charm that occasionally rendersripe old age more attractive than flushing dimpled youth. Her hair, originally pale brown, was as snow-white as the tarlatan cap that nowframed it in a crimped border; and her lustreless black dress wasrelieved at the neck and wrists by ruffles of the same material. 

On the Bible lay her spectacles, and upon the third finger of theleft hand was a gold ring, worn so thin that it was a mere glitteringthread. 

Near her sat Regina, playing with a large white and yellow cat thatnow and then sprang to catch a spray of lemon-scented geranium, whichwas swung teasingly just beyond the reach of her velvet paws. 

"I am glad, my dear, to hear you speak so kindly of the members ofyour guardian's family. I have never yet seen that person who had notsome redeeming trait. Many years ago, I knew Louise Neville verywell. She was then the handsome happy bride of a young naval officer, who was soon after drowned in the Bay of Biscay; before the birth oftheir only child, Olga. At first Louise seemed heart-broken by theloss of her husband, but not more than two years afterward shemarried Mr. Godwin Palma, who was reputed very wealthy. I have notseen her since Olga was a child, but have heard that her secondhusband was an exceedingly stem, exacting man; treating her with farless tenderness than she received from poor Leo Neville, who wascertainly very fond of her. Mr. Godwin Palma died suddenly one day, while riding down in his carriage to his office on Wall Street, buthe had made a will only a few weeks previous, in which he bequeathedall his fortune--except a small annuity to Louise--to his son Erle, whose own mother had possessed a handsome estate. Louise contestedthe will, but the court sustained it; and I have heard that Mr. ErlePalma has always treated her with marked kindness and respect, andthat he provides liberally for her and Olga. Louise is a proud, ambitious woman, fond of pomp and splendour; but in those tastes shewas educated, and I always liked her, valued her kindness of heart, and strict integrity of purpose. "

"You do not know my guardian?"

"I never met him till the day he brought you first to see me, and Iwas surprised to find him so comparatively young a man, for he israpidly building up a very enviable reputation in his profession. Hehas been quite generous in his treatment of some relatives, who wereat one time much reduced. His father's sister, Julia Palma, married adissipated young physician named Roscoe, and your guardian has almostentirely educated one of the boys; sent him to college, and then tookhim into his law-office, besides assisting in the maintenance of Mrs. Roscoe, who died about three years ago. Regina, I had a letter fromElise Lindsay since you were here. She sends kindest messages of loveto you, and says you must not allow new friends to supplant old ones. She mentioned also that the climate of India did not seem verydesirable for Douglass, who has been quite sick more than once sincehis settlement in Rohilcund. I am glad that Elise has gone toDouglass, for his father died of consumption, and I always feared hemight have inherited the tendency, though his constitution seemstolerably good. After Peyton's death, she had nothing to keep herfrom her noble boy. God grant that India may never prove as fatal toall her earthly hopes as it has been to mine. "

A spasm of pain made her gentle patient face quiver, and Reginaremembered that Mrs. Mason's only daughter had married a gentlemanconnected with the English Board of Missions, and with her husbandand babe perished in the Sepoy butchery. 

Dropping the fragrant geranium sprig that so tormented the cat, thegirl's fingers interlaced tightly, and she asked almost under herbreath:

"Is Mr. Lindsay's health seriously impaired?"

"I hope not Elise merely said he had had two severe attacks ofpneumonia, and it rendered her anxious. No man of his age rankshigher in the ministry than Douglass Lindsay, and as an Orientalscholar I am told he has few equals in this country. His death wouldbe a great loss to his church, and----"

"Oh, do not speak of it! How can you? It would kill his mother, "cried Regina, passionately, clasping her hands across her eyes, as ifto shut out some horrible vision. 

"Let us pray God to mercifully avert such a heavy blow. But, my dear, keep this in mind: with terrible bereavement comes the strength tobear it. The strength of endurance, --a strength born only in thedarkest hours of a soul's anguish; and at last when affliction hasdone its worst, and all earthly hope is dead, patience with tendergrace and gentle healing mutely sits down in hope's vacant place. To-day I found a passage in a new book that impressed me asbeautiful, strong, and true. Would you like to hear it?"

"If it will teach me patience, please let me hear it. "

"Give me the book lying on the lounge. "

She opened it, put on her spectacles, and read:

"There is the peace of surrendered, as well as of fulfilled, hopes, --the peace, not of satisfied, but of extinguishedlongings, --the peace, not of the happy love and the secure fireside, but of unmurmuring and accepted loneliness, --the peace, not of theheart which lives in joyful serenity afar from trouble and fromstrife, but of the heart whose conflicts are over, and whose hopesare buried, --the peace of the passionless as well as the peace of thehappy;--not the peace which brooded over Eden, but that which crownedGethsemane. '"

"My dear Regina, only religion brings this blessed calm; this isindeed that promised 'Peace that passeth all understanding, ' andtherefore we would all do well to heed the words of Isaiah: 'Theirstrength is to sit still. '"

Looking reverently up at her pale, worn placid face, the girl thoughtit might have been considered a psalm of renunciation. Almostsorrowfully she answered:

"I begin to see that there is far more shadow than sunshine in thisworld; the night is longer than the day. "

"You are too young to realize such solemn things, and shouldendeavour to catch all the dew of life that glistens within yourreach; for the withering heat of the noon will come soon enough toeven the most favoured. An erroneous impression has too longprevailed, that religious fervour, and a cheerful, hopeful, happyspirit are incompatible; that devoutness manifests itself in alugubrious or at least solemn visage, and that a joyous mirthfultemperament is closely allied to 'the world, the flesh, and thedevil. ' A more mischievous fallacy never found favour. Innocenthappiness in our hearts is acceptable worship to our God, who hasgiven us the language of joy, as He gave to birds the power of song. In the universal canticle which nature sends up to its Creator, shallhumanity, the noblest of the marvellous mechanism, alone be silent?The innocent joyousness of a pure heart is better than incense swungin the temples of the Lord. "

"Mrs. Mason, I wish to consult you on a subject that has given mesome anxiety. Would you approve of my attending the theatre andopera? I have never yet gone, because I think neither Mr. Hargrovenor Mr. Lindsay would have advised me to do so; and I am perplexedabout the matter, for Mr. Palma says that next winter he shall insiston my seeing the best plays and operas. What ought I to do?"

"If you were a member of any church, which expressly prohibited suchamusements, I should say, do not infringe the rules which youvoluntarily promised to respect and obey; but as yet you have takenno ecclesiastical vows. Habitual attendance upon such scenes as yourefer to is very apt, I think, to vitiate the healthful tone of one'sthoughts and feelings, but an occasional visit would probably injurenone but very weak minds. Your guardian is, I daresay, a prudentjudicious man, and would be careful in selecting plays that couldoffend neither morality nor delicacy. There are many things upon thestage which are sinful, vicious, and vulgar, but there are hundredsof books quite as bad and dangerous. As we choose only the bestvolumes to read, so be sure to select only pure plays and operas. 'Lear' would teach you the awful results of filial disobedience;'Merchant of Venice, ' the sin of avarice; 'Julius Cćsar' that ofunsanctified ambition. There are threads of wisdom, patience, charity, and heroism which might be gathered from the dramaticspindle, and woven advantageously into the garment of our daily livesand thoughts. There is a marvellous pathos, fervour, sanctity, in the'Casta Diva' of 'Norma' that appeals to my soul, as scarcely anyother piece of music ever has done; and I really should be glad tohear it played on the organ every Sunday morning. Why? Because Irecognize in it the spirit of prayer from a tortured erring humansoul invoking celestial aid, and to me it is no longer a pagan Druidsong, trilled by the popular Prima-Donna at the Academy of Music, buta hymn to the Heavenly powers, as consecrated as an _Ave Maria_, oras Rossini's 'Inflammatus. ' Are we lower than the bees, who wiselydiscriminate between pure honey and poisonous sweets? Touching thesethings, Lowell has nobly set us an example of

 'Pleading for whatsoever touches life With upward impulse: be He nowhere else, God is in all that liberates and lifts, In all that humbles, sweetens, and consoles, '

I think that in the matters you mention, you may safely defer to yourguardian's wishes, bearing always in mind this fact, that heprofesses no religious faith; and praying God's Holy Spirit to guideyou, and keep your heart faithful and pure. "

Regina longed to ask something more explicit concerning the stage, but the thought of her mother peremptorily forbade a discussion thatseemed to imply censure of her profession. 

"There is the bell for service. Are you not going to church thisafternoon?"

"No, dear, I am not very well; and besides, I promised to stay athome, and see a poor old friend, who has no time to visit during theweek, and is just now in great affliction. You are not afraid to goalone?"

"Not afraid, Mrs. Mason, still I wish you could go with me. When youanswer dear Mrs. Lindsay's letter ask her not to forget me, and tellher I am trying to do right in all things, as far as I can see myway. Good-bye, Mrs. Mason. "

She bent her head, so that the faded placid lips could kiss hercheek, and went out into the quiet street. 

Instead of turning homeward, she hastened in an opposite direction, toward a small brick church whose bell was ringing, and whoseafternoon service she had several times attended with Mrs. Mason. Walking more slowly as she approached the building, she had not yetreached it, when steps which she had heard behind her for severalminutes, paused at her side. 

"Regina, is this the way home?"

"Good-evening, Mr. Palma. I am going to church. "

Although he had been absent a week he did not even offer his hand, and it never occurred to her to remind him of the omission. 

"Are you in the habit of coming here alone? If so, your visits tothis neighbourhood cease. "

"Mrs. Mason has always accompanied me until this after noon, and asshe could not leave home I came alone. "

"I prefer you should not attend strange churches without a companion, and now I will see you safely home. "

She looked up, saw a few persons ascending the broad steps, and hersoul rose in rebellion;

"What possible harm can overtake me in God's house? Don't try tostand between me and my duty. "

"Do you not consider obedience to my wishes part of your duty?"

"Sometimes, sir; but not when it conflicts with my conscience. "

"What is conscience?"

"The feeling God put into my soul when He gave it to me, to teach meright from wrong. "

"Is it? And if you were a Calmuck or a Mongol, it would teach you toreverence Shigemooni as the highest god; and bid you fall down andworship Dalai-lama, praying him to give you a pill of consecrateddough. "

"You mean that conscience is merely education? Even if it should beso--which is not true, I think--the Bible says 'the heathen are a lawunto themselves, ' and God knows they worship the best they can finduntil revelation shows them their error. But I do not live in Lassa, and my going to church here, is not akin to Lamaism. Nothing willhappen to me, and I assure you, sir, I will come home as soon as theservice is over. "

"Is your eternal salvation dependent on church going?"

"I don't know, I rather think not; because if it were impossible forme to attend service the Lord would know it, and He only requireswhat He makes possible. But at least you must admit it cannot harmme; and I enjoy coming to this church more than any I have seen sinceI left our own dear old one at V----. "

"It is a small, very plain affair, in no respect comparable to St. Thomas's Church, where Mrs. Palma takes you every Sunday morning. Where you not there to-day?"

"Yes, sir; but----"

"But--what? Speak out. ""Perhaps I ought not to say so, --and it may be partly my fault, butindeed there seems to me more real religion in this plain littlechapel, at least it does me more good to come here. "

"For instance, it incites and helps you defy your guardian on thestreet!"

Until now she had resolutely kept her face set churchward, but as heuttered the last words in a severer tone than he often used inconversation with her, she turned quite around and retraced hersteps. 

Walking beside her, he could only see the long soft lashes of herdowncast eyes, and the firm compression of her mouth. 

"Little girl, are you very angry?"

She looked up quickly into his brilliant smiling eyes, and her cheekdimpled. 

"Mr. Palma, I wanted so very much to go, and I do feel disappointed;but not angry. "

"Then why do you not ask me to go with you?"

"You go there? Is it possible that you would ever do such a thing?Really would you go, sir?"

"Try me. "

"Please Mr. Palma, go with me. "

He raised his hat, bowed, and said:

"I will. "

"Oh, thank you!"

They turned and walked back in silence until they reached the door, and he asked:

"Are the pews free?"

"Yes, sir; but Mrs. Mason and I generally sit yonder by that column. "

"Very well, you must pilot me. "

She turned into the side aisle next the windows, and they seatedthemselves in a pew just beyond the projection of the choir gallery. 

The edifice was small, but the altar and pulpit were handsome, andthough the windows were unstained, the light was mellowed by buffinside blinds. The seats were by no means filled, and thecongregation was composed of people whose appearance denoted thatmany belonged to the labouring class, and none to the Brahmin casteof millionnaires, though all were neatly and genteely apparelled. 

As the silver-haired pastor entered the pulpit the organ began tothrob in a low prelude, and four gentlemen bore shallow waitersthrough the assemblage, to receive the contribution for the"Destitute. " Mr. Palma saw his companion take something from herglove, and when the waiter reached them and she put in her smallalms, which he judged amounted to twenty-five cents, he slipped hisfingers in his vest pocket and dropped a bill on the plate. 

"Is all that huge sum going to India to the missionaries?" hegravely whispered. 

"It is to feed the poor of this church. "

As the organ swelled fuller and louder, Mr. Palma saw Regina start, and listen intently; then the choir begin to sing, and she turnedvery pale and shut her eyes. He could discover nothing remarkable inthe music, --"Oh that I had wings!" but as it progressed the girl'semotion increased, became almost uncontrollable, and through theclosed lids the tears forced themselves rapidly, while she trembledvisibly, and seemed trying to swallow her sobs. 

He moved closer to her, and the blue eyes opened and looked at himwith such pleading deprecating misery in their beautiful depths, thathe was touched, and involuntarily laid his ungloved hand on herlittle bare fingers. Instantly they closed around it, twining likesoft tendrils about his, and unconsciously his clasp tightened. 

All through the singing her tears fell unchecked, sliding over hercheeks and upon her white dress, and when the congregation knelt inprayer, Mr. Palma only leaned his head on the back of the pew infront, and watched the figure bowed on her knees, close beside him, crying silently, with her face in her hands. 

When the prayer ended and the minister announced the hymn, she seemedto have recovered her composure, and finding the page, offered herpretty gilt hymn-book to her guardian. He accepted it mechanically, and during the reading of the Scriptures that soon followed he slowlyturned over the leaves until he reached the title-page. On thefly-leaf that fluttered over was written: "Regina Orme. With the loveand prayers of Douglass Lindsay. "

Closing the book, he laid it in his lap, leaned back and folded hisarms over his chest. 

The preacher read the sixty-third Psalm, and from it selected histext: "My soul followeth hard after Thee. "

Although certainly not a modern Chrysostom, he was an earnest, faithful, and enlightened man, full of persuasive fervour; and to thebrief but interesting discourse he delivered--a discourseoccasionally sprinkled with felicitous metaphors and rounded withseveral eloquent passages--Mr. Palma appeared to listen quiteattentively. Once a half smile moved his mouth, as he wondered whathis associates at the "Century" would think, if they could look inupon him there; otherwise his deportment was most gravely decorous. As he heard the monotonous rise and fall of the minister's tone, thewords soon ceased to bear any meaning to ears that gradually caughtother cadences long hushed; the voice of memory calling him from afaroff, back to the dewy days of his early boyhood, when walking by hismother's side he had gone to church, and held her book as he now heldRegina's. Since then, how many changes time had wrought! How holyseemed that distant, dim, church-going season!

At long intervals, and upon especially august occasions he had nowand then attended service in the elegant church where his pew-rentwas regularly paid; but not until to-day had he been attacked by theswarming reminiscences of his childhood, all eagerly babbling of thelong-forgotten things once learned--

 "At that best academe, a mother's knee. "

From the benignant countenance of the earnest preacher his keen coldeyes began to wander, and after awhile rested upon the pale tenderface at his side. 

Except that the lashes were heavy with moisture that no longeroverflowed in drops, there was no trace of the shower that hadfallen; for hers was one of those rare countenances, no moredisfigured by weeping, than the pictured _Mater Dolorosa_ by the tearon her cheek. 

To-day in the subdued sadness that filled her heart, while shepondered the depressing news from India, her face seemedetherealized, singularly sublimated; and as he watched the expressionof child-like innocence, the delicate tracery of nose and brows, thetransparent purity of the complexion, and the unfathomable purplishblue of the eyes uplifted to the pulpit, a strange thrill neverexperienced before stirred his cold stony heart, and quickened thebeat of his quiet, slow steady pulse. 

He had smiled and bowed before lovely women of various and bewitchingtypes of beauty, had his abstract speculative ideal of feminineperfection, and had been feted, flattered, coaxed, baited, andwelcomed to many shrines, whereon grace, wit, and wealth had lavishedtheir choicest charms; but the carefully watched and well-regulatedvalvular machine he was pleased to designate his heart, had never asyet experienced a warmer sensation than that of mere criticaladmiration for classic contours, symmetrical figures, or voluptuousPaul Veronese colouring. 

Once only, early in his professional career, he had coolly, dispassionately, sordidly, and with a hand as firm as Astrća's own, held the matrimonial scales, and weighed the influence and prefermentthat he could command by a politic and brilliant marriage, againstthe advantages of freedom, and the glory of unassisted success andadvancement. For the lady herself--a bright, mirthful, prettybrunette, who in contrast with his frigid nature seemed a gaudytropical bird fluttering around a stolid arctic auk--he had not evena shadow of affection; and looked quite beyond the graceful layfigure draped with his name to the lofty judicial eminence where herdistinguished father held sway, and could rapidly elevate him. 

No softer emotion than ambition had suggested the thought, and aftera patient balancing of the opposing weights of selfishness, he hadutterly thrown aside the thought of entangling himself in anyHymeneal snares. 

Probably few men have attained his age without having breathed vowsof love into some rosy ear; but his colossal professional pride andvanity had absolutely absorbed him--left him neither room nor timefor other and softer sentiments. 

The numerous attempts to entrap his dim chilly affections hadsomewhat lowered his estimate of female delicacy; and possessing theflattering assurance that no fair hand was held too high for hisgrasp, should he choose to claim it, he had grown rather arrogant. Ofcoquetry he was entirely innocent; it seemed too contemptible evenfor mere sport, and he scorned the thought of feeding his vanity byfeminine sacrifices. 

Too sternly proud to owe success to any but his own will andresolution, he had never proposed or even desired to marry any woman;and was generally regarded as a hopelessly icy bachelor, whom allwelcomed with smiles, but despaired of captivating. 

After forty years' sole undisputed mastery of his heart, somethingsuddenly and unexpectedly wakened there, groped about, would not"down" at his bidding; and a new sensation made itself felt. 

A brief sentence of Elliott Roscoe had like Moses' rod smitten therock of his affections, and forthwith gushed a flood of riotousfeelings never known before. At the thought of any man claimingRegina's perfect dainty lips and peerless imperial eyes a hot wave ofindignant protest rolled over his whole being. That she should belongto another now seemed monstrous, sacrilegious, and all the strengthof his own nature rose in mutiny. 

Never until to-day had he analyzed his sentiments toward his ward, never had he deemed it possible for his wisely disciplined heart tobow before anything of flesh; but now, as he sat looking at the sweetface, he saw that rebellion desperate and uncompromising had brokenout in his rigidly governed, long downtrodden nature, and with theprompt vigilance habitual to him he calmly counted the cost ofcrushing the insurrection. 

Shading his countenance with his fingers he deliberately studied herfeatures, even the modelling of the waxen hands folded together onher knee; and then and there, weighing all his achievements, all hispictured future, so dazzling with coveted ermine, he honestlyconfessed to his own soul that the universe held for him nothing soprecious as that fair pure young girl. 

How superlatively presumptuous appeared Elliott Roscoe's avowedadmiration and preference! How dared that humble impecunious divinitystudent now sojourning in the "Land of the Veda, " lift his eyestoward this priceless treasure, which Erle Palma wanted to call hisown!

Just then Regina took her hymn-book to search for the closing versesdesignated by the minister, and as she opened the volume theinscription on the fly-leaf showed conspicuously. The lawyer set histeeth, and the fingers of his right hand opened, then closed hard andtight, a gesture in which he often unconsciously indulged whenresolving on some future step. 

The benediction was pronounced, and the congregation dispersed. 

Walking silently beside her guardian, until they had proceeded somedistance from the church, Regina wondered how she should interpretthe grave preoccupied expression of his countenance. Had he beensadly bored, and did he repent the sacrifice made to gratify hercaprice?

"Mr. Palma, I am very much obliged to you for kindly consenting toaccompany me. Of course I know this church and service must seemdull and plain in comparison with that to which you are accustomed, but I hope you liked Mr. Kelsey's sermon?"

"In some respects this afternoon has been a revelation, and I am sureI shall never forget the occasion. "

"Oh! I am so glad you enjoyed going, " she said, with evident relief. 

"I did not intend to convey that impression; you infer more than mywords warrant. I was thinking of other and quite irrelevant matters, and to be frank, really did not listen to the sermon. Do you attendchurch from a conviction that penance conduces to a sanitaryimprovement of the soul?"

"Penance? I do not exactly understand you, sir. "

"I certainly have never seen you weep so bitterly; not even when Iruthlessly tore you from the kind sheltering arms of Mother Aloysiusand Sister Angela. You appeared quite heartbroken. Was it contritionfor your manifold transgressions?"

"Oh no, sir!"

"You are resolved not to appoint me your confessor?"

"Mr. Palma----" her voice faltered. 

"Well, go on. "

"I was very much distressed; it made my heart ache. "

"So I perceived. But was it the bare church, or the minister, or myward's sensitive conscience?"

After a moment she lifted her misty eyes to meet his, and answeredtremulously:

"It was the singing of 'Oh that I had wings!' I have not heard itsince that dreadful time I sang it last, and you can't possiblyunderstand my feelings. "

"Certainly not, unless you deign to explain the circumstances. "

"Dear Mr. Hargrove asked me to go in and play on the organ in thelibrary, and sing that sacred song for him. I sang it, and played forawhile on the organ, and then went back to him on the verandah, andhe had died--alone, in his chair, while I was singing 'Oh that I hadwings!' To-day, when the choir began it, everything came back sovividly to me. The dear happy home at the parsonage, the supper I hadset for my dear Mr. Hargrove, the flowers in the garden, the smell ofthe carnations, the sound of the ring-doves in the vines, themoonlight shining so softly on his kind face and white hair--andOh!----"

They walked the length of two squares before either spoke again. 

"I was not aware that you performed on the organ. "

"Mrs. Lindsay gave me lessons, and I used the cabinet organ. "

"Do you prefer it to the piano?"

"For sacred songs, I do. "

"If we had one in the library, do you suppose you would ever sing forme?"

"If you really desired it, perhaps I would try; but of course I knowvery well that you care nothing for my music; and our dear old hymnsand chants would only tire and annoy you. "

"To whom does 'our' refer?"

"My dear Mr. Hargrove and Mrs. Lindsay and her son. We so often sangquartettes at home in the long, delicious, peaceful summer evenings, before the awful affliction came and separated us. "

The lamps were lighted, and night closed in, with silveryconstellations overhead, before Mr. Palma and his companion were neartheir destination. As they crossed a street, he said, abruptlybreaking a long silence:

"Take my arm. "

Never before had such a courtesy been tendered, and she looked up inunfeigned surprise. 

He was so tall, so stately, that the proposition seemed to herpreposterous. 

"Can't you reach it?"

He took her hand, drew it beneath, and placed the fingers on his arm. 

"Of late you have grown so rapidly, your head is almost on a levelwith my shoulder; and you are quite tall enough now to accept myescort. "

When they were within a square of home, Mr. Palma said very gravely:

"This afternoon I indulged one of your whims: now will yourecipricate, and gratify a caprice of your guardian?"

"Have you caprices? I think not but I will oblige you if I can doso. "

"Thank you. In future you must never walk to see Mrs. Mason, alwaysgo in the carriage; and I am unwilling that you should be out as lateas this, unless Mrs. Palma accompanies you, or I am with you. Youneed not ask my reasons; it is sufficient that I wish it, and it ismy caprice to be obeyed without questions. One thing more: I do notat all like your name--never did. Latinity is not one of mypredilections, and _Regina, Reginae, Reginam_, wearily remind me ofthe classic-slough of declensions and conjugations of my Livy, Sallust, Tacitus. In my mind you have always been associated with thewhite lilies that you held at the convent the first time I saw you, that you held to your heart while asleep on the cars; and hereafterwhen only you and I are present, I intend to indulge the caprice ofcalling my ward--Lily. "

CHAPTER XVIII. 

"Yonder they come! They have just left the carriage, and as usual sheis escorted by her body-guard; those grim old fogies, who watch herlike a pair of grey owls. Now, Doctor, you must contrive anintroduction. "

General René Laurance raised his gold eyeglass, and looked curiouslytoward a group of three persons who were walking amid the ruins ofPozzuoli. 

His companion Dr. Plymley, who was examining an inscription, turnedaround and looked in the direction indicated. 

"Are you sure? I am quite near-sighted. "

"Very sure, for no other figure could be mistaken for hers. By allthe gods ever worshipped here, she is the loveliest woman I ever saw, but as coy as a maid of fifteen. The fact that she secludes herselfso rigidly only stimulates curiosity, and I have sworn a solemn oathto make her acquaintance; for it is something novel in my experienceto have my overtures rejected, my courtesies ignored. "

"Come this way, General. This encounter must appear purelyaccidental, for Madame Orme is very peculiar, very suspicious; and ifshe imagines we planned this excursion to meet her, or left Napleswith the intention of joining her party, the chances are that I aswell as you would be snubbed. In her desire to avoid society andpersonal attention, one might suppose her an escaped abbess from someconvent, instead of a popular actress. It was with much difficultythat I prevailed on her to receive my son and wife one afternoon; asshe remarked that her object in coming here was to secure health, notacquaintances. In treating her professionally, I was called upon toprescribe for what in her case is more than ordinary sleeplessness, is veritably _pervigilium_; and when she refused opiates, I asked ifthere were not some trouble weighing upon her mind which preventedher from sleeping. Her reply was singular: 'Many years have passedsince I became a widow and was forced to leave my only child inAmerica, and the power of sound healthy sleep has deserted me. ' Evenin Naples her beauty attracts attention wherever she is seen. "

"Certainly I am not a tyro in these matters, and have probably had asmuch experience as any other man of my years and well improvedopportunities, and you can form an estimate of my appreciation of hercharms, when I tell you I have followed her since the night I firstsaw her on the stage at Milan. I see your wife beckoning us to joinher. "

Although sixty-five years old, General Laurance carried himself aserectly as the son he left in Paris, and his proud bearing andhandsome face seemed to contradict the record of years that hadpassed so lightly over him. A profusion of silver threads streakedthe black locks that scorned all artificial colouring, and hismoustache and beard were quite grizzled; but as he stood tracingtriangles on the sand with the point of his light cane, and pushedback the hat from his heated brow, no one unacquainted with hishistory would have deemed him more than fifty: a man of distinguishedappearance, commanding stature, with rather haughty, martial mien, healthful ruddy complexion, and sparkling blue eyes keen andincisive. 

From boyhood self had been his openly and devoutly worshipped god, and upon its altars conscience had long ago been securely bound andsilenced. Pride of family, love of pomp, power, and luxury, and aninordinate personal vanity were the predominating characteristics ofa man, who indulged his inclinations, no matter how devious the pathsinto which they strayed, nor how mercilessly obstacles must betramped down, in order to facilitate the accomplishment of hispurposes. Naturally neither cruel nor vindictive, he had graduallygrown pitiless in all that conduced to self-aggrandizement orself-indulgence; incapable of a generosity that involved even slightsacrifice, a polished handsome epicurean, an experienced man of theworld, putting aside all scruples in the attainment of his selfishaims. 

From wholly politic motives, and in order to extend his estates andincrease his revenue, he had married early in life, and hisaffection, never bestowed upon his wife, had centred in their onlychild Cuthbert. When death removed the unloved mother, freedom wasjoyfully welcomed, and the memory of his neglected bride rarelyvisited the heart, which was not invulnerable to grace and beauty. 

The consummation of an alliance between his son and Abbie Ames, thebanker's daughter, had cost him much manoeuvring and tediousdiplomacy, for like his father, Cuthbert was fastidious in histastes, and an ardent devotee to female beauty; but when finallyaccomplished, General Laurance considered his paternal obligationsfully discharged, and henceforth roamed from city to city, sippingsuch enjoyment as money, aristocratic status, urbane manners, and aheritage of well-preserved good looks enabled him to taste at will. 

Six months before, he had first seen Madame Orme as "Deborah, " inMosenthal's popular drama, and, charmed by her face and figure, hadattempted to make her acquaintance. But his floral offerings had beenrejected, his jewels and notes returned, his presentation refused, his visits interdicted; and as usually occurs in natures like his, opposition to his wishes intensified them, cold indifference anddenial only deepened and strengthened his determination to crush allbarriers. His pride was wounded, his vanity sorely piqued, and tocompel her acknowledgment of his power, her submission to his sway, became for the while his special aim, his paramount purpose. Hencehe loitered at Naples, seeking occasions, lying in wait for anopportunity to open a campaign that promised him new triumphs. 

Dr. Plymley was an English physician travelling with an invalid wifeand consumptive son, and having been consulted by Mrs. Orme onseveral occasions in Milan, had at length been prevailed upon byGeneral Laurance to arrange an apparently casual introduction. 

It was a cloudless spring day, and leaving Mr. And Mrs. Waul to reada package of American papers, Mrs. Orme walked away toward the lonelyoutlines of the Serapeon. 

The delicious balmy atmosphere, the interest of the objects thatlined the drive from Naples, and the exercise of wandering from pointto point had brought a delicate glow to her cheeks, and a brightercarmine to her lips; and beneath the white chip hat, with its wreathof clustering pink convolvulus lying on her golden hair, the lovelyface seemed almost unsurpassed in its witchery. 

She wore a sea-green dress of some soft fabric that floated in thewind as she moved, and over her shoulders was wound a white fleecymantle fastened at the throat by a costly green cameo, which alsosecured a spray of lemon flowers that lavished their fragrance on thebright warm air. Closing her parasol, she walked down to the ruinedTemple, and approached the wonderful cipollino columns that bear suchmysterious attestation of the mutations of land and sea, of time andhuman religions. Since the days of Agrippina and Julia, had a fairerprouder face shone under the hoary marble shafts, and mirrored itselfin the marvellous mosaic floor, than that which now looked calmlydown on the placid water flowing so silently over the costlypavements, where sovereigns once reverently trod?

In imagination she beheld the vast throng of worshippers, who twothousand years ago had filled the magnificent court, where the sunwas now shining unimpeded; and above the low musical babble ofwavelets breaking upon the chiselled marbles, rose the hum of thegenerations sleeping to-day in the columbaria, and the chant of thepriests before the statue of Serapis, which sacrilegious hands hadborne away from his ancient throne. Were the blue caverns of theMediterranean not deep enough to entomb these colossal relics of thatdim vast Past, whose feebly ebbing tide still drifts so mournfully, so solemnly, so mysteriously upon our listening souls? Didcompassionate Neptune, tenderly guarding the ruins of his owndesecrated fane, once resonant with votive pćans now echoing onlysea-born murmurs, refuse sepulture to Serapis, and again and againreturn to the golden light of land the sculptured friezes, that couldfind permanent rest neither upon sea not shore?

To-day the lonely woman, standing amid crumbling cornices andarchitraves, wondered whether the sunken pavement of the Serapeonwere a melancholy symbol of her own blighted youth, never utterlylost to view, often overwhelmed by surging waves of bitterness, hate, and despair, but now and then lifted by memory to the light, andfound as fresh and glowing as in the sacred bygone? To-day buriedbeneath the tide of sorrow, to-morrow shining clear and imperishable?

Gazing out across the sapphire sea that mirrored a cloudless sapphiresky, Mrs. Orme's beautiful solemn face seemed almost a part of theclassic surroundings, a statue of Fate shaken from its ancient niche;and the cameo Sappho on her breast was not more faultlessly cut andpolished than the features that rose above it. 

A shadow fell aslant the glassy water through which was visible theglint of the submerged pavement, and turning her head, she saw thefamiliar countenance of her quondam physician. 

"A glorious day, Dr. Plymley?"

"Glorious indeed, Madame, for a dinner at Baić. I hope you arefeeling quite well, and bright as this delicious sunshine? Mrs. Orme, will you allow me the favour of presenting my friend GeneralLaurance, who requests the honour of an introduction?"

She had been unaware of the presence of his companion, who wasconcealed from view, and as he stepped forward and took off his hat, she drew herself up, and at last they were face to face. 

How her brown eyes widened, lightened, and what a sudden whitenessfell upon her features, as if June roses had been smitten with snow!Holding with both hands the frail fluted ivory handle of her parasol, it snapped, and the carved leopard that constituted the head fellwith a ringing sound upon one of the marble blocks, thence into thesluggish water beneath; but her eyes had not moved from his, --seemedto hold them, as with some magnetic spell. A radiant smile parted herpale lips, and she said in her wonderfully sweet, rich, liquid toneswhich sank into people's ears and hearts, as some mellow old winecreeps through the grey cells of the brain, bringing lotos dreams:"Is the gentleman before me General René Laurance of America?"

"I am, Madame; and supremely happy in the accident which enables meto make an acquaintance so long and earnestly desired. Surely theruins amidst which we meet must be those, not of the Serapeon, but ofsome antique shrine of Good Fortune, and I vow a libation worthy ofthe boon received. "

With that unwavering gaze still upon his dark blue eyes, she drew offher glove and held out her fair hand, smiling the while, as Circedoubtless did before her. 

"I am sincerely glad to meet General Laurance, of whom I heard theAmerican minister at Paris speak in glowing terms of commendation. Ibelieve I Also met a son of General Laurance in Paris? Certainly heresembles you most strikingly. "

As he received into his own the pretty pearly hand, and bowed lowover it, he felt agreeably surprised by the cordiality of a receptionwhich appeared utterly inconsistent with her stern contemptuousrejection of his previous attempts to form her acquaintance; and hecould not quite reconcile the beaming smile on her lip, and thesparkling radiance in her eyes, with the pallor which he saw settleswiftly upon her face when his name was first pronounced. 

"Ah! My son Cuthbert? Handsome young dog, and like his father, findsbeauty the most powerful magnet. Where did you meet him?"

"Once only, when he was introduced by our minister, who deputized himto deliver to me some custom-house regulations. 

"Did you meet Mrs. Laurance?"

"Your wife, sir?"

Annoyance instantaneously clouded his countenance, and Dr. Plymleygnawed his lower lip to hide a smile. 

"My son's wife. Cuthbert and I are the only survivors of my ownimmediate family. "

"If Madame had not so rigidly adhered to her recluse habits, shecould scarcely have failed to learn from his brilliant campaigns ingay society that the General is unfettered by matrimonial bonds, andalmost as irresistible and popular as his naughty model D'Orsay. "

"Madame, Plymley is a traitor, jealously stabbing my spotlessreputation. I deny the indictment, and appeal to your heavenlycharity, praying you to believe that I plead guilty only to thepossession of a heart tenderly vulnerable to the shafts of grace andbeauty. "

The earnestness of his tone and manner was unmistakable, and beneaththe bold admiration of his fine eyes, the carmine came swiftly backto her blanched cheek. 

"_Beau monde_ and its fashionable foibles constitute a sealed volumeto me. My world is apart from that in which General Laurance winsmyrtle crowns, and wears them so royally. "

"When genius like Madame's monopolizes the bay, we less giftedmortals must even twine myrtle leaves, or else humbly bow, bare ofchaplets. But may I ask why you so sternly taboo that social worldwhich you are so pre-eminently fitted to grace and adorn? When yourworshippers are wellnigh frenzied with delight, watching you beyondthe footlights, you cruelly withdraw behind the impenetrable curtainof seclusion; and only at rare intervals allow us tantalizing glimpsesof you, seated in mocking inaccessibility between those two mostabominable ancient griffons, whose claws and beaks are everferociously prominent. When some desperate deluded adorer rashlyhires a band of Neapolitan experts to stab, and bury that grim pairof jailers in the broad deep grave out there, toward Procida, thecrime of murder will be upon Madame's fair head. "

"And if I answer that that fine world you love so well is to me butas a grey stone quarry wherein I daily toil, solely for food andraiment for my child and myself, what then?"

"Then verily if that be possible, Pygmalion's cold beauty were nolonger a fable; and I should turn sculptor. Do you not find that herein Parthenope you rapidly drift into the classic tide that strandsyou on Paganism?"

"Has it borne you one inch away from the gods of your life-longworship?"

As she spoke, she bent slightly forward, and searched his brighteyes, as if therein floated his soul. 

"Indeed I can answer reverently, with my band upon my heart, Italyhas given me a new worship, a goddess I never knew before. Mydivinity----"

"Belongs, sir, to the _Dďď Involuti!_ Fortunate provision of fate, which leaves us at least liberty to deify, you perhaps family pride, Venus, or even avaricious Pluto; I possibly ambition or revenge. Weall have our veiled gods, shrouded close from curious gaze; 'theheart knoweth his own bitterness, and the stranger doth notintermeddle with his joy. '"

She had interrupted him with an imperious wave of her hand, and spokethrough closed teeth, like one tossing down a gage of battle; but thebrilliant smile still lighted her splendid eyes, and showed thecurves of her temptingly beautiful mouth. 

"Mrs. Orme, my wife and Percy are waiting for me at the amphitheatre, and we have an engagement to dine at Baić. Can I persuade you to joinour party? I promise you a delightful visit to the old home of Rome'sproudest patricians in her palmiest days; and a dinner eaten inaccordance with General Laurance's suggestion on the site of thetemple of Venus, or if you prefer, upon that of Diana. Will you notcontribute the charm of your presence to the pleasure of ourexcursion? Remember I am your physician, and this morning prescribeBaić air. "

"You are very kind, Doctor, but I devote to-day to Avernus, Cumć, andthe infernal gods. Next week I shall bask at Baić. Gentlemen, I bidyou good-day, and a pleasant hour over your Falernian. "

She turned once more to the mysterious solemn face of that wonderfullegendary blue bay, and the light died out of her countenance, as ina room where the lamps are unexpectedly extinguished. She startedvisibly, when a voice close beside her asked:

"Permit me the pleasure of seeing you to your carriage. "

"I am not going just yet. General Laurance should not detain theDoctor's party. "

"They have a carriage. I am on horseback, and can easily overtakethem; but if I dared, would beg the privilege of accompanying you, instead of drinking sour wine, and smoking poor cigars among theivy-wreathed ruins that await me at Baić Ah, may I hope? Be generous, banish me not. May I attend you to-day?

"No, sir. Go pay your _devoir_ to friendship and courtesy. I havefaithful guardians in the two coming yonder to meet me. "

She pointed to the heads of Mr. And Mrs. Waul just visible over themass of ruins that intervened, and lifting her handkerchief, waved ittwice. 

"You have established a system of signal service with those antiqueogres, griffons? Really they resemble crouching cougars, ready tospring upon the unwary who dare penetrate to the sacred precinctsthat enclose you. Why do you always travel with that grim body-guard?Surely they are not relatives?"

"They are faithful old friends who followed me across the Atlantic, who are invaluable, and shield me from impertinent annoyances, towhich all women of my profession are more or less subjected. Theworld to which you belong sometimes seem disposed to forget thatbeneath and behind the paint and powder, false hair and fine tragicairs and costumes they pay to strangle time for them at _San Carlo_, or _Teatro de' Fiorentini_ there breathes a genuine human thing; acreature with a true, pure, womanly heart beating under the velvet, gauze, and tinsel, and with blood that now and then boils underunprovoked and dastardly insult. If I were cross-eyed, or had beenafflicted with small-pox, or were otherwise disfigured, I should notrequire Mr. And Mrs. Waul; but Madame Orme, the lonely widow deprivedby death of a father's or brother's watchful protection, finds herhumble companions a valuable barrier against presumption andinsolence. For instance, when strangers, pleased with my carefullypractised _jeu de theâtre_, send fulsome notes and costly_bijouterie_ to my lodgings, praying in return a lock of my hair ora photograph, my griffons, as you facetiously term them, rarely evenconsult me, but generally send back the jewels by the bearer, andtwist the _billets-doux_ into tapers to light Mr. Waul's pipe. Sometimes I see them; often I am saved the trouble of knowinganything about the impertinence. "

Her voice was sweet and mellow as a Phrygian flute sounding softly onmoonlight nights through acacia and oleander groves, but the scornburning in her eyes was intolerable, and before it the old man seemedto shrink, while a purplish flush swept across his proud face. 

"Mrs. Orme is an anomaly among lovely women, and especially amongpopular _tragediennes_, and as I am suffering the consequences ofthat unexpected fact, may I venture, in pleading for pardon, toremind her of that grand prayer: '_Be it my will that my mercyoverpower my justice_. ' Will she not nobly forgive errors committedin ignorance of the peculiar sensitiveness of her nature, the mimosadelicacy of her admirable character?"

Not until this moment had the likeness between father and son shownitself so conspicuously, and in the handsome features andinsinuating, beguiling velvet voice she found sickening resemblancesthat made her heart surge, until she seemed suffocating. Hastily sheloosened the ribbons of her hat that were tied beneath her chin. 

"Is General Laurance pleading abstractly for forgiveness for his vainand presumptuous sex?"

"Solely for my own audacious impertinence, which, had I known you, would never have been perpetrated. My rejected emeralds accuse me. Pardon me, and I will immediately donate them in expiatory offeringto some Foundling Asylum, Hospital, or other public charity. "

"If I condone past offences, it must be upon condition that they arenever repeated, for leniency is not one of my characteristics. Hitherto we have been strangers; you are from America the land of myadoption, and have been presented to me as a gentleman, as the friendof my physician. Henceforth consider that your acquaintance with medates from to-day. "

She suffered him to take her hand, and bow low over it, breathing, volubly his thanks for her goodness, his protestations of profoundrepentance, and undying gratitude; and all the while she shut hereyes as if to hide some approaching horror, --and the blood in herviews seemed to freeze at his touch, gathered like icicles around heraching heart, turning her gradually to stone. 

Taking his offered arm, they walked back toward the spot where shehad desired her companions to await her return, and as he attemptedto analyze the strange perplexing expression on her chiselled whiteface, he said:

"I trust this delicious climate has fully restored your health?"

"Thank you. I am as well as I hope to be, until I can go home toAmerica, and be once more with my baby. "

"It is difficult to realize that you are a mother. How old is thisdarling, who steals so many of your thoughts?"

"Oh, quite a large girl now! able to write me long delightfulletters; still in memory and imagination she remains my baby, for Ihave not seen her for nearly seven years. "

"Indeed I you must have married when a mere child?"

"Yes, unfortunately I did, and lost my husband, became a destitutewidow when I was scarcely older than my own daughter now is. Mr. Waul, this is your countryman, General Laurance; and doubtless youhave mutual acquaintances in the United States. "

They proceeded to the carriage, and as he assisted her to enter it, General Laurance asked:

"Will you grant me the privilege of accompanying you next week toBaić?"

"I cannot promise that. "

"Then allow me to call upon you to-morrow. "

"To-morrow will be the day for my exercises in Italian recitation anddeclamation. I am desirous of perfecting myself in the delicateinflections of this sweet intoxicating language, which is asdeliciously soft as its native skies, and golden as its Caprivintage. I long to electrify these fervid enthusiastic yet criticalNeapolitans with one of their own favourite impassioned Italiandramas. "

She had taken off her hat which pressed heavily upon her throbbingbrow, and as the sun shone full on the coil of glittering hair, withhere and there a golden tress rippling low on her snowy neck and ear, her ripe loveliness seized the man's senses with irresistiblewitchery; and the thought of her reappearance as a public idol, ofher exhibition of her wonderful beauty to the critical gaze of allNaples, suddenly filled him with jealous horror and genuine pain. Asif utterly weary and indifferent, she leaned back, nestling her headagainst the cushions of the carriage; and looking eagerly, almosthungrily at her, General Laurance silently registered a vow, that theworld should soon know her no more as the Queen of Tragedy, that erelong the only kingdom over which she reigned should be restricted tothe confines of his own heart and life. 

Pale as marble she coolly met the undisguised ardent admiration inhis gaze, and bending forward he asked pleadingly:

"Not to-morrow? Then next day, Mrs. Orme?"

"Perhaps so, if I chance to be at home; which is by no means certain. Naples is a sorceress and draws me hither and thither at will. General Laurance, I wish you a pleasant ride to Baić, and must bidyou good-bye. "

She inclined her head, smiled proudly, and closed her eyes; and, watching her as the carriage rolled away, he wondered if mere fatiguehad brought that ghastly pallor to the face he knew he was beginningto love so madly. 

"Shall we not return to Naples? You look weary, and unhappy, " saidMr. Waul, who did not like the expression of the hopeless, fixedblanched lips. 

"No, no! We go to Avernus. That is the mouth of Hell, you know, andto Hecate and all the infernal gods I dedicate this fateful day, andthose that will follow. It is only the storm-beaten worthless wreckof a life; let it drift--on--on, down! Had I ten times more to lose, I would not shrink back now; I would offer all--all as an oblation toNemesis. "

"The gods have made us mighty certainly--That we can bear suchthings, and yet not die. "

CHAPTER XIX. 

"Regina, will you touch the bell for Hattie, that she may come andcarry away all this breakfast, which I have not touched, and the baresight of which surfeits me? From the amount supplied, one mightimagine me a modern Polyphemus, or, abjuring the classics, a secondold Mrs. Philipone, who positively drank four cups of tea at the last'Kettledrum. ' How fervently she should pray for continued peace withChina, and low tariff on Pekoe? I scarcely know which is the greaterhardship, to abstain from food when very hungry, or to impose uponone's digestive apparatus when it piteously protests, asking for'rest, only rest. '"

It was twelve o'clock on a bright, cold day in December, but Olga wasstill in bed; and as she raised herself, crushing the pillows underher shoulder for support, Regina, sewing beside her, thought she hadnever seen her look so handsome. 

The abundant ruddy hair tossed about in inextricable confusion, curled and twined, utterly regardless of established style, making abright warm frame for the hazel eyes that seemed unusually keen andsparkling, and the smooth fair cheeks bore a rich scarlet tinge, rather remarkable from the fact that their owner had danced untilthree o'clock that morning. 

"Instead of impairing your complexion, late hours seem to increaseits brilliancy. "

"Regina, never dogmatize; it is a rash and unphilosophic habit thatleads you to ignore secondary causes. I have a fine colour to-day, _ergo_ the 'German' is superior to any of the patent chemicalcosmetics? No such thing. I am tired enough in body to look just likewhat I feel, that traditional Witch of Endor; but a stroke ofwonderful good fortune has so elated my spirits, that despite thefatigue of outraged muscles and persecuted nerves, my exultant prideand delight paint my cheeks in becoming tints. How puzzled you look!You pretty, sober, solemn, demure blue-eyed Annunciation lily, isthere such a thing among flowers? If I tripped in the metaphor, recollect that I am no adept in floriculture, only know whichblossoms look best on a velvet bonnet or a chip hat, and which daintyleaves and petals laid upon my Lucretia locks make me most resembleHebe. Are you consumed by curiosity?"

"Not quite; still I should like to know what good fortune hasrendered you so happy?"

"Wait until Hattie is beyond hearing. Come, take away these dishes, and be sure to eat every morsel of that omelette, for I would notwillingly mortify Octave's vanity. When you have regaled yourselfwith it, show him the empty dish, tell him it was delicious, and thatI send thanks. Hattie, say to mamma I shall not be able to go outto-day. "

"Miss Regina, I was told to tell you that you must dress for therehearsal, as Mrs. Palma will take you in the carriage. "

"Very well. I shall be ready, if go I must. "

"Bravo! How gracefully you break to harness! But when these Palmashold the bit, it would be idle to plunge, kick, or attempt to run. They are for rebellious humanity, what Rarey was for unrulyhorseflesh. Once no fiery colt of Ukraine blood more stubbornlyrefused the bridle than I did; but Erle Palma smiled and took thereins, and behold the metamorphosis! Did he command your attendanceat this 'Cantata'?"

"Not exactly; but he said he would be displeased if I failed tocomply with Mrs. Brompton's request, because she was an old friend;and moreover that Professor Hurtsel had said they really required myvoice for the principal solo. "

"Did it occur to you to threaten to break down entirely, burst intotears, and disgrace things generally, if forced to sing before suchan audience? Pride is the only lever that will move him the billionthfraction of an inch; and he would never risk the possibility of beingpublicly mortified by his ward's failure. He dreads humiliation ofany kind, far more than cholera or Asiatic plague, or than even theeternal loss of that infinitesimal microscopic bit of flint, which heis pleased in facetious moments to call his soul. "

"Of course I could not threaten him; but I told him the distressingtruth, that I am very much afraid I shall fail if compelled toattempt a solo in public, for I know the audience at Mrs. Brompton'swill be critical, and I feel extremely timid. "

"And he dared you--under penalty of his everlasting wrath--to breakdown? Forbade you at your peril, to allow your frightened heart tobeat the long-roll, or the tattoo?"

"No, though very positive, he was kind, and urged me to exert mywill; reminding me that the effort was in behalf of destituteorphans, and that the charitable object should stimulate me. "

"Charity! Madame Roland incautiously blundered in her grandapostrophe, hastily picked up the wrong word to fling at the heads ofher brutal tormentors. Had she lived in this year of grace, she wouldcertainly have said: 'Oh, Charity! how much hypocrisy is practised inthy name!' How many grim and ghastly farces are enacted in thyhonour! Oh, Charity! heavenly maid! what solemn shameful shams aremasked beneath thy celestial garments? Of late this fashionableamusement called 'Charity' has risen to the dignity of a fine art;and old-fashioned Benevolence that did its holy work silently andslyly in a corner, forbidding left hand to eavesdrop, or gossip withright hand, would never recognize its gaudy, noisy, bustling modernsister. Understand, it is not peculiar to our own great city, --is arank growth that flourishes all over America, possibly elsewhere. Atcertain seasons, when it is positively wicked to eat chicken salad, porter-house steak, and boned turkey, and when the thought ofattending the usual round of parties gives good people nightmare, andsinful folks yet in the bonds of iniquity a prospective claim to thepleasant and enticing style of future amusements which Orcagnapainted at Pisa, then Charity rushes to the rescue of _ennuied_society, and mercifully bids it give Calico Balls for a FoundlingHospital, or _Thé Musicale_ for the benefit of a Magdalen Home, or aCantata and Refreshments to build a Sailors' Bethel, or help toclothe and feed the destitute. A few ladies dash around in opencarriages and sell tickets, and somebody's daughters make amplecapital for future investments, as Charity Angels, by riding, dancing, singing, and eating in becoming piquant costumes, for the'benefit of the afflicted poor. '"

"Oh, Olga! how unjustly severe you are! How exceedingly uncharitable!How can you think so meanly of the people with whom you associateintimately?"

"I assure you I am not maligning 'our set, ' only refer to a universaltendency of this advancing age. I merely strip the outside rind, andlook at the kernel, and therefore I 'see the better, my dear, 'horrified little rustic Red Ridinghood! Now, you are quite inearnest, and you trudge along carrying your alms to this poor oldGrandmother Charity; but before long you will have your eyes openedroughly, and learn as I did that the dear pitiful grandmother isutterly dead and gone; and the fangs and claws of the wolf will showyou which way your cake and honey went. A most voracious wolf, thissame Public Charity, and blessed with the digestion of an ostrich. But go you to the Cantata, and sing your best, and if you happen tofall at the feet of pretty little Cécile Brompton, you will hear inthe distance a subdued growl; the first note of the lupine fantasiathat inevitably awaits you. Oh! I wonder if ever this green earthknew a time when hypocrisy and cant did not prowl even among theyoung lambs, pasturing in innocence upon the 'thousand hills' of God?It seems to me that cant cropped out in the first pair that ever wereborn, and Cain has left an immense family. Cant everywhere, inscience and religion; in churches and in courts; cant among lawyers, doctors, preachers; cant around the hearth; cant even around thehearse. It is the carnival of cant, this age of ours, and heartily asI despise it, I too have been duly noosed and collared, and taughtthe buttery dialect, and I am meekly willing to confess myself 'bornthrall' of cant. "

Regina smiled and shook her head, and tossing her large strong whitehands restlessly over her pillow, Olga continued:

"Indeed, I am desperately in earnest, and it is a melancholy truththat Longfellow tells us: 'Things are not what they seem. ' You appeardisinclined to believe that I am one of those 'whited sepulchres, 'outwardly fair and comely, but filled with unsavoury dust and uglygrinning skulls? Life is a huge sham, and we are all masked puppets, jumping grotesquely, just as the strongest hands pull the wires. Regina, I have gone to and fro upon the earth long enough to learnthat the most acceptable present is never labelled advice;nevertheless, I would fain warn your unsophisticated young soulagainst some of the pitfalls into which I floundered, and got sadlybruised. Never openly defy or oppose your apparent destiny, so longas it is in the soft hands of that willow wand--your presentguardian. Strategy is better than fierce assault, bloodless cunningthan a gory pitched battle; Cambyses' cats took Pelusium moresuccessfully than the entire Persian army could have done, and thehead dresses Hannibal arranged for his oxen, delivered him from theclutches of Fabius and the legions. In my ignorance of polite andprudent tactics, I dashed into the conflict, yelled, clawed(metaphorically, you understand), and fought like the Austrians atWagram; but of course came out always miserably beaten, with trailingbanners and many gaping wounds. Regina, you might just as well standbelow the Palisades, and fire at them with cartridges of boiled rice, as make open fight with Erle Palma. Be wise and assume the appearanceof submission, no matter how stubbornly you are resolved not to giveup. Don't you know that Cilician geese outwit even the eagles? Inpassing over Taurus, the geese always carry stones in their mouths, and thus by bridling their gabbling tongues they safely cross themountain infested with eagles, without being discovered by theirfoes. I commend to you the strategy of silence. "

"Do not counsel me to be insincere and deceitful. I consider itdishonourable and contemptible. "

"Why will you persist in using words that have been out of style aslong as huge hoop-skirts, coal-scuttle bonnets, and long-tailedfrock-coats? Once, I know, ugly things and naughty ways were calledoutright by their proper, exact names; but you should not forget thatthe world is improving, and _nous avons changé tout cela!_

 'We have that sort of courtesy about us, We would not flatly call a fool a fool. '

I daresay some benighted denizens of the remote rural districts mightbe found, who still say 'tadpole, ' whereas we know only thatembryonic batrachians exist: and it is just possible that in theextreme western wilds a poor girl might rashly state that beingsleepy she intended 'going to bed, ' which you must admit could be aneverlasting stigma and disgrace here, where all refined people merely'retire;' leaving the curious world to conjecture whither, --into thecabinet of a diplomatist, the confession box of a cathedral, the cellof an anchorite, or to that very essential and comfortable piece ofhousehold furniture which at this instant I fully appreciate, andwhich the Romans kept in their _cubiculum_. Even in my childhood, when I was soaped and rubbed and rinsed by my nurse, the place wherethe daily ablution was performed was frankly called a bath-rub in abathroom; but now _créme de la créme_ know only 'lavatory. ' Just so, in the march of culture and reform, such vulgarly nude phrases as'deceitful' have been taken forcibly to a popular tailor, and whenthey are let loose on society again you never dream that youmeet anything but becomingly dressed 'policy;' and fashionable'diplomacy' has hunted 'insincerity'--that other horrid remnant ofold-fogyism--as far away from civilization as are the lava beds ofthe Modocs. If ghosts have risible faculties, how Machiavelli mustlaugh, watching us from the Elysian Fields! Sometimes silence ispower; try it. "

"But is seems to me the line of conduct you advise is cowardly, andthat, I think, I could never be. "

"It is purely from ignorance that you fail to appreciate the valuablesocial organon I want to teach you. Of course you have heard yourguardian quote Emerson? He is a favourite author with some whofrequent the classic halls of the 'Century;' but perhaps you do notknow that he has investigated 'Courage, ' and thrown new light uponthat ancient and rare attribute of noble souls? Now, my dear, indealing with Erle Palma, if you desire to trim the lion's claws, andcrimp his mane, adopt the courage of silence. "

"Have you found it successful?"

"Unfortunately I did not study Emerson early in life, else I nighthave been saved many conflicts, and much useless bloodshed. Now Ibegin to comprehend Tennyson's admonition, 'Knowledge comes, butwisdom lingers, ' and I generously offer to economize your schoolfees, and give you the benefit of my dearly bought experience. "

"Thank you, Olga; but I would rather hear about the wonderful pieceof good fortune, of which you promised to tell me. "

"Ah, I had almost forgotten. Wonderful, glorious good fortune! Theprice of Circassian skins has gone up in the matrimonialslave-market. "

Regina laid aside her sewing, opened her eyes wider, and lookedperplexed. 

"You have not lived in moral Constantinople long enough to comprehendthe terms of traffic? You look like a stupid fawn, the first time thebaying of the hounds scares it from its quiet sleep on dewy moss andwoodland violets! Oh you fair pretty, innocent young thing! Why doesnot some friendly hand strangle you right now, before the pack openon your trial? You ought to be sewed up in white silk, and laid awaysafely under marble, before the world soils and spoils you. "

For a moment a mist gathered in the bright eyes that rested socompassionately, so affectionately on the girlish countenance besideher, and then Olga continued in a lighter and more mocking tone:

"Can you keep a secret?"

"I think so. I will try. "

"Well, then, prepare to envy me. Until yesterday I was poor OlgaNeville, with no heritage but my slender share of good looks, and myample dower of sound pink and white, strawberry and cream flesh, symmetrically spread over a healthy osseous structure. Perhaps you donot know (yet it would be remarkable if some gossip has not told you)that poor mamma was sadly cheated in her second marriage; and afterbargaining with Mammon never collected her pay, and was finally cutoff with a limited annuity which ceases at her death. My own poorfather left nothing of this world's goods, consequently I amunprovided for. We have always been generously and kindly cared for, well fed, and handsomely clothed by Mr. Erle Palma, who, justiceconstrains me to say, in all that pertains to our physicalwell-being, has been almost lavish to both of us. But for some yearsI have lost favour in his eyes, have lived here as it were onsufferance, and my bread of late has not been any sweeter than theordinary batch of charity loaves. Yesterday I was a pensioner on hisbounty, but the god of this world's riches--_i. E. _, Plutus--inconsideration no doubt of my long and faithful worship at his altars, has suddenly had compassion upon me, and to-day I am prospectivelyone of the richest women in New York. Now do you wonder thatCircassia is so jubilant?"

"Do you mean that some one has died, and left you a fortune?"

"Oh no! you idiotic cherub! No such heavenly blessing as that. Plutusis even shrewder than a Wall Street broker, and has a sharp eye tohis own profits. I mean that at last, after many vexatious andgrievous failures, I am promised a most eligible alliance, thehighest market price. Mr. Silas Congreve has offered me his realestate, his stocks of various kinds, his villa at Newport, and hisfine yacht. Congratulate me. "

"He gives them to you? Adopts and makes you his heiress? How verygood and kind of him, and I am so glad to hear it. "

"He offers to many me, you stupid dove!"

"Not that Mr. Congreve who dined here last week, and who is so deaf?"

"That same veritable Midas. You must know he is not deaf from age; ohno! Scarlet fever when he was teething. "

"You do not intend to marry him?"

"Why not? Do you suppose I have gone crazy, and lost the power ofcomputing rents and dividends? Are people ever so utterly mad asthat? If I were capable of hesitating a moment, I should deserve astrait-jacket for the remainder of my darkened days. Why, I amreliably informed that his property is unencumbered, and worth atleast two millions three hundred thousand dollars! I think even dearmamma, who mother-like overrates my charms, never in her rosiestvisions dreamed I could command such a high price. The slave tradeis looking up once more; threatens to grow brisk, in spite ofCongressional prohibition. "

She sat quite erect, with her hands clasped across the back of herhead; a crimson spot burning on each cheek, and an unnatural lustrein her laughing eyes. 

"Olga, do you love him?"

"Now I am sure you are the identical white pigeon that Noah let outof the ark; for nothing less antediluvian could ask such obsolete, such utterly dead and buried questions! I love dearly and sincerelyrich laces, old wines, fine glass, heavy silver, blooded horses fastand fiery, large solitaires, rare camei; and all these comfortablenice little things I shall truly honour, and tenaciously cling to, 'until death us do part, ' and as Mrs. Silas Congreve--hush! Herecomes mamma. "

"Olga, why are you not up and dressed? You accepted the invitation to'lunch' with Mrs. St. Clare, and what excuse can I possibly frame?"

"I have implicit faith in your ingenuity, and give you _carteblanche_ in the manufacture of an apology. "

"And my conscience, Olga?"

"Oh dear! Has it waked up again? I thought you had chloroformed it, as you did the last spell of toothache a year ago. I hope it is not asevere attack this time?"

She took her mother's hand, and kissed it lightly. 

"My daughter, are you really sick?"

"Very, mamma; such fits of palpitation. "

"I never saw you look better. I shall tell no stories for you to Mrs. St. Clare. "

"Cruel mamma! when you know how my tender maidenly sensibilities arejust now lacerated by the signal success of such patient manoeuvring!Tell Mrs. St. Clare that like the man in the Bible who could notattend the supper, because he had married a wife, I stayed at home toponder my brilliant prospects as Madame Silas----"

"Olga!" exclaimed Mrs. Palma, with a warning gesture toward Regina. 

"Do you think I could hide my bliss from her? She knows the honourproffered me, and has promised to keep the secret. "

"Until the gentleman had received a positive and final acceptance, Ishould imagine such confidence premature. "

Mrs. Palma spoke sternly, and withdrew her fingers from herdaughter's clasp. 

"As if there were even a ghost of a doubt as to the final acceptance!As if I dared play this heavy fish an instant, with such a frailline? Ah, mamma! don't tease me by such tactics! I am but aninsignificant mouse, and you and Mr. Congreve are such a grim pair ofcats, that I should never venture the faintest squeak. Don't roll meunder your velvet paws, and pat me playfully, trying to arouse falsehopes of escape, when all the while you are resolved to devour mepresently. Don't! I am a wiry mouse, proud and sensitive, and somemice, it is said, will not permit insult added to injury. "

"Regina, are you ready? I shall take you to Mrs. Brompton's, and itis quite time to start. "

Mrs. Palma looked impatiently at Regina, and as the latter rose toget her hat and wrappings from her own room, she saw the mother leanover the pillows, saw also that the white arms of the girl werequickly thrown up around her neck. 

Soon after, she heard the front door-bell ring, and when she starteddown the steps, Olga called from her room:

"Come in. Mamma has to answer a note before she leaves home. When yougo down, please ask Terry to give a half-bottle of that white winewith the bronze seal to Octave, and tell him to make and send up tome as soon as possible a wine-chocolate. Mrs. Tarrant's long-promisedgrand affair comes off to-night, and I must build myself up for theoccasion. "

"Are you feverish, Olga? Your cheeks are such a brilliant scarlet?"

"Only the fever of delicious excitement, which all young ladies of mysentimental temperament are expected to indulge, when assured thatthe perilous voyage of portionless maidenhood is blissfully ended inthe comfortable harbour of affluent matrimony. Does that feel likeordinary fever?"

She put out her large well-formed hand, and, clasping it between herown, Regina exclaimed:

"How very cold! You are ill, or worse still, you are unhappy. Yourheart is not in this marriage. "

"My heart? It is only an automatic contrivance for propelling theblood through my system, and so long as it keeps me in becomingcolour, I have no right to complain. The theory of hearts enteringinto connubial contracts, is as effete as Stahl's Phlogiston! One ofthe wisest and wittiest of living authors, recognizing the drift ofthe age, offers to supply a great public need, by--'A new propositionand suited to the tendencies of modern civilization, namely, toestablish a universal Matrimonial Agency, as well ordered as theBourse of Paris, and the London Stock Exchange. What is more usefuland justifiable than a Bourse for affairs? Is not marriage an affair?Is anything else considered in it but the proper proportions? Are notthese proportions values capable of rise and fall, of valuation andtariff? People declaim against marriage brokers. What else, I prayyou, are the good friends, the near relations who take tie field, except obliging, sometimes official brokers?' Now, Regina, 'M. Graindorge, ' who makes this proposal to the Parisian world, has livedlong in America, and doubtless received his inspiration in the UnitedStates. Hearts? We modern belles compress our hearts, as the Chinesedo their feet, until they become numb and dwarfed; and some evenroast theirs before the fires of Moloch until they resemble human_pâté de foie gras_. There are a great many valuable truths taught usin the ancient myths, and for rugged unvarnished wisdom commend me tothe Scandinavian. Did you ever read the account of Iduna's captivityin the castle of Thiassi in Jötunheim?"

"I never did, and what is more, I never will, if it teaches people tothink as harshly of the world as you seem to do. "

"You sweet, simple blue-eyed dunce! How shamefully your guardianneglects your education! Never even heard of the Ellewomen? Why, theycompose the most brilliant society all over the world. Iduna was asilly creature, with a large warm heart, and loved her husbanddevotedly; and in order to cure her of this arrant absurd folly shewas carried away and shut up with the Ellewomen, very fair creaturesalways smiling sweetly. The more bitterly the foolish young wife weptand implored their pity, the more pleasantly they smiled at her; andwhen she examined them closely she found that despite their beautythey were quite hollow, were made with no hearts at all, and couldcompassionate no one. I have an abiding faith that they had Borgiahair, hazel eyes, red lips, and sloping white shoulders just likemine. They have peopled the world; a large colony settled in thiscountry, we are nearly all Ellewomen now, and you are an ignorant, wretched little Iduna, _minus_ the apples, and must get rid of yourheart at once, in order to smile constantly as we do. "

"Olga, don't libel yourself and society so unmercifully. Don't marryMr. Congreve. Think how horrible it must be to spend all your lifewith a man whom you do not love!"

"I assure you, that will form no part either of his programme, or ofmine. I shall have my 'societies' (charitable, of course), my dailydrives, my 'Luncheons, ' and box the opera with occasional supper atDelmonico's; and Mr. Congreve will have his Yacht affairs, and WallStreet 'corners' to look after, and will of course spend the majorityof his evenings at that fascinating 'Century, ' which really is theonly thing that your quartz-souled guardian cherishes any affectionfor. "

"But Mr. Palma is not married, and when you are Mr. Congreve's wife, of course instead of going to his club, your husband will expect toremain at home with you. "

"That might be possible in the old-fashioned parsonage where youimbibed so many queer outlandish doctrines; but I do assure you, wehave quite outgrown such an intolerable orthodox system of penance. The less married people see of each other these days, the fewerscalps dangle around the hearthstone. The customs of the matrimonialworld have changed since that distant time when sacrificing to Junoas the Goddess of Wedlock, the gall was so carefully extracted fromthe victim and thrown behind the altar; implying that in married lifeall anger and bitterness should be exterminated. If Tacitus couldrevisit this much-civilized world of the nineteenth century, I wonderif he could find a nation who would tempt him to repeat what he oncewrote concerning the sanctity of marriage among the Germans? 'Therevice is not laughed at, and corruption is not called the fashion. 'Mr. Silas Congreve is much too enlightened to prefer his slippers athome to his place at the club. As for sitting up as a rival in the'Century, ' female vanity never soared to so sublime a height offolly! and if Erle Palma were married forty times, his darling clubwould still hold the first place in his flinty affections. It mustbe a most marvellously attractive place, that bewitching 'Century, 'to magnetize so completely the iron of his nature. I have mysuspicion that one reason why the husbands cling so fondly to itsbeloved precincts is because it corresponds in some respects to thewonderful 'Peacestead' of the Ćsir, whose strongest law was that 'noangry blow should be struck, and no spiteful word spoken within itslimits. ' Hence it is a tempting retreat from the cyclones andtyphoons that sometimes sing among a man's Lares and Penates. In viewof my own gilded matrimonial future, I reverently salute my ally--the'Century!' There! Mamma calls you. Go trill like a canary at theCantata, and waste no sighs on the smiling Ellewoman you leave behindyou. Tell Octave to hurry my wine-chocolate. "

She drew the girl to her, looked at her with sparkling merry eyes, and kissed her softly on each cheek. 

When Regina reached the door and looked back, she saw that Olga hadthrown herself face downward on the bed, and the hands were claspedabove the tanged mass of ruddy hair. 

During the drive, Mrs. Palma was unusually cheerful, almostloquacious, and her companion attributed the agreeable change in hergenerally reticent manner to maternal pride and pleasure in thecontemplated alliance of her only child. 

No reference was made to the subject, and when they reached Mrs. Brompton's, Regina was not grieved to learn that the rehearsal hadbeen postponed until he following day, in consequence of the sicknessof Professor Hurtzsel. 

"Then Farley must take you home, after I get out at Mrs. St. Clare's. The carriage can return for me about four o'clock. "

"That will not be necessary. I wish to go and see Mrs. Mason, who hasbeen out of town since July, and I can very easily walk. She haschanged her lodgings. "

"Have you consulted Erle on the subject?"

"No, ma'am; but I do not think he would object. "

"At least it would be best to obtain his permission, for only lastweek when you stayed so long at that floral establishment, he said heshould forbid your going out alone. Wait till to-morrow. "

"To-morrow I shall have no time, and all my studies are over forto-day. Why should he care? He allows me to go to Mrs. Mason's in thecarriage. "

"It is entirely your own affair, but my advice is to consult him. Atthis hour he is probably in his office; drive down and see him, andif he consents, then go. Here is Mrs. St. Clare's. Farley, take MissOrme to Mr. Palma's office, and be sure you are back here athalf-past three. Don't keep me waiting. "

Never before had Regina gone to the law-office, and to-day she veryreluctantly followed the unpalatable advice; but the urgency of Mrs. Palma's manner constrained obedience. When the carriage stopped, shewent in, feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed, and secretly hopingthat her guardian was absent. At a large desk near the door sat ayoung man intently copying some papers, and as the visitor entered, he rose and stared. "Is Mr. Palma here?"

"He will be in a few moments. Take a seat. "

Hoping to escape before his return, she said hastily: "I have nottime to wait. Can you give me a pencil and piece of paper? I wish toleave a note. "

There were two desks in the apartment, but glancing at their dustyappearance, and then at the dainty pearl-tinted gloves of thestranger, the young man answered hesitatingly:

"You will find writing materials on the desk in the next room. Thedoor is not locked. "

She hurried in, sat down before the desk where a number of paperswere loosely scattered, and took up a pen lying near a handsomebronze inkstand. 

How should she commence? She had never written him a line, and feltperplexed. While debating whether she should say Dear Mr. Palma or MyDear Guardian, her eyes wandered half unconsciously about theapartment, until they were arrested by a large portrait hanging overthe mantlepiece. It was a copy of the picture her mother had directedto be painted by Mr. Harcourt, and which had been sent to Europe. 

This copy differed in some respects from the original portrait; Herohad been entirely omitted, and in the hands of the painted girl wereclusters of beautiful snowy lilies. 

Surprised and gratified that he deemed her portrait worthy of a placein his office, she hastily wrote on a sheet of legal cap:

 "DEAR MR. PALMA, --Having no engagements until to-morrow, I wish to spend the afternoon with Mrs. Mason, who has removed to No. 900, East ---- Street, but Mrs. Palma advised me to ask your permission. Hoping that you will not object to my making the visit, without having waited to see you, I am, "Very respectfully Your ward, REGINA ORME. "

Leaving it open on the desk, where he could not fail to see it, sheglanced once more at the portrait, and hurried away, fearful of beingintercepted ere she reached the carriage. 

"Drive to No. 900, East ---- Street. "

The carriage had not turned the neighbouring corner, when Mr. Palmaleisurely approached his office door, with his thoughts intent uponan important will case, which was creating much interest anddiscussion among the members of the Bar, and which in an appeal formhe had that day consented to argue before the Supreme Court. As heentered the front room, the clerk looked up. 

"Stuart, has Elliott brought back the papers?"

"Not yet, sir. There was a young lady here a moment ago. Did you meether?"

"No. What was her business?"

"She did not say. Asked for you, and would not wait. "

"What name?"

"Did not give any. Think she left a note on your desk. She was theloveliest creature I ever looked at. "

"My desk? Hereafter in my absence allow no one to enter my privateoffice. I did not consider it necessary to caution you, or inform youthat my desk is not public property, but designed for my exclusiveservice. In future when I am out keep that door locked. Step aroundto Fitzgerald's and get that volume of Reports he borrowed lastweek. " The young man coloured, picked up his hat, and disappeared;and the lawyer walked into his sanctum and approached his desk. 

Seating himself in the large revolving chair, his eyes fell instantlyupon the long sheet, with the few lines traced in a delicate femininehand. 

Over his cold face swept a marvellous change, strangely softening itsoutlines and expression. He examined the writing curiously, takingoff his glasses and holding the paper close to his eyes; and hedetected the alteration in the "Dear, " which had evidently beencommenced as "My. "

Laying it open before him, he took the pen, wrote "my" before the"dear, " and drawing a line through the "Regina Orme, " substitutedabove it "Lily. "

In her haste she had left on the desk one glove, and her small ivory_porte-monnaie_ which her mother had sent from Rome. 

He took up the little pearl-grey kid, redolent of Lubin's "violet, "and spread out the almost childishly small fingers on his own broadpalm, which suddenly closed over it like a vice; then with a halfsmile of strange tenderness, in which all the stony sternness of lipsand chin seemed steeped and melted, he drew the glove softly, caressingly over his bronzed cheek. 

Pressing the spring of the purse, it opened and showed him two smallgold dollars, and a five dollar bill. In another compartment, wrappedin tissue paper, was a small bunch of pressed violets, tied with abit of blue sewing silk. Upon the inside of the paper was written:

"Gathered at Agra. April 8th, 18--. "

He knew Mr. Lindsay's handwriting, and his teeth closed firmly as herefolded the paper, and put the purse and glove in the inside breastpocket of his coat. Placing the note in an envelope, he addressed itto "Erle Palma, " and locked it up in a private drawer. 

Raising his brilliant eyes to the lovely girlish face on the wall, hesaid slowly, sternly:

"My Lily, and she shall be broken, and withered, and laid to rest inGreenwood, before any other man's hand touches hers. My Lily, housedsacredly in my bosom; blooming only in my heart. "

CHAPTER XX. 

Dismissing the carriage at the corner of the square, near which sheexpected to find Mrs. Mason located in more comfortable lodging, Regina walked on until she found the building of which she was inquest, and rang the bell. It was situated in a row of plain, unpretending but neat tenement houses, kept thoroughly repaired; andthe general appearance of the neighbourhood indicated that thetenants though doubtless poor were probably genteel, and had formerlybeen in more affluent circumstances. 

The door was opened by a girl apparently half grown, who stated thatMrs. Mason had rented the basement rooms, and that her: visitors wereadmitted through the lower entrance, as a different set of lodgershad the next floor. She offered to show Regina the way, and knockingat the basement door, the girl suddenly remembered that she had seenMrs. Mason visiting at the house directly opposite. 

"Wait, miss, and I will run across and call her. "

While standing at the lower door, and partly screened by the flightof steps leading to the rooms above, Regina saw a figure advancingrapidly along the sidewalk, a tall figure whose graceful carriage wasunmistakable; and as the person ran up the steps of the next house inthe row, and impatiently pulled the bell, Regina stepped forward andlooked up. 

A gust of wind just then blew aside the thick brown veil thatconcealed the countenance, and showed for an instant only thestrongly marked yet handsome profile of Olga Neville. 

The door opened; her low inaudible question was answered in theaffirmative, and Olga was entering, when the skirt of her dress washeld by a projecting nail, and in disengaging it, she caught aglimpse of the astonished countenance beneath the steps. She paused, leaned over the balustrade, threw up both hands with a warninggesture, then laid her finger on her lips, and hurried in, closingthe door behind her. 

"The lady says Mrs. Mason was there, but left her about a quarter ofan hour ago. What name shall I give when she comes home?"

"Tell her Regina Orme called, and was very sorry she missed seeingher. Say I will try to come again on Sunday afternoon, if the weatheris good. Who lives in the next house?"

"A family named Eggleston. I hear they sculp and paint for a living. Good-day, miss. I won't forget to tell the old lady you called. "

Walking leisurely homeward, Regina felt sorely perplexed in trying toreconcile Olga's plea of indisposition and her lingering in bed, withthis sudden appearance in that distant quarter of the city, and herevident desire to conceal her face, and to secure silence with regardto the casual meeting. Was Mrs. Palma acquainted with her daughter'smovements, or was the girl's nervous excitement of the morningindirectly connected with some mystery, of which the mother did noteven dream? That some adroitly hidden sorrow was the secret spring ofOlga's bitterness toward Mr. Palma, and the unfailing source of herunjust and cynical railings against that society into which sheplunged with such inconsistent recklessness, Regina had longsuspected; and her conjecture was strengthened by the stonyimperturbability with which her guardian received the sarcasms oftenaimed at him. Whatever the solution, delicacy forbade all attempts tolift the veil of concealment, and resolving to banish unfavourablesuspicion concerning a woman to whom she had become sincerelyattached, Regina directed her steps toward one of the numerous smallparks that beautify the great city, and furnish breathing andgambolling space for the helpless young innocents, who are debarredall other modes of "airing, " save such as are provided by the noblemunificence of New York. The day, though cold, was very bright, thesky a cloudless grey-blue, the slanting beams of the sun filling theatmosphere with gold-dust; and in crossing the square to gain thestreet beyond Regina was attracted by a group of children rompingalong the walk, and laughing gleefully. 

One a toddling wee thing, with a scarlet cloak that swept the ground, and a hood of the same warm tint drawn over her curly yellow hair anddimpled round face, had fallen on the walk, unheeded by herboisterous companions, and becoming entangled in the long garmentcould not get up again. Pausing to lift the little creature to herfeet, and restore the piece of cake that had escaped from the chubbyhand, Regina stood smiling sympathetically at the sport of the largerchildren, and wondering whether all those rosy-cheeked "olivebranches" clustered around one household altar. 

At that moment a heavy hand was placed on her shoulder, and turningshe saw at her side a powerful man, thick set in stature, and whoseclothing was worn and soiled. Beneath a battered hat drawnsuspiciously low she discerned a swarthy, flushed, saturninecountenance, which had perhaps once been attractive, before the sealof intemperance marred and stained its lineament. Somewhere shecertainly had seen that dark face, and a sensation of vague terrorseized her. 

"Regina, it is about time you should meet and recognize me. "

The voice explained all; she knew the man whom Hannah bad met in thechurchyard on the evening of the storm. 

She made an effort to shake off his hand, but it closed firmly uponher, and he asked:

"Do you know who I am?"

"Your name is Peleg, and you are a wicked man, an enemy of mymother. "

"The same, I do not deny it. But recollect I am also your father. "

She stared almost wildly at him, and her face blanched and quiveredas she uttered a cry of horror. 

"It is false! You are not--you never could have been! You--Oh!never--never!"

So terrible was the thought that she staggered, and sank down on aniron seat, covering her face with her hands. 

"This comes of separating father and child, and rising you above yourproper place in the world. Your mother taught you to hate me, I knewshe would; but I have waited as long as I can bear it, and I intendto assert my rights. Who do you suppose is your father? Whose childdid she say you were?"

"She never told me, but I know--O God, have mercy upon me! You cannotbe my father! It would kill me to believe it!"

She shuddered violently, and when he attempted to put his hand onhers, she drew back and cried out, almost fiercely:

"Don't touch me! If you dare, I will scream for a policeman. "

"Very well, as soon as you please, and when he comes I will explainto him that you arc my daughter; and if necessary I will carry youboth to the spot where you were born, and prove the fact. Do you knowwhere you were born? I guess Minnie did not see fit to tell you that, either. Well, in was in that charity hospital on ---- Street, and Ican tell you the year, and the day of the month. My child, you mightat least pity, and not insult your poor unhappy father. "

Could it be possible after all? Her head swam; her heart seemedbursting; her very soul sickened, as she tried to realize all thathis assertion implied. What could he expect to accomplish by such aclaim, unless he intended, and felt fully prepared, to establish itby irrefragable facts?

"My girl, your mother deserted me before you were born, and has neverdared to let you know the truth. She is living in disguise in Europe, under an assumed name, and only last week I found out herwhereabouts. She calls herself Mrs. Orme now, and has turned actress. She was born one; she has played a false part all her life. Do youthink your name is Orme? My dear child, it is untrue, and I, PelegPeterson, am your father. "

"No, no! My mother, my beautiful, refined mother never, never couldhave loved you! Oh! it is too horrible! Go away, please go away! or Ishall go mad. "

She bound her hands tightly across her eyes, shutting out theloathsome face, and in the intensity of her agony and dread shegroaned aloud. If it were true, could she hear it, and live? Whatwould Mr. Lindsay think, if he could see that coarse brutal manclaiming her as his daughter? What would her haughty guardian say, ifhe who so sedulously watched over her movements, and fastidiouslychose her associates, could look upon her now?

Born in a. Hospital, owning that repulsive countenance there besideher as parent?

Heavy cold drops oozed out, and glistened on her brow, and sheshivered from head to foot, rocking herself to and fro. 

Almost desperate as she thought of the mysterious circumstances thatseemed to entangle her mother as in some inextricable net, the girlsuddenly started up, and exclaimed:

"It is a fraud, a wicked fraud, or you would never have left me solong in peace. My father was, must have been, a gentleman; I know, Ifeel it! You are--you--Save me, O Lord in heaven, from such a curseas that!"

He grasped her arm and hissed:

"I am poor and obscure, it is true; but Peterson is better than noname at all, and if you are not my child, then you have no name. Thatis all; take your choice. "

What a pall settled on earth and sky! The sun shining so brightly inthe west grew black, and a shadow colder and darker than death seizedher soul. Was it the least of alternate horrors to accept this man, acknowledging his paternal claim, and thereby defend her mother'sname? How the lovely sad face of that young mother rose like a star, gilding all this fearful blackness; and her holy abiding faith in hermother proved a strengthening angel in this Gethsemane. 

Rallying, she forced herself to look steadily at her companion. 

"You say that your name is Peleg Peterson; why did you never comeopenly to the parsonage and claim me? I know that my mother wasmarried in that house, by Mr. Hargrove. "

"Because I never could find out where you were hid away, until myaunt, Hannah Hinton, told me the week before the great storm. Thenshe promised me the marriage license, which she had found in a deskat the parsonage, on condition that I would not disturb you; as shethought you were happy and well-cared for, and would be highlyeducated, and I was too miserably poor to give you any advantages. You know the license was burned by lightning, else I would show it toyou. "

"Proving that you are my mother's legal husband?"

"Certainly, else what use do you suppose I had for it. "

"Oh no! You intended to sell it. Hannah told me so. "

"No such thing. Minnie does not want to own me now, and I intended toshow the license to the father of the man for whom she deserted bothyou and me. She has followed him to Europe, though she knows he is amarried man. "

"It is false! How dare you! You shall not slander her dear name. Mymother could never have done that! There is some foul conspiracy toinjure her; not another word against her! No matter what may havehappened, no matter how dark and strange things look, she was not toblame. She is right, always right; I know, I feel it! I tell you, ifthe sun and the stars, and the very archangels in heaven accused her, I would not listen, I would not believe--no--never! She is my mother, do you hear me? She is my mother, and God's own angels would goastray as soon as she!"

She looked as white and rigid as a corpse twelve hours dead, and herlarge defiant eyes burned with a supernatural lustre. 

He comprehended the nature with which he had to deal, and after apause, said sullenly:

"Minnie does not deserve such a child, and it is hard that you, myown flesh and blood, refuse to recognize me. Regina, I am desperatelypoor, or I would take you now, forcibly if necessary; and if Minniedared deny my claim, I would publish the facts in a court of justice. Even your guardian is deceived, and many things would come to light, utterly disgraceful to you, and to your father and mother. But atpresent I cannot take care of you, and I am in need, actual need. Will my child see her own father want bread and clothing, and refuseto assist him? Can you not contribute something toward my support, until I can collect some money due me? If you can help me a littlenow, I will try to be patient, and leave you where you are, in luxuryand peace; at least till I can hear from Minnie, to whom I havewritten. "

"Why do you not go at once to my guardian, and demand me?"

"If you wish it I will, before sunset. Come, I am ready. But when Ido, the facts will be blazoned to the world, and you and Minnie and Ishall all go down together in disgrace and ruin. If you are willingto drag all the shameful history into the papers, I am ready now. "

He rose, but she shrank away, and putting her hand in her pocket, became aware of the loss of her purse. Had she been robbed, or hadshe dropped her _porte-monnaie_ in the carriage?

"I have not a cent with me. I have lost my purse since I left home. "

She saw the gloomy scowl that lowered on his brow. "When can you giveme some money? Mind, it must not be known that I am literallybegging. I am as proud, my daughter, as you are, and if people findout that I am getting alms from you, I shall explain that it is frommy own child I receive aid. "

A feeble gleam of hope stole across her soul, and rapidly shereflected on the best method of escape. 

"I have very little money, but to-morrow I will send you through thepost office every cent I possess. How shall I address it?"

He shook his head. 

"That would not satisfy me. I want to see you again, to look at yoursweet face. Do you think I do not love my child? Meet me here thistime to-morrow. "

Each word smote like pelting hailstones, and he saw all her loathingprinted on her face. 

"I have an engagement that may detain me beyond this hour; but if Ilive, I will be as punctual as circumstances permit. "

"If you tell Palma you have seen me, he must know everything, forMinnie has hired him to help her deceive you and the world, and allthe while she has kept the truth from him. Shrewd as he is, she hascompletely duped him. If he learns you have been with me, I shallunmask everything; and when he washes his hands of you and yourmother, I will take you where you shall never lay your eyes again onthe two who have taught you to hate me--Minnie and Palma. My child, do you understand me?"

She shuddered as he leaned toward her, and stepping back, sheanswered resolutely:

"That threat will prove very effectual. I will meet you here, bringing the little money I have, and will keep this awful day asecret from all but God, who never fails to protect the right. "

"You promise that?"

"What else is left me? My guardian shall know nothing from me until Ican hear from my mother, to whom I shall write this night. Do notdetain me. My absence will excite suspicion. "

"Good-bye, my daughter. "

He held out his hand. 

She looked at him, and her lips writhed as she tried to contemplatefor an instant the bare possibility that after all he might be herparent. She forced herself to hold out her left hand which wasgloved, but he had scarcely grasped her fingers, when she snatchedthem back, turned and darted away, while he called after her:

"This time to-morrow. Don't fail. "

The glory of the world, and the light of her young life had suddenlybeen extinguished, and fearful spectres vague and menacing throngedthe future. Death appeared a mere trifle in comparison with thelifelong humiliation, perhaps disgrace, that was in store for her;and bitterly she demanded of fate, why she had been reared sotenderly, so delicately, in an atmosphere of honour and refinement, if destined to fall at last into the hands of that coarse viciousman? The audacity of his claim almost overwhelmed her faint hope thatsome infamous imposture was being practised at her expense; and theseverity of the shock, the intensity of her mental suffering, rendered her utterly oblivious of everything else. 

At another time she would doubtless have heard and recognized afamiliar step that followed her from the moment she quitted thesquare; but to-day, almost stupefied, she hurried along the pavement, mechanically turning the corners, looking neither to right nor left. 

Fifth Avenue was a long way off, and it was late in the afternoonwhen she reached home, and ran up to her own room, anxious to escapeobservation. 

Hattie was arranging some towels on the washstand, and turningaround, exclaimed:

"Good gracious, miss! You are as white as the coverlid on the bed! Iguess something has happened?"

"I am not well. I am tired, so tired. Have they all come home?"

"Yes, and there will be company to dinner. Two gentlemen, Terry said. Are you going to wear that dress?"

"I don't want any dinner. If they ask for me, tell Mrs. Palma I feelvery badly, and that I beg she will excuse me. Where is Olga?"

"Busy trimming her overskirt with flowers. You know Mrs. Tarrantgives her ball to-night, and Miss Olga says she has saved herself, rested all day, to be fresh for it. Lou-Lou has just come to dressher hair. What a pity you can't go too, you look quite old enough. Miss Olga has such a gay, splendid time. "

"I do not want to go. I only wish I could lie down and sleep forever. Shut the door, and ask them all please to let me alone thisevening. "

How the richness of the furniture and the elegance that prevailedthroughout this house mocked the threadbare raiment andpoverty-stricken aspect of the man who threatened to drag her down tohis own lower plane of life and association? Her innate pride, andher cultivated fondness for all beautiful objects, rebelled at thepicture which her imagination painted in such sombre hues, and with abitter cry of shame and dread she bowed her head against the marblemantlepiece. 

For many years she had known that some unfortunate cloud hung overher own and her mother's history, but faith in the latter, and aperfect trust in the wisdom and goodness of Mr. Hargrove, hadencouraged her in every previous hour of disquiet and apprehension. Until to-day the positive and hideous ghoul of disgrace had neveractually confronted her, and with the intuitive hopefulness of youth, she had waved aside all forebodings, believing that at the propertime her mother would satisfactorily explain the necessity for themystery of her conduct. Was Mr. Lindsay acquainted with some terribletrouble that threatened her future when in bidding her farewell hehad said he would gladly shield her, were it possible, from trialsthat he foresaw would be her portion?

Did he know all, and would he love her less, if that bold bad manshould prove his paternal claim to her? Her father! As she tried toface the possibility, it was with difficulty that she smothered apassionate cry, and throwing herself across the foot of the bed, buried her face in her hands. 

If she could only run away and go to India, where Mr. Lindsay wouldshield, pity, and love her! How gratefully she thought of him at thisjuncture, --how noble, tender, and generous he had always been! what ahaven of safety and rest his presence would be now!

As a very dear brother she had ever regarded him, for her affection, though intense and profound, was as entirely free from all taint ofsentimentality, as that which she entertained for his mother; and herpure young heart had never indulged a feeling that could havecoloured her cheek with confusion had the world searched itsrecesses. 

Were Douglass accessible, she would unhesitatingly have sprung intohis protecting arms, as any suffering young sister might have done, and, fully unburdening her soul, would have sought brotherly counsel;but in his absence, to whom was it possible for her to turn?

To her guardian? As she thought of his fastidious overweening pride, his haughty scorn of everything plebeian, his detestation of all thatappertained to the ranks of the ill-bred, a keen pang of almostintolerable shame darted through her heart, and a burning tide surgedover her cheeks, painting them fiery scarlet. Would he accord her theshelter of his roof, were he aware of all that had occurred that day?

She started up, prompted by a sudden impulse to seek him and divulgeeverything; to ask how much was true, to demand that he would sendher at once to her mother. 

Perhaps he could authoritatively deny that man's statements, andcertainly he was far too prudent to assume guardianship of a girlwhose real parentage was unknown to him. 

Implicit confidence in his wisdom and friendship, and earnestgratitude for the grave kindness of his conduct toward her since shebecame an inmate of his house, had gradually displaced the fear andaversion that formerly influenced her against him; and just now theonly comfort she could extract from any quarter arose from thereflection that in every emergency Mr. Palma would protect her fromharm and insult, until he could place her under her mother's care. 

Two years of daily association had taught her to appreciate thesternness and tenacity of his purpose, and his stubborn iron will, sooften dreaded before, now became a source of consolation, a tower ofrefuge to which in extremity she could retreat. 

But if she were indeed the low-born girl that man had dared toassert, and Mr. Palma should learn that he had been deceived, howcould she ever meet his coldly contemptuous eyes?

Some one tapped at the door, but she made no response, hoping shemight be considered asleep. Mrs. Palma came in, groping her way. 

"Why have you not a light?"

"I did not need one. I only wanted to be quiet. "

"Where are the matches?"

"On the mantlepiece. "

Mrs. Palma lighted the gas, then came to the bed. 

"Regina, are you ill, that you obstinately absent yourself when youknow there is company to dinner?"

"I feel very badly indeed, and I hoped you would excuse me. "

"Have you fever? You seemed very well when I parted from you at Mrs. St. Clare's door. "

"No fever, I think; but I felt unable to go downstairs. I shall bebetter to-morrow. "

"Erle desired me to say that he wishes to see you this evening, andyou must come down to the library about nine o'clock. He has gone tohis office, and you know he will be displeased if you fail to obeyhim. "

"Please, Mrs. Palma, tell him I am not able. Ask him to excuse methis evening. Intercede for me, will you not?"

"Oh! I never interfere when Erle gives an order. Beside, I shall notsee him again before midnight. I am going with Olga to Mrs. Tarrant's, and must leave home quite early because I promised to callfor Melissa Gardner and chaperon her. Of course she will not beready, young ladies never are, and we shall have to wait. It is onlyeight o'clock now, and an hour's sleep will refresh you. I willdirect Hattie to call you, when your guardian comes in. Do yourequire any medicine? You do look very badly. "

"Only rest, I think. Can't you persuade Mr. Palma to go to the party, or ball, or whatever it may be?"

"He has promised to drop in, toward the close of the evening andescort us home. Quite a compliment to Mrs. Tarrant, for Erle rarelydeigns to honour such entertainments; but her husband is a prominentlawyer, and a college friend of Erle's. Good-night. "

She went out, closing the door softly, and Regina felt more desolatethan ever. Was Mr. Palma displeased, because she had gone visitingwithout waiting for his consent? If she had been more patient, mightnot this fearful discovery have been averted? Was her sorrow part ofthe wages of her disobedient haste?

What had become of her purse? How could she without excitingsuspicion obtain the money she had so positively promised?

She rang the bell, and sent Hattie to request Farley to examine thecarriage, and see if she had not dropped her _porte-monnaie_ intosome of its crevices. It was a long time before the servant returned, alleging in excuse that she had been detained to assist is dressingMiss Olga. Farley had searched everywhere, and could not find thepurse. 

Hattie hurried away to Mrs. Palma, and Regina unlocked a small drawerof her bureau, and took out what remained of her semi-annualallowance of pocket money. She counted it carefully, but found onlythirteen dollars. 

If she could have recovered her _porte-monnaie_ she would have hadtwenty dollars to offer, and even that seemed mockingly insufficient, as the price of silence, of temporary escape from humiliation. 

What could she do? She had never asked a cent from her guardian, andthe necessity of appealing to him was inexpressibly mortifying; butto whom could she apply?

"'But Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one ofthese'--society tiger lilies. "

The door swung wide open, and as she spoke Olga seemed to swim intothe room, so quick yet noiseless was her entrance. 

At the sound of her voice, Regina dropped the money back into thedrawer, and turned to inspect the elegant toilette, which consistedof gold-coloured silk and Mechlin lace, rich yellow roses withsulphurous hearts, and a very complete set of topaz, which flashedamber rays over the neck, ears, and arms of the wearer. With herbrilliant complexion, sparkling eyes, and hair elaborately powderedwith gold dust, she seemed a vision of light, at whom Regina gazedwith unfeigned admiration. 

"Beautiful, Olga; beautiful. "

"The textile fabrics, the silk and lace? Or the human framework, theflesh and blood machine that serves as lay figure to show off thestatuesque folds, the creamy waves of cosily Mechlin, the Persianroses, and expensive pebbles?"

"Both. The dress, and the wearer. I never saw you look so well. "

"Thanks. Behold the result of the morning's self-denial, of a daypassed quietly in bed, with only the companionship of pillows anddreams. I was forced to choose between Mrs. St. Clare's 'lunch' andMrs. Tarrant's 'crush, ' 'not that I love Cćsar less, but that I loveRome more;' and the success of my strategy is brilliant. Am I not thecomplete impersonation of sunshine? How deadly white and chill youlook! Come closer and warm yourself in my glorious rays. Do you scoutoneiriomancy as a heathenish fable? To-day I unexpectedly became aconvert to its sublime secrets. After you and mamma deserted me forCantata and Luncheon, I fell into a heavy sleep, and dreamed that Iwas Danć, with a mist of gold drizzling over me; and lo! when I beganto dress this evening, my dazzled eyes beheld these superb topazgems. 'Compliments of Mr. Erle Palma, who thought they wouldharmonize with the gold-coloured silk, and ordered them for theoccasion. ' So said the card lying on the velvet case! Do you wonderif the world is coming to its long-predicted end? Not at all; merelythe close of Olga Neville's career; the sun of my maidenhood settingin unexpected splendour. Do you understand that scriptural paradox:'To him that hath shall be given, but from him that hath not shall betaken, ' etc. , etc? Once when I was better than I am now, and studiedmy Bible, it puzzled me; now I know it means that stiff-necked OlgaNeville finds no favour in Mr. Palma's eyes; but the obedient, andamiable, prospective Mrs. Silas Congreve shall be furnished withgewgaws, which very soon she will possess in abundance, and to spare. Just now mamma gave me the delightful intelligence that, having beeninformed of my intention to trade myself off for stocks andbrown-stone-fronts, her very distinguished and magnanimous stepsonsignified his approbation by announcing his determination to settleten thousand dollars on this Lucretia Borgia head, upon the day whenit wears a bridal veil. "

All this was uttered volubly, as if she feared interruption; and shestood surveying her brilliant image in the mirror, shaking out thesilk skirt, looping the lace, arranging the rose leaves and turning, so as to catch her profile reflection. 

Regina readily perceived that she adopted this method of ignoring thecasual meeting in East ---- Street, and resolved to tacitly acceptthe cue; but before she could frame a reply, Olga hurried on:

"Were you really sick and unable to dine, or are you practising thefirst steps, the initial measure of that policy system, so cordiallycommended to your favourable regard? You missed an unusually gooddinner. Octave seems to have days of culinary inspiration, and thishas been one. The _turbot ŕ la cręme_ was fit for Lucullus, thenoyeau-flavoured _gauffres_ as crisp as criticism, as light as one ofTaglioni's movements, the marbled _glacés_ simply perfect. But whenyour chair remained vacant your guardian darkened like athunder-cloud in an August sky, and Roscoe, poor Elliott Roscoe, looked precisely as I imagine a hungry wolf feels, when crouching tocatch a tender ewe lamb he finds that the watchful shepherd hassafely locked it in the fold. Evidently he believes that you and ErlePalma have conspired to starve him out, and really he is ludicrouslyirate. Don't trifle with his expanding affections; they are not quitefledged yet, and are easily bruised. Deal with him kindly; he isbetter than his cousin, better than any of us. What have you done torender him so unmanageable?

"I have not seen Mr. Roscoe for a week. "

"Certainly he has seen you in much less time--he imagines, asrecently as this afternoon; but appearances are desperatelydeceitful, and our fancy often manufactures likenesses. In this worldof fleeting shadows we are often called upon to reject the evidenceof all five of the senses, and what madness, what culpable folly, tocredit that of mere treacherous sight! Shall I tell Elliott that hewas dreaming, and did not see you?"

"I have no message for him. That he may have seen me sometime to-day, walking upon the street, is quite possible, but certainly of noconsequence. Your bracelet has become unfastened. "

She bent down to clasp the topaz crescent, and Olga laid her hand onthe girl's shoulder. 

"Something pains you very much, and your face has not yet learned thegreat feminine art of masking misery in smiles, and burying it indimples. Mind, dear, I do not ask, I do not wish to know what yourhidden fox is, preying so ravenously upon your vitals. Sooner orlater the punishment of the Spartan thief overtakes us all, and aftera while you will learn to bear the gnawing as gaily as I do. I don'twant to know your secret wound, I should only lacerate it with mycallous policy handling, only torment you by pouring into its gapingmouth the vitriol of my fashionable worldly philosophy, whichconsumes what it touches. How I wish stupid society would stand asideand let me do you a genuine kindness; open your blue veins and letout gently--slowly--all the pangs and throbs. Dear, it would be ablessing, like that man in the East who stabbed his devoted wife ather request, because he loved her and wished to put her at rest; butsomething very blind indeed, and which under the cloak of Law mocksand outrages justice, would blindly hang me! This is the age of Law;even miracles are severely forbidden, and if the herd of Gadareneswine had miraculously perished in this generation and country, ourLord and His disciples would have inevitably been sued for damages. Don't you know that Erle Palma would have been engaged for theprosecution? Yes, mamma! quite ready, and coming, Go to sleep, snowdrop, and dream that you are like me, a topaz-bedizened_odalisque_ swimming in sunshine. "

She stooped, kissed the girl softly on both cheeks, and lookedtenderly, pityingly at her; then suddenly gathered her close to herheart, holding her there an instant, as if to shelter her from someimpending storm. 

"If you love your mother, and she loves you, run away now and joinher, before the chains are tightened. Your guardian is settingsnares; little white rabbit, flee for your life, while escape ispossible. "

She floated away like some dazzling gilded cloud, and a moment laterher peculiarly light merry laugh rang through the hall below, as sheran down to join her mother. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Unable to throw off the load of painful apprehension that weighed soheavily on her heart, Regina derived some consolation from thereflection that she was entirely alone in the house, and could atleast escape scrutiny and curious criticism; for she hoped that Mr. Palma, forgetting her, would go directly from his office to Mrs. Tarrant's, allowing her a reprieve until morning. During the secondyear of her residence beneath his roof, she had at his request takenher breakfast with him, sitting at the head of the table, where Mrs. Palma presided at all other times. Olga and her mother generallyslept quite late, and consequently Regina now looked forward withdread to the _tęte-ŕ-tęte_ awaiting her next morning. 

A few days subsequent to the Sunday afternoon on which her guardianhad so unexpectedly accompanied her to church, she had beenpleasantly surprised by finding in the library a handsome Mason &Hamlin parlour organ; on which lay a slip of paper, expressing Mr. Palma's desire that she would consider it exclusively hers, andsometimes play upon it for him. But an unconquerable timidity andrepugnance to using the instrument when he was at home had preventeda compliance with the request, which was never repeated. 

To-night the thought of the organ brought dear and comfortingmemories, and feeling quite secure from intrusion she went down tothe library. As usual the room was bright and comfortable as gas andanthracite could make it, and failing to observe a sudden movement ofthe curtains hanging over the recess behind the writing-desk, Reginaentered, closed the door and walked up to the glowing grate. 

Beneath her mother's portrait sat the customary floral offering, which on this occasion consisted of double white and blue violets, and standing awhile on the hearth, the girl gazed up at the picturewith mournful, longing tenderness. Could that proud lovely face everhave owned as husband, the coarser, meaner, and degraded clay, whothat afternoon had dared with sacrilegious presumption to speak ofher as "Minnie"?

What was the mystery, and upon whom must rest the blame, possibly thelifelong shame?

"Not you, dear sad-eyed mother. Let the whole world condemn, deride, and despise us; but only your own lips shall teach me to doubt you. Everything else may crumble beneath me, all may drift away; but faithand trust in mother shall stand fast--as Jacob's ladder, linking mewith the angels who will surely come down its golden rounds andcomfort me. Oh, mother I the time has come when you and I must clasphands and fight the battle together; and God will be merciful to theright. "

Standing there in her blue cashmere dress, relieved by dainty collarand cuffs of lace, she seemed indeed no longer a young almostchildish girl, but one who had passed the threshold and entered themysterious realm of early womanhood. 

Rather below than above medium height, her figure was exquisitelymoulded, and the beautiful head was poised on the shoulders with thatindescribable proud grace one sometimes sees in perfect marblesculpture. But the delicate woeful Oenone face, as white andgleaming under its shining coil of ebon hair, as a statue carved fromthe heart of Lygdos; how shall mere words ever portray its peculiarloveliness, its faultless purity? Unconsciously she had paused in theexact position selected for that beautiful figure of "Faith" whichPalmer has given to the world; and standing with drooping claspedhands and uplifted eyes gazing upon her mother's portrait, as the"Faith" looks to the lonely cross above her the resemblance in formand features was so striking, that all who have studied thatexquisite marble can readily recall the countenance of the girl inthe library. 

Turning away, she opened the organ, drew out the stops and began toplay. 

As the soft yet sacredly solemn strains rolled through the long room, hallowed associations of the old parsonage life floated up, clustering like familiar faces around her. Once more she heard thecooing of ring-doves in the honeysuckle, and the loved voices, nowsilent in death, or far, far away among the palms of India. 

"Cast thy burden on the Lord" had been one of their favouriteselections at V----, and now hoping for comfort she sang it. 

It was the first time she had attempted it since the evening beforethe storm, when Mr. Lindsay had sung it with her, while Mr. Hargrovesoftly hummed the base, as he walked up and down the verandah, withhis arm on his sister's shoulder. 

How many holy memories rushed like a flood over her heart and soul, burying for a time the bitter experience of to-day!

Unable to conclude the song, she leaned back in her chair, and gaveway to the tears that rolled swiftly down her cheeks. 

So wan and hopeless was her face that Mr. Palma, watching her fromthe curtained alcove, came quickly forward. 

He was elegantly dressed in full evening toilette, and, throwing hiswhite gloves on the table, approached his ward. 

At sight of him she started up, and hastily wiped away the tears thatobstinately dripped despite her efforts. 

"Oh, sir! I hoped you would forget to come home, and would go to Mrs. Tarrant's. I did not know you were in the house. "

"I never forget my duties, and though I am going to Mrs. Tarrant'safter a while, I attend to 'business before pleasure'; it has been mylifelong habit. "

His new suit of black, and the white vest and cravat were singularlybecoming to him. He was aware of the fact; and even in the midst ofher anxiety and depression, Regina thought she had never seen himlook so handsome. 

"I wish to ask you a few questions. Was it actual bodily sickness, physical pain, that kept you in your room during dinner, at which Iparticularly desired your attendance?"

"I cannot say that it was. "

"You had no fever, no headache, no fainting-spell?"

"No, sir. "

"Then why did you absent yourself?"

"I felt unhappy, and shrank from seeing any one: especially strangeguests. "

"Unhappy? About what?"

"My heart ached, and I wished to be alone. "

"Heart-ache, so early? However, you are in your seventeenth year, quite old enough, I suppose, for the premonitory symptoms. What gaveyou heart-ache?"

She was silent. 

"You feared my displeasure, knowing I had cause to feel offended, when making a pretence of deferring to my wishes, you hurried awayfrom my office, just as I was returning to it? Why did you not wait?"

"I was afraid you would refuse your permission, and I wanted so verymuch to go to Mrs. Mason's. "

Above all other virtues he reverenced and admired stern unvarnishedtruth, and this strong element of her reticent nature had powerfullyattracted him. 

"Little girl, am I such a stony-hearted ogre?" A strangely genialsmile wanned and brightened his usually grave cold face, andcertainly at that moment Erle Palma showed one aspect of his naturenever exhibited before to any human being. 

"What a fascinating person this poor old Mrs. Mason must be;absolutely tempting you to disobedience. Does she not correspond withthe saints in Oude?"

"If you mean Mr. Lindsay and his mother, she certainly hears fromthem occasionally. "

"Why not phrase it Mrs. Lindsay and her son? Was it the dreadful newsthat malarial fever is epidemic at the Missions, or that the Sepoysare threatening another revolt, that destroyed your appetite, unfitted you for the social amenities at the dinner-table, and gaveyou heart-ache?"

"If there is such bad news, I did not hear it Mrs. Mason was not athome. "

"Indeed! Then whom did you see?"

"When I ascertained she was absent, I had already sent the carriageaway, and I came home, after stopping a few moments in ---- Square. "

She grew very white as she spoke, and he saw her lips quiver. 

"Regina, what is the matter?"

She did not reply; and bending toward her, he said in a low, winningvoice entirely unlike his usual tone:

"Lily, trust your guardian. "

Looking into his brilliant eyes, she felt tempted to tell him all, torepose implicitly upon his wisdom and guidance, but the image ofPeleg Peterson rose like a hideous warning spectre. 

Readily interpreting the varying expression of a countenance which hehad so long and carefully studied, he continued:

"You wish to tell me frankly, yet you shrink from the ordeal. Lily, what have you done that you blush to confess to me?"

"Nothing, sir. "

"Why then do you hesitate?"

"Because other persons are involved. Oh, Mr. Palma! I am veryunhappy. "

She clasped her hands, and bowed her chin upon them, a peculiarposition into which sorrow always drove her. 

"I inferred as much, from your manner while at the organ. I am verysorry that my house is not a happy home for my ward. Have you beensubjected to any annoyances from the members of my household?"

"None whatever. All are kind and considerate. But I can never besatisfied till I see my mother. I shall write tonight, imploring herpermission to join her in Europe, and I beg that you will please useyour influence in favour of my wishes. Oh, sir, do help me to go tomy mother!"

His smile froze, his face hardened; and he led her to a low sofacapable of seating only two persons, and drawn near the fire. 

"Madame Orme does not want her daughter just yet"

"But I want my mother. Oh, I must go!"

He took both her hands as they lay folded in her lap, opened theclenched fingers, clasping them softly in his own, so white andshapely, and his black eyes glittered:

"Am I cruel and harsh to my Lily, that she is so anxious to run awayfrom her guardian?"

"No, sir, oh no! Kind and very good, consulting what you consider mywelfare in all things. But you can't take mother's place in myheart. "

"I assure you, little girl, I do not want your mother's place. "

Something peculiar in his tone arrested her notice, and lifting herlarge lovely eyes she met his searching gaze. 

"That is right, keep your eyes so, fixed steadily on mine, while Idischarge a rather delicate and embarrassing duty, which sometimesdevolves upon the grim guardians of pretty young ladies. In yourmother's absence I am supposed to occupy a _quasi_ parental positiontoward you; and am the authorized custodian of your secrets, shouldyou, like most persons of your age, chance to possess any. Yourmother, you are aware, invested me with this right as her vicegerent, consequently you must pardon the inquisition into the state of youraffections, which just now I am compelled to make. Although Iconsider you entirely too young for such grave propositions, it isnevertheless proper that I should be the medium of their presentationwhen they become inevitable. Upon the tender and very susceptibleheart of Mr. Elliott Roscoe it appears that either with 'maliceprepense, ' or else, let us hope, in innocent unconsciousness, youhave been practising certain feminine wiles and sorcery, which haveso far capsized his reason, that he is incapacitated for attending tohis business. When I remonstrated against the lunacy into which he isdrifting, he in very poetic and chivalric style--which it isunnecessary to repeat here--assured me that you were the elementwhich had utterly deranged his cerebral equipoise. Elliott Roscoe ismy cousin, is a young gentleman of good character, good mind, goodeducation, good heart, and good manners, and in due time may commanda good income from his profession; but just now, in pecuniarymatters, he would not be considered a brilliant match. Mr. Roscoeinforms me that he desires an interview with you to-morrow, for thepurpose of offering you his heart and hand; and while protesting onthe ground of your youth, I have promised to communicate his wishesto you, and should he be favourably received, write to your mother atonce. "

Perplexed and confused, she had not fully comprehended his purposeuntil he uttered the closing sentence, and painful astonishment kepther silent, while as if spellbound her gaze met his. 

"Now it remains for you to answer one question. Should your mothergive her consent, does Miss Regina Orme intend to become my cousin?"

"Oh, never! You distress me; you ought not to talk to me of suchthings. I am so young, you know mother would not approve of it. "

She blushed scarlet, and attempted to withdraw her hands, but foundit impossible. 

"Quite true, and if crazy young gentlemen could be prevailed upon tokeep silent, rest assured I should never have broached a subject, which I regard as premature. But while I certainly applaud your goodsense, it is rather problematical whether I should feel gratified atyour summary rejection of an alliance with my cousin. Are you fullyresolved that I shall never be related to you, except as yourguardian?"

"Yes, sir. I do not wish to be your cousin. "

Once more the smile shone out suddenly, making sunshine in his face. 

"Thank you. At what hour will you see Mr. Roscoe?"

"At none. Please do not let him come here, or speak to me on thatsubject; it would be so extremely painful. I should never meet himafterward without feeling distressed, and things would be intolerablydisagreeable. Please, Mr. Palma, shield me from it. "

She involuntarily drew closer to him, as if for protection, andnoting the movement, he smiled, and tightened his clasp of her hands. 

"I cannot positively forbid him to address you on this terribletopic, but if you wish it, I will endeavour to dissuade him. Elliotthas Palma blood in his veins, and that has certain unmistakabletendencies to obstinacy, though its conduct in love affairs yetremains to be tested; but it occurs to me that if you are in earnestin desiring to crush this foolish whim in the bud, you can veryeasily accomplish it by empowering me to make to my cousin a simplestatement, which will extinguish the matter beyond all possibility ofresurrection. "

"Then tell him whatever your judgment dictates. "

"My judgment must be instructed by facts, and the simple statement Ipropose might involve grave consequences. Do you authorize me toclose the discussion of this matter at once and for ever, byinforming Mr. Roscoe that you cannot entertain the thought ofgranting him an interview because his suit is hopeless from the factthat your affections are already engaged?"

She was too much embarrassed by his piercing merciless eyes, tonotice that he slipped one finger upon the pulse at her wrist, keeping her hands firmly in his warm clasp; or that he leaned loweras he spoke, until his noble massive head very nearly approachedhers. 

"I could not ask you to tell him that. It would be untrue. "

"Are you sure, Lily?"

"Yes, Mr. Palma. "

"Have you forgotten Mr. Lindsay?"

He thought for an instant that the pulse stood still, then beatregularly calmly on, and he wondered if his own tight pressure hadbaffled his object. 

"No, I never forget Mr. Lindsay. "

She did not shrink or colour, but a sad hopeless look crept into hersplendid eyes at the mention of his name. 

"You are certain that the young missionary will not prove theobstacle to your becoming more closely related to your guardian?Thus far, I have found you singularly truthful in all things; becareful that just here you deceive neither yourself nor me. There isa tradition that in the river Inachus is found a peculiar stoneresembling a beryl, which turns black in the hands of those whointend to bear false witness; and you can readily understand thatlawyers find such stones invaluable in the court-room. I have placedyou on the witness stand, and my beryl-tinted seal ring presses yourpalm at this instant. Be frank; are you not very deeply attached toMr. Lindsay?"

Suddenly a burning flush bathed her brow, she struggled to free herhands in order to hide her face from his glowing probing eyes, buthis hold was unyielding as a band of steel; and hardly consciouswhere she found shelter, she turned and pressed her cheek against hisshoulder, striving to avoid that inquisitorial gaze. 

She did not see his face grow grey and stony, or that the white teethgnawed the lower lip; but when he spoke his voice was stern, andindescribably icy. 

"My ward should study her heart before she empowers her guardian toconsider it unoccupied property. You should at least inform yourmother that it has become a mere missionary station. "

With her hot cheeks still hidden against his shoulder, she exclaimed:

"No, no! You do not at all understand me. I feel to him, to Douglass, exactly as I did when he went away. "

"So I infer. Your feeling is sufficiently apparent. "

"Not what you imagine. When he left me I promised him I would alwayslove him as I did then; and I told him what was true: I loved himnext to my mother. But not as you mean, oh no! If God had given me abrother, I should think of him exactly as I do of dear Douglass. Imiss him very much, more than I can express; and I love him, and wantto see him. But I never had any other thought, except as his adoptedsister, until this moment when you spoke, and it shocked, it almosthumiliated me. Indeed my feeling for him is almost holy, and yourthought, your meaning seems to me sacrilegious. He is my noble truefriend, my dear good brother, and you must not think such things ofhim and of me; it hurts me. "

For nearly a moment there was silence. 

Mr. Palma dropped one of her hands, and his arm passed quickly aroundher shoulder, while his open palm pressed her head closer againsthim. 

"Is my ward sure that if he wished to be more than a brother, shewould never reciprocate, would never cherish a different feeling, astronger affection?"

"He could never wish that. He is so much older and wiser and betterthan I am; and looks on me only as a little sister. "

"Is superiority in years and wisdom the only obstacle you canimagine?"

"I have never thought of it at all until you spoke, and it ispainful to me. It seems disrespectful to connect such ideas as yourswith the name of one whom I honour as my brother. "

He put his hand under her chin, turning her face to view despite herstruggle to prevent it, and bending his head--he did not kiss her! Ohno! Erle Palma had never kissed any one since his childhood; but forone instant his dark cheek was laid close to hers, with a tendercaressing touch, that astonished her as completely as if one of thebronze statuettes on the console above her head had laughed aloud, and clapped its metallic hands. 

"Henceforth the 'disrespectful idea' shall never be associated withthe name of Mr. Douglass Lindsay, and in the future I warn you, thereshall be none but a purely fraternal niche allowed him; moreover, itis not requisite that you should speak of him as 'dear Douglass' inorder to assure me of your sisterly regard. What I shall do with myunfortunate young cousin is not quite so transparent; for Elliottwill not receive his rejection by proxy. "

He had withdrawn his arm, and released her hand, and rising sheexclaimed impetuously:

"Tell him that Regina Orme will never permit him to broach thatsubject; and tell him, too, that I am a waif, a girl over whoseparentage hangs a shadow dark and chill as a pall. Oh! tell him Iwant my mother, and an honourable unsullied name, and until I canfind these I have no room in my mind or heart for a lover!"

As the events of the day, temporarily banished from her thoughts bythe unexpected character of the interview, rushed back with renewedforce and bitterness, the transient colour died out of her face, leaving it strangely wan and worn in aspect; and Mr. Palma saw nowthat purple shadows lay beneath the deep eyes, rendering them morethan ever prophetic in their solemn mournful expression. 

"What unusual occurrence has stimulated your interest and curiosityconcerning your parentage?"

"It never slumbers. It is the last thought at night, and the firstwhen the day dawns. It is a burden that is never lifted, that gallscontinually; and sometimes, as to-night, I feel that I cannot endureit much longer. "

"You must be patient, for awhile at least----"

"Yes, I have heard that for ten long years, and I have been bothpatient and silent: but the time has come when I can bear no more. Anything positive, definite, susceptible of proof, no matter howdistressing, would be more tolerable than this suspense, thismaddening conjecture. I will see my mother; I must know the truth, beit what it may!"

The witchery of childhood had vanished for ever. Even the glimmer ofhope seemed paling in the almost supernatural eyes, that had grownprematurely womanly; viewing life no more through the rainbow lensesof sanguine girlhood, but henceforth as an anxious woman haunting thepenetralia of sorrow, never oblivious of the fact that over her pathhovered the gibing spectre of disgrace. 

The unwonted recklessness of her tone and mien annoyed and surprisedher guardian, and while a frown gathered on his brow he rose andstood beside her. 

"Your petulant vehemence is both unbecoming and displeasing; and infuture you would do well to recollect that, as a child submitted tomy guidance by your mother's desire, it is disrespectful both to herand to me to insist upon a course at variance with our judgment andwishes. "

"I am not a child. To-day I know, I feel, I have done for ever withmy old--happy childhood; I am--what I wish I were not, a woman. Oh, Mr. Palma, be merciful, and send me to mother!"

He looked down into the worn face gleaming under the gas-lamps of thechandelier, into the shadowy eloquent eyes, and noting the bloodlesslips drawn sharply into curves of pain, his hand fell upon hershoulder. 

"Lily, because I am merciful I shall keep you here. I am not apatient man, am unaccustomed to teasing importunity, and it wouldpain me to harshly bruise the white flower I have undertaken toshelter from storm and dust; therefore you must be quiet, docile, andannoy me no more with fruitless solicitations. Your mother does notwant you in Europe. "

"You will not let me go?"

"I will not. Let this subject rest henceforth, until I renew it. "

With a faint moan, she shut her eyes and shivered; and again he tookher little white cold hands. 

"Little snow-statue, why will you not trust me? Tell me what has sosuddenly changed the soft white Lily-bud of yesterday into thishollow-eyed, defiant young woman?"

The temptation was powerful to unburden her heart, to demand of himthe truth, with which she suspected he was at least partlyacquainted; but the thought of casting so fearful an imputation uponher mother sealed her lips. Moreover, she felt assured that herentreaties would never prevail upon him to disclose what he deemed itexpedient to conceal. 

He watched and understood the struggle, and a cold smile moved hishandsome mouth. 

"You have resolved to withhold your confidence. Very well, I shallnever again solicit it. It is not my habit to petition for that whichI have a right to command. You merely force me to draw the reinswhere I preferred you should at least imagine you were unbridled. "

He dropped her hands, looked at his watch, and took up his gloves;adding, in an entirely altered and indifferent voice:

"What have you lost to-day?"

It was with difficulty that she restrained the words:"My youth, my peace of mind, my hope and faith in my future. "

Raising her hands wearily, she rested her chin upon them, andanswered slowly:

"Many things, I fear. "

"Valuable articles? Faded flowers, perfumed with choice Orientalreminiscences?"

"Yes, sir, I lost my purse, and my Agra violets. "

"What reward will you offer for the recovery of such precious relicsof fraternal affection? A promise of implicit obedience to yourguardian? Certainly, they are worth that trifle?"

"They are very precious indeed. Where did you find my purse?"

"On the desk at my office. "

He held up the ivory toy, then laid it on the table. 

"Thank you, sir. Mr. Palma, will you grant me a great favour?"

"As I never forfeit my word, I avoid entangling myself rashly in themeshes of promise. Just now I am in no mood to grant yourunreasonable petitions; still, I will be glad to hear what my warddesires of her guardian. "

Her lip quivered, and his heart smote him as he observed her woundedexpression. She was silent, still resting her drooped head on herfolded hands. 

"Regina, I am waiting to hear you. "

"It is useless. You would refuse me. "

"Probably I should; yet I prefer that you should express your wishes, and afford me an opportunity of judging of their propriety. "

She sighed and shook her head. 

"I shall not permit such childish trifling. Tell me at once what youwish me to do. "

"Will you be so kind as to lend me twenty-five dollars, until Ireceive my remittance?"

His eyes fell beneath her timidly pleading gaze, and a deep flush ofembarrassment passed over his face. 

"That depends upon the use you intend to make of it. If you desire torun away from me, I am afraid you must borrow of some one else. Doyou wish to pay your passage to Europe?"

"Oh no! I wish that I could. You allow me no such comforting hope. "

"What do you want with it?"

"I cannot tell you. "

"Because you know that your object is improper?"

"No, sir; but you would not understand my motives. "

"Try me. "

"I will not I hoped you would have sufficient confidence in me togrant my request without demanding my reasons. "

"I have confidence in the purity of your motives. I do not questionthe goodness of your heart, or the propriety of your intentions; butI gravely doubt the correctness of your youthful judgment. Do notforce me to refuse you such a trivial thing. Tell me your purpose. "

"No, sir. "

A proud grieved look crossed her delicate features. 

He walked away, reached the door, then came back for one of hisgloves which had fallen on the rug. 

"Mr. Palma. "

"Well, Miss Orme. "

"Trust me. "

He looked down into her beautiful sad eyes, and his heart began tothrob fiercely. 

"Lily, I will. "

"Some day I will explain everything. "

"When do you want the money?"

"To-morrow morning, if you please. "

"At breakfast you will find it in an envelope under your plate. "

"Thank you, sir. It is for----"

"Hush! Tell me nothing till you tell me all. I prefer to trust youentirely, and I shall wait for the hour when no concealment existsbetween us; when your secret thoughts are as much my property as myown. Less than that will never content your exacting guardian, butthat hour is very distant. "

She took his hand and pressed her soft lips upon it, ere he couldsnatch it away. 

"God grant that hour may come speedily. "

"Amen, Lily. You look strangely worn and ill; and your eyes aredistressingly elfish and shadowy. Go to sleep, little girl, andforget that you forced me to be stem and harsh. Remember that yourguardian, in defiance of his judgment, trusts you fully--entirely. "

He turned quickly and quitted the library before she could reply, and soon after, hearing the street door close, she knew he had goneto Mrs. Tarrant's. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The letter which Regina wrote that night was earnest, almostpassionate, in its appeal that she might be permitted to join hermother; yet no hint of the _bęte noire_ of the square darkened itscontents, for the writer felt that only face to face, eye to eye, could she ask her mother that fearful question, upon which all herfuture peace depended. 

Having sealed and addressed the envelope, she extinguished the light, and tried to find in sleep that blessed oblivion which naturemercifully provides for aching hearts and heavily laden brains; butabout three o'clock she heard the carriage at the front door, thevoices of the trio ascending the stairs, and once a ringingtriumphant laugh which was peculiarly Olga's, then all grew still inthe house, and quiet in the street. 

Unable to compose herself, tossing restlessly on her bed, with hotthrobbing temples and a sore heart Regina wearily listened for thelow silvery strokes of the clock, and when it announced half-pastthree she began to long for daylight. 

Suddenly, although warned by not even the faintest sound, she becameaware that she was not alone; that a human being was breathing thesame atmosphere. Starting into a sitting posture she exclaimed:

"Who is there?"

"Hush! I am no burglar. Don't make a noise. "

Simultaneously she heard the stroke of a match, and a small wax taperwas lighted and held high over Olga's head, showing her tall formenveloped in a cherry-coloured dressing-gown and shawl. Steppingcautiously across the floor, she lighted one of the gas burners, placed the taper on the bureau, and came to the bedside. 

"Make room for me. I am cold, my feet are like ice. "

"What is the matter? Has anything happened?"

"Nothing particularly new or strange. Something happens every hour, you know; people are born, bartered--die and are buried; lives getblackened and hearts bleed and are trampled by human hoofs, untilthey are crushed beyond recognition. My dear, civilization is a hugecheat, and the Red Law of Savages in primeval night is worth all thetomes of jurisprudence, from the Pandects of Justinian to theCommentaries of Blackstone, and the wisdom of Coke and Story. Ohhalcyon days of prehistoric humanity! When instead of bowing andsmiling, and chatting gracefully with one's deadliest foe, drinkinghis Amontillado and eating his truffles, people had the sublimesatisfaction of roasting his flesh and calcining his bones, for anantediluvian _dejeuner ŕ la fourchette_, --(only, to escapeanachronism) _sans fourchette!_ What a pity I have not the privilegeof _la belle sauvage_, far away in some cannibalistic nook of paganPolynesia. "

She was sitting with the bedclothes drawn closely over her, andRegina could scarcely recognize in the pale, almost haggard facebeside her the radiant, laughing woman who had seemed so dazzling afew hours before, as she burned away in her festive robes. 

"Olga, you talk like a heathen. "

"Of course. To be sincere, unselfish, honest, and womanly is nowadayinevitably heathenish. I wish I had a nose as flat as a buckwheatcake, and lips three inches thick, with huge brass rings danglingfrom them both! And for raiment, instead of Worth's miracles, amantle of featherwork, or a deerskin cut into fringe, and studdedwith blue glass beads! Civilization is a gibing impostor, andreligion is laughing in its sacerdotal sleeves at its ownunblushing----"

"Hush, Olga! You are blasphemous. No wonder you shiver while youtalk. New York is full of noble Christians, of generous charmingpeople, and there must be some wickedness everywhere. Don't you knowthat God will ultimately overrule all, and evangelize the world?"

"_Peut-ętre!_ But I have not even the traditional grain of mustardseed to sow; and I might answer you as Laplace once did: '_Je n'avaispas besoin de cette hypothčse_. '"

"Had you a pleasant evening at Mrs. Tarrant's?" asked Regina, anxiousto change the topic. 

"Wonderfully brilliant, and quite a topaz success. I sparkled, blazed, and people complimented profusely (criticizing _sotto voce_), and envied openly; and when I bowed myself out at last, I felt likeSir Peter Teazle on quitting Lady Sneerwell's: 'I leave my characterbehind me. ' Mamma was charmed with me, and Mr. Silas Midas lookedproud possession, as if he had in his vest pocket a bill of sale toevery pound of my white flesh, --and Mr. Erle Palma smiled as benignlyas some cast-iron statue of Pluto, freshly painted white, andglistening in the sunshine. _A propos!_ I asked him to-night if hewould loosen his martinet rein upon you, and permit you to make your_début_ in society as my bridesmaid? How those maddening white teethof his glittered, as he smiled approvingly at the proposition?Whenever they gleam out, they remind me of a tiger preparing tocrunch the bones of a tender gazelle, or a bleating lamb. Now youcomprehend what brings me here at this unseasonable hour? Armed withyour noble guardian's sanction, I crave the honour of your servicesas bridesmaid at my approaching nuptials. Your dress, dear, must begentian-coloured silk to match your eyes, and clouded over with_tulle_ of the same hue, relieved by sprays of gentians with silverleaves glittering with icicles, and you shall look on that occasionas lovely as an orthodox Hebrew angel; or, what is far more stylish, beautiful as ox-eyed Herč poised above Olympos, watching old Zeusflirt surreptitiously with Aphrodite! Will you be first bridesmaid?"

"No, I will not be your bridesmaid. I could never co-operate in theunhallowed scheme of wedding a man whom you despise. Oh, Olga! do notdegrade yourself by such a mercenary traffic. "

"My dear, uncontaminated innocent, don't you see that society, andmamma, and Erle Palma have all conspired to make an Isaac of me?Bound hand and foot, I lie on the Moriah of fashionable life; but thegrim fact stares me in the face, that no ram will be forthcoming whenthe slaughter begins! No relenting hand will stay the uplifted knife. Diana will not snatch me into Tauris, and mamma cannot sailprosperously from the Aulis of Erle Palma's charity until I amsacrificed. Ah! the pitying tenderness of maternal love!"

She spoke with intolerable bitterness, and Regina put one arm aroundher. 

"Olga, she loves you too well to doom you to lifelong misery. Youalways talk so mockingly, and say so many queer things you do notmean, that she does not realize your true sentiments. Show her yourheart, your real feelings, and she will never consent to see youmarry that man. "

"Do you believe that I successfully mask my heart? Not from mamma, not from Erle Palma. They know all its tortures, all its wilddesperate struggles, and they are confident that after awhile I shallwear out my own opposition, and sullenly succumb to their wishes. They have taken an inventory of Silas Congreve's worldly goods, andin exchange would gladly brand his name as title-deed upon my brow. To-night I have danced, laughed, chattered like a yellow parrot, ate, drank champagne, flattered, flirted, and fibbed, until I am wellnighmad. It seems to me that a whole legion of demons lie in wait outsideof your door to seize my shivering desolate soul. "

She shuddered, and pressed her fingers over her glittering eyes. 

"Regina, you are a silly young thing, as ignorant of the ways of theworld as an unfledged Java sparrow; but your heart is pure and true, and your affection is no adroitly set steel-trap, to spring unawares, and catch and cut me. From the day when you first came among us withyour sweet childish face and holy eyes, as much out of place in thishouse as Abel's saintly countenance would be in Caďna, I have watchedand believed in you; and my wretched worldly heart began to put outfibres toward you, as those hyacinths there in your bulb-glasses growroots. Will it be safe for me to confide in you? Can I trust you?"

"I think so. "

"Will you promise to keep secret whatever I may tell you?"

"Does it concern only yourself?"

"Only myself, and one other person whom you do not even know. If Iventure to tell you anything, you must give me your solemn promise tobetray me to no human being. I want your sympathy at least, for Ifeel desperate. "

Looking pityingly at her pale sorrowful face and quivering mouth, Regina drew closer to her. 

"You may trust me. I will never betray you. "

"Not to mamma, not to your guardian? You promise?"

Her cold hand seized her companion's, and wistfully her hollow eyessearched the girl's face. 

"I promise. "

"Would you help me to escape from the misery of this fine marriage?Are you brave enough to meet your guardian's black frown and freezingcensure?

"I hope I am brave enough to do right; and you certainly would notexpect or desire me to do anything wrong. "

Olga threw her arms around Regina, and leaned her head on hershoulder. She seemed for a time shaken by some storm of sorrow thatthreatened to bear away all her habitual restraint, and Reginasilently stroked her glossy red hair, waiting to hear some painfulrevelation. 

"I think I never should have ventured to divulge my misery to you ifyou had not seen me yesterday, and abstained from all allusion to thematter when you saw that I boldly ignored it. Do you suspect thenature of my errand to East ---- Street?"

"I thought it possible that you were engaged in some charitablemission; at least I hoped so. "

"Charitable! Then you considered the feigned sickness a 'piousfraud, ' and did not condemn me? If charity carried me there, it wassolely charity to my suffering starving heart, which cried out forits idol. You have heard of Dirce and Damiens dragged by wildbeasts? Theirs was a mere afternoon airing in comparison with therace I am driven by the lash of your guardian, the spur of mamma, andthe frantic wails of my famished heart. I wish I could speak withoutbitterness, and mockery, and exaggeration, but it has grown to be apart of my nature, as features habituated to a mask insensibly assumeto some extent its outlines. I will try to put aside my flippanthollow attempts at persiflage, which constitute my worldly mannerism, and tell you in a few simple words. When I was about your age, Ithink my nature must have resembled yours, for many of your ideas andviews of duty in this life remind me in a mournfully vague, tenderway of my own early youth; and from that far distant time tauntingreminiscences float down to me, whispers from my old self long, longdead. When I was seventeen, I went one June to spend some weeks withmy Grandmother Neville, who was an invalid, and resided on theHudson, near a very picturesque spot, which artists were in the habitof frequenting with their sketch-books. Allowed a degree of libertywhich mamma never accorded me at home, I availed myself of the laxregimen of my grandmother, and roamed at will about the beautifulcountry adjacent. In one of these ill-fated excursions I encountereda young artist, who was spending a few days in the neighbourhood. Iwas a simple-hearted schoolgirl, untutored in worldly wisdom, and hadalways spent my vacations with grandmother, who was afflicted with noaristocratic whims and vagaries; who thought it not whollyunpardonable to be poor, and was so old-fashioned as to judge peoplefrom their merits, not by the amount of their income tax. 

"Belmont Eggleston was then about twenty-five, very handsome, verytalented, full of chivalric enthusiasm, and as refined and tender insensibility as a woman. We met accidentally at a farmhouse, where asudden shower drove us for shelter, and from that hour neither couldforget the other. It was the old, old immemorial story--two freshyoung souls united, two hearts exchanged, two lives for everentangled. We walked and rode together, he taught me drawing, camenow and then and spent the long summer afternoons, and grandmotherliked and welcomed him; offered no obstacle to the strong current oflove that ran like a golden stream for those few hallowed weeks, andafterward found only rapids and whirlpools. How deliriously happy Iwas! What a glory seems even now to linger about every tree and rockthat we visited together! He told me he was very poor, and wasencumbered with the care of an infirm mother and sister, and of ayoung brother who displayed great plastic skill, and gave promise ofbecoming renowned in sculpture, while Belmont was devoted topainting. He frankly explained his poverty, detailed his plans, expatiated with beautiful poetic fervour upon the hopes that gildedhis future, and asked my sympathy and affection. While he was obscurehe was unwilling to claim me, his love was too unselfish totransplant me from a sphere of luxury and affluence to one ofpecuniary want; and he only desired that I would patiently wait untilhis genius won recognition. One star-lit night, standing on the bankof the river, with the perfume of jasmines stealing over us, I put myhand in his, and pledged my heart, my life for his. Nearly eightyears have passed since then, but no shadow of regret has evercrossed my mind for the solemn promise I gave; and, despite all Ihave suffered, were it in my power to cancel the past I would not!Bitter waves have broken over me, but the memory of my lover, of hisdevotion, is sweeter, oh! sweeter than my hopes of heaven! Godforgive me if it be sinful idolatry. It is the one golden link thatheld me back, that saves me now, from selling myself to Satan. In themidst of that rose-crowned June and July, in the height of myinnocent happiness, mamma fell upon us, as a hawk swoops upon adovecote, dividing a cooing pair. Disguising nothing, I freely toldher all, and Belmont nobly pleaded for permission to prove hisworthiness. Grandmother was a powerful ally, and perhaps the resultmight have been different, and mamma would have ultimately been wonover, had not Erle Palma's counsel been sought. That cold-bloodedtyrant has been the one curse of my life. But for him, I should beto-day a happy, loving wife. Do you wonder that I hate him? How Ihave longed for the seven Apocalyptic vials of wrath! He and mammaconferred. An investigation concerning the Egglestons elicited thefatal fact that some branch of the family had once been accused ofembezzlement, had been prosecuted by Erle Palma, and in defiance ofhis efforts to convict him had been acquitted. Mamma and yourguardian possessed then, as now, only one criterion:

 'He is . Poor, and that's suspicious; he is unknown, And that's defenceless!'

Then and there they sternly prohibited even my acquaintance with oneto whom I had promised all that woman can give of affection, faith, and deathless constancy. No more pity or regard was shown to my agonyof heart and mind than the cattle drover manifests in drivinginnocent dumb horned creatures from quiet clover meadows where theybrowsed in peace, to the reeking public shambles. Even a partinginterview was denied me; but clandestinely I found an opportunity torenew my vows, to assure Belmont that no power on earth should compelme to renounce him, and that if necessary I would wait twenty yearsfor him to claim me. Older and wiser than I, he realized whatstretched before me, and while repeatedly assuring me his love wasinextinguishable, he generously attempted to dissuade me from defyingthose who had legal control of me. So we parted, pledged irrevocablyone to the other; and whenever we have met since that summer, it hasbeen by strategy. My mother, from the day when the doom of my lovewas decreed, has been as deaf to my pleadings, and my heart-breakingcries, as the golden calf was to the indignant denunciations ofMoses. I was hurried prematurely into society, thrown into amaelstrom of gaiety that whirled me as though I were a dancingdervish, and left me apparently no leisure for retrospection orregret, or for the indulgence of the rosy dream that lay like alovely morning cloud above and behind me. My clothing was costly andtasteful; I was exhibited at Saratoga, Long Branch, and Newport, those popular human expositions, where wealth and fashion flock todisplay and compare their textile fabrics and jewellery, as less'developed' cattle still on four feet are hurried to State fairs, toascertain the value of their pearly short horns, thin tails, andsatin-coated skins. No expense or pains were spared, and my mother'sstepson certainly lavished his money as well as advice upon me. Atlong intervals I had stolen interviews with Belmont, then he went farsouth to study for a tropical landscape, and was absent two years. When he returned, beaming with hope, the cloud over our lives seemedsilvering at the edges, and he was sanguine that his picture wouldcompel recognition, and bring him fame, which in art means food. But Earl Palma had resolved otherwise. It was our misfortune, that inmy haste to see the picture, I neglected my usual precautionarymeasures to elude suspicion, and your guardian tracked me to theattic, where the finishing touches were being put on. UnluckilyBelmont was never a favourite among the artists, and he explained tome that it was because he was proud, reticent, and held himself alooffrom their club life and social haunts. Taking advantage of hispersonal unpopularity, your magnanimous guardian organized a cabalagainst him. No sooner was the painting exhibited, than a tirade ofridicule and abuse was poured upon it, and the journal mostinfluential in forming and directing artistic taste, contained anoverwhelmingly adverse criticism, which was written by a particularfriend and chum of Erle Palma, who, I am convinced, caused itspreparation. Oh, Regina! it was a cruel, cruel stab, that entered mydarling's noble tender heart, and almost maddened him. In literature, savage criticism defeats its own unamiable purpose, by promoting thesale of books it is designed to crush; but unfortunately this lawdoes not often operate in the department of painting. In a fit ofgloomy despondency, Belmont offered his lovely work for a meretrifle, but the picture dealers declined to touch it at any price, and rashly cutting it from the frame, he threw the labour of yearsinto the flames. Meantime grand-mamma had died, and Belmont's motherbecame hopelessly bedridden, while his young brother had made his wayto Europe, where he occupied a menial position in a sculptor's_atelier_ at Florence. A more rigid surveillance was exerted over me, and the dancing dervishes crowned me queen of their revels. By dayand by night I was surrounded with influence intended to beguile mefrom the past, to narcotize memory, to make me in reality theheartless, soulless, scoffing creature that I certainly seem. ButErle Palma has found me stiff tough clay, and despite his efforts, Ihave been true to the one love of my life. What I have suffered, nonebut the listening watching God above us knows; and sometimes Idespise and loathe myself for the miserable subterfuges I am forcedto practise in order to elude my keepers. Poor mamma loves me, aftera selfish worldly fashion, and there are moments when I really thinkshe pities me; but from Palma influence and association wealth haslong been her most precious fetich. Poverty, obscurity terrify her, and for the fleshpots of fashion she would literally sell me, as sheonce sold herself to Godwin Palma. Repeatedly I have been urged toaccept offers of marriage that revolted every instinct of my nature, that seemed insulting to a woman who long ago gave away all that wasbest, in her heart's idolatrous love. To-day my Belmont is ten-folddearer, than when in the dawning flush of womanhood, I plighted mylifelong faith to him; and reigns more royally than ever over allthat is good and true in my perverted and cynical nature. I cling tohim, to my faith in his noble, manly, unselfish, undying love for me, unworthy as I have grown, even as a drowning wretch to someoverhanging bough, which alone saves her from the black destructionbeneath. Unable to conquer the opposition he encountered here, Belmont went West, and finally strayed into the solitudes of Oregonand British America. At one time, for a year, I did not know whetherhe were living or dead, and what torture I silently endured! Sixmonths ago he returned, buoyed by the hope of retrieving his past;and one of his pictures was bought by a wealthy man in Philadelphia, who had commissioned him to paint two more landscapes. At last webegan to dream of an humble little home somewhere, where at least weshould have the blessing of our mutual love and presence. The thoughtwas magnetic, --it showed me there was some good left in my poorscoffing soul; that I possessed capacity for happiness, forself-sacrificing devotion to my noble Belmont, --that made our futureseem a canticle. Oh! how delicious was the release I imagined!"

She groaned aloud, and rocked herself to and fro, with a hopelessnessthat awed and grieved her pale mute listener. 

"The Fates are fond of Erle Palma. They will pet him to the end, forhe is a man after their own flinty hearts; pitiless as those grimthree, whom Michael Angelo must have seen during nightmare. When Ithink how he will gloat over the overthrow of my darling hope, I feelthat it is scarcely safe for me to remain under his roof; I am sopowerfully tempted to strangle him. Exposure to the rigour of twowinters in the far North-West has seriously undermined Belmont'shealth. His physician apprehends consumption, and orders him tohasten to Southern Europe, or South America. "

For some moments Olga was silent, and her mournful eyes were fixed onthe wall, with a half vacant stare, as her thoughts wandered to herunfortunate lover. 

Regina could scarcely realize that this pallid face so full ofanguish was the radiant mocking countenance she had hitherto seenonly in mask, and taking her hand she pressed it gently to recall herattention. 

"Feeling as you do, dear Olga, how can you think of marrying Mr. Congreve?"

"Marrying him! I do not; I am not yet quite so degraded as thatimplies. I would sooner buy a pistol, or an ounce of arsenic, and endall this misery. While Belmont lives, I belong to him; I love him asI never have loved any one else; but when he is taken from me, onlyHeaven sees what will be my wretched fate. Destiny has made afootball of the most precious hope that ever gladdened a woman'sheart, and when the end comes, I rather think Erle Palma will notcurl his granite lips, and taunt me. My assent to the Congrevepurchase is but a _ruse_; in other words, honest words, a disgracefulsubterfuge, fraud, to gain time. I can bear the life I lead nolonger, and ere many days I shall burst my fetters, and snatchfreedom, no matter what cost I pay hereafter. "

"Olga, you cannot mean that you intend----"

"No matter what I intend, I shall not falter when the time comes. Yesterday I went to see his mother--poor patient sufferer--and tolearn the latest tidings from my darling. You saw me when I entered, and no doubt puzzled your brains to reconcile the inconsistency of myconduct. Your delicate reticence entitles you to this explanation. Now you know all my sorrow, and no matter what happens you must notbetray my movements. From this house, my letters to Belmont have beenintercepted, and our correspondence has long been conducted undercover to his mother. "

"Where is he now?"

"In Philadelphia. "

"How is he?"

"No better. His physician says January must find him _en route_ to awarmer climate. "

"When did you see him last?"

"In September. Even then his cough rendered me anxious, but helaughed at my apprehensions. O God! be merciful to him and to me! Iknow I am unworthy; I know I have a bitter wicked tongue, and a worldof hate in my heart; but if God would be pitiful, if He only sparesmy darling's life, I will try to be a better woman. "

She leaned her head once more on Regina's shoulder, and burst into aflood of tears, the first her companion had ever seen her shed. Aftersome minutes the sympathizing listener said:

"Perhaps if you appealed frankly to Mr. Palma, and showed him thedreadful suffering of your heart, he would relent. "

"You do not know him. Does a lion relent with his paw upon his prey?"

"His opposition must arise from an erroneous view of what would bestpromote your happiness. He cannot be actuated by merely vindictivemotives, and I am sure he would sympathize with you if he realizedthe intensity of your feelings. "

"I would as soon expect ancient Cheops to dissolve in tears at therecital of my woes; or that statue of Washington in Union Place todismount and wipe my eyes! An Eggleston once defied and triumphedover him in the court-room; and defeat Erle Palma never forgets, never forgives. He proposes to give me ten thousand dollars as abridal present, when owning millions, I need it not; and to-dayone-half that amount would make me the happiest woman in all America, would enable Belmont to travel south and re-establish his health, would render two wretched souls everlastingly happy and grateful! Ahhow happy!"

"Tell him so! Try him just once more, and I have an abiding faiththat he will generously respond to your appeal. "

Olga looked compassionately at her companion for an instant, and theold bitter laugh jarred upon the girl's ears. 

"Poor little dove trying your wings in the upper air, flashing thesilver in the sun; fancying you are free to circle in the heavens soblue above you! Your wary hawk watches patiently, only waiting foryou to soar a little higher, venture a little farther from theshelter of the dovecote; then he will strike you down, fasten histalons in your heart. 'Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless asdoves. ' The first yon have yet to leap, and with Erle Palma as yourpreceptor, your prospective tuition fees are heavy. You are a sweetgood earnest-hearted child, but in this house you need to besomething quite different--a Seraph. Do you understand? Now you areonly a cherub, which in the original means dove; but some day, if youlive here, you will learn the wisdom of the Seraph, which meansserpent! I know little 'Latin, less of Greek, ' no Hebrew; but alearned seer of New England taught me this. "

She tossed aside the bedclothes, and sprang out upon the floor, wrapping herself in her cherry-coloured shawl. 

"Five o'clock, I daresay. Out of doors it is grey daylight, and Imust go back to my own room unobserved. What a world of sorrowfulsympathy shines in your wonderful eyes! What a pity you can't dienow, just as you are, for then your pure sinless soul would floatstraight to that Fifth Heaven of the Midrash, 'Gan-Eden, ' which isset apart exclusively for the souls of noble women, and Pharaoh'sdaughter, who is presumed to be Queen there, would certainly make youmaid of honour! One word more, before I run away. Do you know whyCleopatra is coming here?''

"Olga, I do not in the least understand half you are saying. "

Olga's large white hand smoothed back the hair that clouded thegirl's forehead, and she asked almost incredulously:

"Don't you really know that the Sorceress of the Nile drifts hitherin her gilded barge? You have heard of Brunella Carew, the richestwoman in the Antilles? She is the most dangerous of smooth-skinnedwitches, as fascinating as Phryne, but more wisely discreet. When yousee her you will be at once reminded of Owen Meredith's 'Fatality':

 'Live hair afloat with snakes of gold, And a throat as white as snow, And a stately figure and foot And that faint pink smile, so sweet, so cold. '

Just now this Cuban widow is the fashionable lioness; she is also apet _clientčle_ of Erle Palma, and comes here to-day on a briefvisit. Heaven grant she prove his Lamia! As she affects Orientalstyle, I call her Cleopatra, which pleases her vastly. Having beenendowed at birth with beauty and fortune, her remaining ambition isto appear fastidious in literature, and _dilettante_ in art, and ifyou wish to stretch her on St. Lawrence's gridiron, you have only tooffer a quotation or illustration which she cannot understand. Bewareof the poison of asps. There is an object to be accomplished byinviting her here, and you may safely indulge the belief that her owncampaign is well matured. Keep your solemn sinless eyes wide open, and don't under any circumstances quarrel with poor Elliott Roscoe. One drop of his blood floats more generosity and magnanimity than allthe blue ice in his cousin's body. He was in a savage mood lastnight, at Mrs. Tarrant's, and had some angry words with yourguardian, who of course treated him as he would a spoiled boy. Roscoeat least has or had a heart. There is the day staring at us! I mustbe gone. Remember--I have trusted you. "

She left the room, closing the door noiselessly, and Regina was lostin perplexing conjectures concerning the significance of her partingwarning. 

It was not yet eight o'clock when she descended to thebreakfast-room, but Mr. Palma was already there, and stood at thewindow, with an open newspaper which he appeared to scan veryintently. 

In answer to her subdued "Good-morning, " he merely bowed, withoutturning his head, and she rang the bell and took her place at thetable. 

While she scalded and wiped the cups (one of his requirements), hewalked to the hearth, glanced at his watch, and said:

"Let me have my coffee at once. I have an early engagement. As itthreatens snow, you must keep indoors today. "

"I am obliged to attend the Cantata rehearsal at Mrs. Brompton's. "

"Then I will order the carriage to be placed at your disposal. Whathour?"

"One o'clock. "

Upon her plate lay a sealed envelope, and as she put it in herpocket, his keen eyes searched her countenance. 

"Did you sleep well? I should judge you had not closed your eyes. "

"I wrote a long letter to mother, and afterward I could not sleep. "

"You look as if you had grown five years older, since you gave me mycoffee yesterday. When the rehearsal ends, I wish you to comedirectly home and go to sleep; for there will be company here to-day, and it might be rather unflattering to me as guardian, to present myward to strangers, and imagine their comments on your weary holloweyes and face as blanched, as 'pale as Seneca's Paulina. '"

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Notwithstanding the snow which fell steadily at one o'clock, all whowere to take part in the "Cantata, " assembled punctually at Mrs. Brompton's, and as Regina hurried down to the carriage, she foundthat Mrs. Carew, her little daughter and maid, had just arrived. Avoiding a presentation, she proceeded at once to the "Rehearsal, "and dismissed the carriage, assuring Farley that it was wrong to keepthe horses out in such inclement weather; and as she was providedwith "waterproof, " overshoes, and umbrella, would walk home. 

The musical exercises were unusually tedious, the choruses werehalting and uneven, and the repetition seemed endless. The daydarkened, and the great bronze chandeliers were lighted, and stillProfessor Hurtzsel mercilessly flourished his baton, and required newtrials; until at length feverishly impatient, Regina havingsatisfactorily rendered her _solos_, requested and receivedpermission to retire. 

It was almost four o'clock, the hour designated for her meeting, whenshe enveloped herself in her waterproof cloak, drew the hood over herhat, and almost ran for several squares from Mrs. Brompton's, towarda line of street cars which would convey her to the vicinity of thepark. She succeeded in meeting an upward-bound car, entered, andbreathed more freely. 

It was quite crowded, and, forced to stand up, Regina steadiedherself by one of the leathern straps suspended from the roof. At herside was an elderly gentleman with very white hair, eyebrows, andmoustache, who was muffled in a heavy overcoat, and leaned upon agold-headed cane. Soon after, another passenger pressed in, elbowedhis way forward, and, touching the old gentleman, exclaimed:

"Colonel Tichnor in America! And above all in a street car! When didyou arrive?"

"Last week. These cars are too democratic for men with gouty feet;but I dislike to bring my horses out in such weather. Not more than adozen people have stood on my toes during the last fifteen minutes. Ringold, how is Palma? Prosperous as ever?"

"If you had been at Mrs. Tarrant's last night, you would not need toinquire. Positively we younger men have no showing when he deigns toenter the beaux list. He is striding upward in his profession, andyou know there is no limit to his ambition. Hitherto he hadcautiously steered clear of politics, but it is rumoured that acertain caucus will probably tender him the nomination for----"

Here a child close to Regina cried out so sharply that she could nothear several sentences; and when quiet was restored, the younggentleman was saying:

"Very true; there is no accounting for taste. It does appear queerthat after living a bachelor so long, he should at last surrender toa widow. But, my dear sir, she is a perfect Circe, --and I suspectthose immense estates in Cuba and Jamaica are quite as potential withPalma as her other undeniable charms. Last night, as he promenadedwith her, it was conceded that they were the handsomest couple in theroom; and Mrs. Grundy has patted them on the head, and bestowed theapproved, --'Heaven bless you, my children. ' Palma is the proudest manin----"

"Here is my street. Good-day, Ringold. "

The elderly gentleman left the car, and after awhile the young manalso departed; but there seemed no diminution of the crowd, and asthe track was heavy with drifting snow the horses moved slowly. Atlast they reached a point where the line of road turned away from thedirection in which Regina desired to go, and quitting the car, shewalked toward East ---- Street. 

After the heated atmosphere she had just left, the sharp biting coldwas refreshing, and against the glistening needles of snow shepressed rapidly on, until finally the trees in the square gladdenedher eyes. 

Near one of the corners, stood a large close carriage whose driverwas enveloped in a cloak, and protected by an umbrella, while theyellow silk inside curtains were drawn down over the windows. 

Agitated by contending emotions of reluctance to meeting the manwhose presence was so painful, and of dread lest he had grownimpatient, and might present himself to her guardian, Regina hastenedinto the square, and looked eagerly about the deserted walks. 

Pressed against the south side of a leafless tree whose trunk partlyshielded him from the driving snow-laden north-east wind, PelegPeterson stood watching her, and as she approached, he came forward. 

"Better late than never. How long did you expect me to wait here, with the cold eating into my vitals?"

"Indeed I am very sorry, but I could not come a moment sooner. "

"Who is in that carriage yonder?"

"I do not know. How should I?"

"There is something suspicious about it. Is it waiting for you?"

"Certainly not, No human being knows where I am at this moment. Hereare forty-five dollars, every cent that I possess. You must notexpect me to aid you in future, for I shall not be able; and moreoverI shall be subjected to suspicion if I come here again. "

She handed him the money rolled up in a small package, and hedeposited it in his pocket. 

"You might at least have made it a hundred. "

"I have no more money. "

"Do you still doubt that you are my child?"

"When you make your claim in a court of justice, as you yesterdaythreatened, the proofs must be established. Until then, I shall notdiscuss it with you. I have an abiding faith in the instincts ofnature, and I believe that when I stand before my father, my heartwill unmistakably proclaim it. From you it shrinks with dread andhorror. "

"Because Minnie taught you to hate me. I knew she would. "

"Mother never mentioned your name to me. Only to Hannah am I indebtedfor any knowledge of you. Where is Hannah now?"

"I don't know. We quarrelled not long ago. Regina, I want yourphotograph. I want to wear my daughter's picture over my heart. "

He moved closer to her, and put out his arm, but she sprang back. 

"You must not touch me, at least not now; not until I can hear frommother. I have no photographs of myself. The only picture taken foryears is a portrait which Mr. Palma had painted, and sent to mother. In any emergency that may occur, if you should be really ill, or inactual suffering and want, write to me, and address your letteraccording to the directions on this slip of paper. Mrs. Mason willalways see that your note reaches me safely. You look very cold, andI must hasten back, or my absence might cause questions and censure. I shall find out everything from mother, for she will not deceive me;and if--if what you say is true, then I shall know what is my duty, and you must believe that I shall perform it. I pray to God that youmay not be my father, and I cannot believe that you are; but if afterall you prove your claim, I will do what is right. I will take yourhand then, and face the world's contempt; and we will bear ourdisgrace together as best we may. When I know you are my father, Iwill pay you all that a child owes a parent. This I promise you. "

Her face was wellnigh as white as the snow that covered and fringedher hood; and out of its pallid beauty, the sad eyes lookedsteadfastly into the bloated visage before her. 

"I believe you! There spoke my girl! You are true steel, and worth ahundred of Minnie. Some day, my pretty child, you and I shall knowone another, as father and daughter should. "

He once more attempted to touch her, but vigilant and agile sheeluded his hand, and said decisively:

"You have all that I can give you now--the money. Don't put your handon me, for as yet I deny your parental claim. When I know I am yourchild, you shall find me obedient in all things. Now, sir, good-bye. "

Turning, she ran swiftly away, and glanced over her shoulder, fearfulof pursuit, but the figure stood where she had left him; was occupiedin counting the money, and, breathing more freely, Regina shook thesnow from her wrappings, from her umbrella, and walked homeward. 

Had she purchased a sufficient reprieve to keep him quiet until shecould hear from her mother, and receive the expected summons to joinher? Or was this but an illusive relief, a mere momentary lull in thetempest of humiliation that was muttering and darkening around her?

She had walked only a short distance from the square, and was turninga corner, when she ran against a gentleman hurrying from the oppositedirection. 

"Pray pardon me, miss. "

She could not suppress the cry that broke from her lips. 

"Oh, Mr. Palma!"

He turned as though he had not until now recognized her, but therewas no surprise in his stern fixed face. 

"I thought Mrs. Brompton resided on West ---- Street; had not heardof her change of residence. From the length of your rehearsal youcertainly should be perfect in your performance. It is now half-pastfive, and I think you told me you commenced at one? Ratherdisagreeable weather for you to be out. Wait here, under this awning, till I come back. "

He was absent not more than five minutes, and returned with a closecarriage; but a glance sufficed to show her it was not the one shehad seen in the neighbourhood of the square. 

As he opened the door and beckoned her forward, he took her umbrella, handed her in, and with one keen cold look into her face, said:

"I trust my ward's dinner toilette will be an improvement upon herpresent appearance, as several guests have been invited. The Cantatamust have bored you immensely. "

He bowed, closed the door, directed the driven to the number of hisresidence on Fifth Avenue, and disappeared. 

Sinking down in one corner, Regina shut her eyes, and groaned. Couldhis presence have been accidental? She had given no one a clue in hermovements, and how could he have followed her circuitous route afterleaving Mrs. Brompton's? He had evinced no surprise, had asked noexplanation of her conduct, but would he abstain in future? Was hispromise to trust her the cause of his forbearance? Or was itattributable to the fact that his thoughts were concentrated upon thelady with whose name people were associating his?

The strain upon her nerves was beginning to relax; her head ached, her eyes smarted, and she felt sick and faint. Like one in aperplexing dream, she was whirled along the streets, and at lastreached home. 

The house was already brilliantly lighted, for the day had closedprematurely, with the darkness of the increasing snow, and in theseclusion of her own room the girl threw herself down in a rockingchair. 

Everything seemed dancing in kaleidoscopic confusion, and amid thechaos only one grim fact was immovable, she must dress and go down todinner. Just now, unwelcome as was the task, she dared not neglectit, for her absence might stimulate the investigation she so muchdreaded, and wearily she rose and began her toilette. 

At half-past seven Hattie entered. 

"Aren't you ready, miss? Mrs. Palma says you must hurry down, for thecompany are all in the parlour, and Mr. Palma has asked for you. Stopa minute, miss. Your sash is all crooked. There, all right. Let metell you there is more lace and velvet downstairs than you can show, and jewellery! No end of it! But as for born good looks, you canoutface them all. "

"Don't I look very pale and jaded?"

"Very white, miss; you always do, and red cheeks would be as much outof your style as paint on a corpse. I can tell you what you do looklike, more than ever I saw you before; that marble figure with thedove on its finger, which stands in the front parlour bay-window. "

It was Mr. Palma's pet piece of sculpture, a statue of "Innocence, "originally intended for his library, but Mrs. Palma had pleaded forpermission to exhibit it downstairs. 

During Regina's residence in New York scarcely a week elapsed withouther meeting guests at the dinner-table, and the frequency of theoccurrence had quite worn away the awkward shyness with which she hadat first confronted strangers. Yet to-day she felt nervously timid asshe approached the threshold of the brilliant room, and caught aglimpse of those within. 

Two gentlemen stood on the rug talking with Olga, a third sat on asofa engaged in conversation with Mrs. Palma, while Mrs. St. Clareand her daughter entertained two strangers in the opposite corner, and on a _tęte-â-tęte_ drawn conspicuously forward under thechandelier were Mr. Palma and Mrs. Carew. 

Regina merely glanced at Olga long enough to observe how handsome sheappeared, in her rose-hued silk, with its rich black lace garniture, and the spray of crushed pink roses drooping against her neck, thenher gaze dwelt upon the woman under the chandelier. 

Unusually tall, and proportionately developed, her size might safelyhave been pronounced heroic, and would by comparison have dwarfed aman of less commanding stature than Mr. Palma; yet so symmetrical wasthe outline of face and figure that the type seemed wellnighfaultless, and she might have served as a large-limbed rounded modelfor those majestic women whom Buonaroti painted for the admiration ofall humanity, upon the walls of the Sistine. 

The face was oval, with a remarkably low but full brow, a straightfinely-cut nose, very wide between the eyes, which were large, almond-shaped, and of a singularly radiant grey, with long curlinggold-tinted lashes. Her complexion was of that peculiar creamycolourlessness, which is found in the smooth petals of a magnolia, and the lips were outlined in bright carmine that hinted at chemicalcombinations, so ripe and luscious was the tint. 

Had she really stepped down from some glorious old Venetian picture, bringing that crown of hair, of the true "_biondina_" hue, so rarenowaday, and never seen in perfection save among the marbles andlagunes of crumbling Venice? Was it natural, that mass of very palegold, so pale that it seemed a flossy heap of raw silk, or had she bysome subtle stroke of skill discovered the secret of that beautifulartificial colouring, which was so successfully practised in the daysof Giorgione?

Her dress was velvet, of that light lilac tint which only perfectcomplexions dare approach, was cut very low and square in front andtrimmed with a profusion of gossamer white lace. Diamonds flashed onher neck and arms, and in the centre of the puffed and crimped hair alarge butterfly of diamonds scattered light upon the yellow mass. 

Mr. Palma was smiling at some low spoken sentence that rippled likeItalian poetry over her full lips, when his eye detected the figurehovering near the door, and at once he advanced, and drew her in. 

Without taking her hand, his fingers just touched her sleeve, aswalking beside her he said:

"Mrs. Carew must allow me the pleasure of presenting my ward MissOrme, who has most unpardonably detained us from our soup. "

The stranger smiled and offered her hand. 

"Ah, Miss Orme! I shall never pardon you for stealing the only heartwhose loyalty I claim. My little Llora saw you at Mrs. Brompton's, heard you sing, and was enchanted with your eyes, which she assuredme were 'blue as the sky, _ma mčre_, and like violets with black lacequilled around them. '"

Regina barely touched the ivory hand encrusted with costly jewels, and Mr. Palma drew her near a sofa, where sat a noble-looking elderlygentleman, slightly bald, and whose ample beard and long moustachewere snow-white, although his eyebrows were black, and his fine browneyes sparkled with the fire and enthusiasm of youth. 

"My ward, Miss Orme, has a juvenile reverence for Congressmen, whomknowing only historically, she fondly considers above and beyond thecommon clay of mankind, regards them as the worthy successors of theRoman _Patres Conscripti_, and in the Honourable Mr. Chesley she isdoubtless destined to realize all her romantic ideas relative toAmerican statesmen. Regina, Mr. Chesley represents California in thecouncil of the nation, and can tell you all about those wonderfulcanons of which you were speaking last week. "

The guest took her fingers, shook them cordially, and looking intohis fine face, the girl felt a sudden thrill run through her frame. What was there in the soft brown eyes, and shape of the brow that wasso familiar, that made her heart beat so fiercely?

Mechanically she sat down near him, failing to answer some trivialquestion from Mrs. Palma, and bowing in an absent preoccupied mannerto the remainder of the guests. 

Fortunately dinner was announced immediately, and as Mrs. Palma movedaway on Mr. Chesley's arm, while Mr. Palma gave his to Mrs. Carew, Regina felt a cold hand seize hers, and lead her forward. 

"Mr. Roscoe, where did you secrete yourself? I was not aware that youwere in the room. "

"Standing near the window, watching you bow to every one else. Yourguardian requested me to hand you in to dinner. "

Something in his voice and manner annoyed her, and looking up, shesaid coldly;

"My guardian is very kind; but I regret that his consideration inproviding me an escort has taxed your courtesy so severely. "

Before he could reply they had reached the table, and, glancing atthe card attached to the bouquet at each plate, Regina found herchair had been placed next to Mr. Chesley's, while Olga was her_vis-ŕ-vis_. 

"If I ask you it question, will you answer it truly?" said Elliott. 

"That depends entirely upon what it may prove. If a proper one, Ishall answer it truly; otherwise, not at all. "

"Was it of your own free will, without advice or bias, that yourefused the interview I asked you to grant me?"

"It was. "

"My cousin influenced you adversely?"

"No, sir. "

"He is purely selfish in his course toward----"

"At least it is ungrateful and unbecoming in you to accuse him, and Iwill not hear you. "

She turned her face toward Mr. Chesley, who was carrying on ananimated conversation with Mrs. Palma, and some moments elapsedbefore Elliott resumed:

"Regina, I must see you alone, sometime this evening. "

"Why?"

"To demand an explanation of what I have seen and heard, --otherwise Iwould not credit. "

"I have no explanations to offer on any subject. If you refer to aconversation which Mr. Palma had with me yesterday at your request, let me say once for all, that I cannot consent to its revival. Mr. Roscoe, we are good friends now, I hope; but we should be such nolonger, if you persist in violating my wishes in this matter. "

"What I wish to say to you involves your own safety and happiness. "

"I am grateful for your kind intentions, but they result from someerroneous impression. My individual welfare is bound up with thosewhom you know not, and at all events I prefer not to discuss it. "

"You refuse me the privilege of a confidential talk with you?"

"Yes, Mr. Roscoe. Now be pleasant, and let us converse on some moreagreeable topic. Did you ever meet Mrs. Carew until to-day?"

He was too angry to reply immediately; but after a little whilemastered his indignation. 

"I have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Carew quite well. "

"She is remarkably beautiful. "

"Oh, unquestionably! And she knows it better than any other articlein her creed. New York is spoiling her dreadfully. "

He turned and addressed some remarks to Miss St. Clare, who sat onhis right, and Regina rejoiced in the opportunity afforded her ofbecoming a quiet observer and listener. She had never seen herguardian so animated, so handsome as now, while he smiled geniallyand talked with his lovely guest, and watching them, Reginarecollected the remark concerning their appearance which had beenmade by the gentleman in the car. 

Was it possible that after all the lawyer's heart had been seriouslyinterested? Could that satin-cheeked, grey-eyed Circe with paleyellow hair and lashes, hold him in silken bonds at her feet? Theidea that he could be captivated by any woman seemed utterlyincompatible with all that his ward knew of his life and character, and it had appeared an established fact that he was incapable of anytender emotion; but certainly at this instant the expression withwhich he was gazing down into Mrs. Carew's lotos face, was earnestlyadmiring. While Regina watched the pair, a cold sensation crept overher as on some mild starlit night, one suddenly and unconsciouslydrifts under the lee of some vast, slow-sailing iceberg, and knowsnot, dreams not, of danger until smitten with the fatal propheticchill. 

Suppose the ambitious middle-aged man intended to marry this wealthy, petted, lovely widow, was it not in all respects a brilliant suitablematch, which _le beau monde_ would cordially applaud? Was there apossibility that she would decline an alliance with that proudpatrician, whose future seemed dazzling?

In birth, fortune, and beauty could he find her superior?

The flowers in the tall gold _epergne_ in the centre of the table, and the wreath of scarlet camellias that swung down to meet them fromthe green bronze chandelier, began to dance a saraband. Silver, crystal, china, even the human figures appeared whirling in a mistycircle, across which the orange, emerald, and blue tints of the hockglasses shot hither and thither like witch-lights on the Brocken; andindistinct and spectral, yet alluring, gleamed the almond-shaped greyeyes with their gold fringes. 

With a quick unsteady motion Regina grasped and drained a goblet oficed-water, and after a little while the mist rolled away, and sheheard once more the voices that had never for an instant ceased theirutterances. 

The shuttlecock of conversation was well kept up from all sides ofthe table, and when Regina's thoughts crept back from their numbingreverie, Mr. Chesley was eloquently describing some of the mostpicturesque localities in Oregon and California. 

Across the table floated a liquid response. 

"I saw in Philadelphia a large painting of that particular spot, andthough not remarkably well done, it enables one to form anapproximate idea of the grandeur of the scenery. "

Mr. Chesley bowed to Mrs. Carew, and answered: "I met the artist, while upon his sketching tour, and was deeplyinterested in his success. At one time, I hoped he would castmatrimonial anchor in San Francisco, and remain among us; but hisfickle fair one deserted him for a young naval officer, and after hermarriage, California possessed few charms for him. I pitied poorEggleston most cordially. "

"Then permit me to assure you, that you are needlessly expending yoursympathy, for I bear witness to the fact that his wounds havecicatrized. A fair Philadelphian has touched them with her fairyfinger, and at present he bows at another shrine. "

Shivering with sympathy for Olga, Regina could not refrain fromlooking at her, while Mrs. Carew spoke, and marvelled at the calmdeference, the smiling _insouciance_ with which her hazel eyes restedon the speaker. Then they wandered as if accidentally to thecountenance of Mr. Palma, and a lambent flame seemed to kindle intheir brown depths. 

"Mr. Eggleston has talent, and I am surprised that he has not beenmore successful, " replied the Congressman. 

Mr. Palma was pressing Mrs. St. Clare to take more wine, and appeareddeaf to the conversation, but Mrs. Carew's flute-like voiceresponded:

"Yes, a certain order of talent for mere landscape painting; but heshould never attempt a higher or different style. He made a wretchedcopy of the Crucifixion for a wealthy retired tailor, who boasts ofhis investments in 'virtue and bigotry;' and I fear I gave mortaloffence by venturing to say to the owner, that it reminded me of thecriticism of Luis de Vargas on a similar failure: 'Methinks he issaying, Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they do. '"

"_A propos!_ of pictures. Mrs. Carew, I must arrange to have you seea superb new painting recently hung upon the wall at the 'Century, 'and ask your opinion of its merit----"

Regina did not catch the remainder of her guardian's sentence, whichshe felt assured was intended to divert the conversation and shieldOlga, for just then Mr. Chesley asked to fill her glass, and the talkdrifted away to less dangerous topics. 

Irresistibly attracted by some subtle charm in his manner she foundherself drawn into a pleasant dialogue with him relative to somestartling incidents which he narrated of the early miners in the farWest. Watching his face, she puzzled her brain with the solution ofthe singular familiarity it possessed. She had never met him untilto-day, and yet her heart wanned toward him more and more. 

At length she ventured the question: "Did you leave your family inCalifornia?"

"Unfortunately I have no family, and no relatives. My dear younglady, is it not melancholy to find a confirmed old bachelor, vergingfast upon decrepitude, with no one to look after or care for him?When I was a good-looking young beau, and should have been hunting mea bonny blue-eyed bride, I was digging gold from the rocky ribs ofmountains in Western solitudes. When I made my fortune, I discoveredtoo late that I had given my youth in exchange. "

"I should think, sir, that you might still marry, and be very happy. "

His low pleasant laugh did not embarrass her, and he answered:

"You are very kind to kindle that beacon of encouragement, but I fearyour charitable sympathy clouds your judgment. Do you imagine anyfair young girl could brave my grey hairs and wrinkles?"

"A young girl would not suit you, sir; but there must be noblemiddle-aged ladies whom you could admire, and trust, and love?"

He bent his white head, and whispered:

"Such, for instance, as Mrs. Carew, who converts all places intoOgygia?"

Without lifting her eyes, she merely shook her head, and hecontinued:

"Miss Orme, all men have their roseleaf romance. Mine expanded veryearly, but fate crumpled, crushed it into a shapeless ruin, andleaving the wreck behind me, I went to the wilds of California. Sincethen, I have missed the humanising influence of home ties, offeminine association; but as I look down the hill, when the sun of mylife is casting long shadows, I sometimes feel that it would be agreat blessing had I a sister, cousin, niece, or even an adopteddaughter, whom I could love and lean upon in my lonely old age. OnceI seriously entertained the thought of selecting an orphan from someAsylum, and adopting her into my heart and home. "

"When you do, I sincerely hope she will prove all that you wish, andfaithfully requite your goodness. "

She spoke so earnestly that he smiled, and added:

"Can you recommend one to me? I envy Palma his guardianship, and if Icould find a young girl like you, I should not hesitate tosolicit----"

"Pardon me, Mr. Chesley, but Mr. Palma is endeavouring to attractyour notice, " said Mrs. Palma. 

The host held in his hand an envelope. 

"A telegram for you. Shall I direct the bearer to wait?"

"With your permission, I will examine it. "

Having glanced at the lines, he turned the sheet of paper over, andwith a pencil wrote a few words; then handed it to Terry, requestinghim to direct the bearer to have the answer promptly telegraphed. 

"Nothing unpleasant, I trust?" said Mr. Palma. 

"Thank you, no. Only a summons which obliges me to curtail my visit, and return to Washington by the midnight train. "

Interpreting a look from her stepson, Mrs. Palma hastened the slowcourse of the dinner by a whisper to the waiter behind her chair; andas she asked some questions relative to mutual friends residing inWashington, Regina had no opportunity of renewing the conversation. 

Mr. Roscoe was assiduous in his attentions to Miss St. Clare, andRegina looked over at Olga, who was talking very learnedly to a smallgentleman, a prominent and erudite scientist, whose knitted eyebrowsnow and then indicated dissatisfaction with her careless manner ofhandling his pet theories. 

Her cheeks glowed, her eyes sparkled, and a teasing smile sat uponher lips, as she recklessly rolled her irreverent ball among histechnical ten pins; and repeated defiantly:

 "Is old Religion but a spectre now, Haunting the solitude of darkened minds, Mocked out of memory by the sceptic day? Is there no corner safe from peeping Doubt?"

"But, Miss Neville, I must be allowed to say that you do not in theleast grasp the vastness of this wonderful law of 'NaturalSelection, ' of the 'Survival of the Fittest, ' which is omnipotentin its influence. "

"Ah, but my reverence for Civilization cries out against your savageenactments! Look at the bulwarks of defence which Asylums andHospitals lift against the operation of your merciless decree. Themaimed, the feeble, the demented, become the wards of religion andcharity; the Unfittest of humanity are carefully preserved, and therace is retarded it its development. Civilized legislation andphilanthropy are directly opposed to your 'Survival of the Fittest;'and since I am not a tattooed princess of the South Pacific, allowedto regale myself with _croquettes_ of human brains, or a _ragoűt_ ofbaby's ears and hands, well flavoured with wine and lemon, Iaccepted civilization. I believe China is the best place for thesuccessful testing of your theory, for there the unfittest have forcenturies been destroyed; yet I have not heard that the superior, the'Coming Race, ' has appeared among the tea farms. "

Elevating his voice, the small gentleman appealed to his host. 

"I thought Mr. Palma too zealous a disciple of Modern Science topermit Miss Neville to indulge such flagrant heresies. She hasabsolutely denied that the mental development of a horse, or a dog, or ape is strictly analogous to that of man----"

"Quote me correctly, I pray you, Doctor; to that of women, if youplease, " interrupted Olga. 

"She believes that it is not a difference of degree (which we know tobe the case), but of kind; not comparative, but structural--youunderstand. How can you tolerate such schism in your household?Moreover, she scouts the great Spencerian organon. "

"Olga is too astute not to discover the discrepancy between thetheory of Scientists and the usages of civilized society, whosesanitary provisions thwart and neutralize your law in its operationsupon the human race. 'Those whom it saves from dying prematurely, itpreserves to propagate dismal and imperfect lives. In ourcomplicated modern communities, a race is being run between moral andmental enlightenment, and the deterioration of the physical and moralconstitution through the defeasance of the law of NaturalSelection. '"

Lifting her champagne glass, Olga sipped the amber bubbles from itsbrim, and slightly bent her head in acknowledgment. 

"Thanks. I disclaim any doubt of the accuracy of his pedigree fromthe monad, through the ape, up to the present erudite philosopher;but I humbly crave permission to assert a far different lineage formyself. Pray, Doctor, train your battery now upon Mr. Palma, andsince he assails you with Greg, _minus_ quotation marks, require himto avow his real sentiments concerning that sentence in 'DeProfundis': 'That purely political conception of religion whichregards the Ten Commandments as a sort of 'cheap defence' of propertyand life, God Almighty as an ubiquitous and unpaid Policeman, andHell as a self-supporting jail, a penal settlement at theAntipodes!'"

Prudent Mrs. Palma rose at that moment, and the party left thedining-room. 

Mrs. St. Clare called Regina to her sofa, to make some inquiriesabout the Cantata, and when the latter was released, he saw that bothMr. Chesley and Mr. Palma were absent. 

A half-hour elapsed, during which Olga continued to annoy the learnedsmall man with her irreverent flippancy, and Mrs. Carew seemed tofascinate the two gentlemen who hovered about her like eager mothsaround a lamp. Then the host and Congressman came in together, andRegina saw her guardian cross the room, and murmur something to hisfair client, who smilingly assented. 

Mr. Chesley looked at the widow, and at Olga, and his eyes came back, and dwelt upon the young girl who stood leaning against Mrs. Palma'schair. 

Her dress was a pearl white alpaca, with no trimming, save tulleruchings at throat and wrists, and a few violets fastened in thecameo Psyche that constituted her brooch. 

Pure, pale, almost sad, she looked in that brilliant drawing-roomlike some fragile snowdrop, astray in a bed of gorgeous peonies andpoppies. 

Lifting her eyes to her host, as he leaned over the back of her sofa, Mrs. Carew said:

"Miss Orme poses almost faultlessly; she has evidently studied allthe rules of the art. Quite pretty too; and her hair has a peculiargloss that reminds one of the pounded peach-stones with which VanDyck glazed his pictures. "

The fingers of the hand that hung at his side clenched suddenly, butadjusting his glasses more firmly he said very quietly:

"My ward is not quite herself this evening, and is really too unwellto be downstairs; but appeared at dinner in honour of your presence, and in deference to my wishes. Shall I ring for your wrappings? Thecarriage is waiting. "

"When I have kissed my cherub good-night, I shall be ready. "

He gave her his arm to the foot of the stairs, and returning, announced his regret that Mrs. Carew was pledged to show herself at aparty, to which he had promised to escort her. Whereupon the otherladies remembered that they also had promised to be present. 

Mr. Chesley, standing at some distance, had been very attentivelystudying Regina's face, and now approaching her, took her hand with acertain tender courtesy that touched her strangely. 

"My dear Miss Orme, I think we are destined to become firm fastfriends, and were I not compelled to hurry back to Washington tooppose a certain bill, I should endeavour to improve ouracquaintance. Before long I shall see you again, and meanwhile youmust help me to find an adopted daughter as much like yourself aspossible, or I shall be tempted to steal you from Palma. Good-bye. God bless you. "

His earnest tone and warm pressure of her fingers thrilled her heart, and she thought his mild brown eyes held tears. 

"Good-bye, sir. I hope we shall meet again. "

"You may be sure we shall. "

He leaned down, and as he looked at her, she saw his mouth tremble. 

A wild conjecture flashed across her brain, and her hand clutched hisspasmodically, while her heart seemed to stand still. Was Mr. Chesleyher father?

Before she could collect her thoughts, he turned away and left theroom, accompanied by Mr. Palma, who during the evening bad not onceglanced toward her. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Mrs. Carew had arrived on Tuesday morning, and announced that aprevious engagement would limit her visit to Saturday, at which timeshe had promised to become the guest of a friend on Murray Hill. 

During Wednesday and Thursday the house was thronged with visitors. There was company to dinner and to luncheon, and every imaginabletribute paid to the taste and vanity of the beautiful woman, whoaccepted the incense offered as flowers the dew of heaven, and starsthe light that constitutes their glory. Accustomed from her cradle toadulation and indulgence, she had a pretty, yet imperious manner ofexacting it from all who ventured within her circle; and could notforgive the cool indifference which generally characterized Olga'sbehaviour. 

Too well-bred to be guilty of rudeness, the latter contrived in avery adroit way to defy every proposition advanced by the fair guest, and while she never transcended the bounds of courtesy, she piquedand harassed and puzzled not only Mrs. Carew, but Mr. Palma. 

At ten o'clock on Thursday night, when the guests invited to dinnerhad departed, and the family circle had collected in the sitting-roomto await the carriage which would convey the ladies to a WeddingReception, Mrs. Carew came downstairs magnificently attired in adelicate green satin, covered with an over dress of exquisite whitelace, and adorned with a profusion of emeralds and pearls. 

Her hair was arranged in a unique style (which Olga denominated "Isisfashion"), and above her forehead rested a jewelled lotos, the petalsof large pearls, the leaves of emeralds. 

As she stood before the grate, with the white lace shawl slippingfrom her shoulders, and exposing the bare gleaming bust, Olgaexclaimed:

"O Queen of the Nile! What Antony awaits your smiles?"

As if aware that she were scrutinized, the grey eyes, sank to thecarpet, then met Olga's. 

"Miss Neville is not the only person who has found in me aresemblance to the Egyptian sorceress. When I return to Italy, Storyshall immortalize me in connection with his own impassioned poem. Letme see, how does it begin:

 'Here, Charmian, take my bracelets. '"

She passed her hand across her low wide brow, and, glancing furtivelyat Mr. Palma, she daringly repeated the strongest passages of thepoem, while her flute-like tones seemed to gather additionalwitchery. 

Sitting in one corner, with an open book in her hand, Regina lookedat her and listened, fascinated by her singular beauty, butastonished at the emphasis with which she recited imagery that tingedthe girl's cheek with red. 

"If there be a 'cockatoo' in Gotham, doubtless you will own itto-morrow. But forgive me, oh, Cleopatra! if I venture the heresythat Story's poem--gorgeous, though I grant it--leaves a bad taste inone's mouth, like richly spiced wine, hot and sweet and deliciouslyintoxicating; but beware of to-morrow! 'Sometimes the poison of aspsis not confined to fig-baskets; and with your permission, I shouldlike to offer you an infallible antidote, Seraph of the Nile?"

Mrs. Carew smiled defiantly, and inclined her head, interpreting thelurking challenge in Olga's fiery hazel eyes. 

Leaning a little forward to note the effect, the latter began andrecited with much skill the entire words of "Maud Muller. " Wheneverthe name of the Judge was pronounced, she looked at Mr. Palma, andthere was peculiar emphasis in her rendition of the lines:

 "But the lawyers smiled that afternoon, When he hummed in court an old love tune. * * * * * He wedded a wife of richest dower, Who lived for fashion, as he for power. "

How had Olga discovered the secret which he believed so securelylocked in his own heart? Not a muscle moved in his cold guarded face, but a faint flush stole across his cheek as he met her sparklinggaze. 

Mrs. Carew's rosy lip curled scornfully:

"My dear Miss Neville, should you ever be smitten by the blasts ofadversity, your charming recitative talent would prove wonderfullyremunerative upon the stage. "

"Thanks! but my observation leads me to believe that at the presentday the profession of the Sycophants pays the heaviest dividends. Does Cleopatra's fondness for figs enable her to appreciate myworldly wisdom?"

Regina knew that Olga meant mischief to both host and guest, andthough she did not comprehend the drift of her laughing words, shenoticed the sudden smile that flashed over her guardian'scountenance, and the perplexed expression of Mrs. Carew's eyes. 

"Miss Neville has as usual floundered into her favourite blue mire, whose stale scraps of learning cannot tempt me to pursuit. "

"Not into the mud of the Nile, oh celestial Isis! but into theclassic lore of Hellas. Ask Mr. Palma why I am opposed to smugglingfigs, especially rose-coloured figs?"

Olga's light laugh was particularly irritating and disagreeable atthat moment, and her mother, who was a ubiquitous flag of truce onsuch occasions, hastened to interpose. 

"My daughter, what possible connection can Mrs. Carew or anybody elsefind between the habit of sycophancy and baskets of figs?"

"Dear mamma, to explain it to you might be construed into an unfilialand irreverent reflection upon the insufficiency of your education, and of that admission nothing could induce me to be guilty. ButRegina yonder is still in the clutches of Dominie Sampson, and as sheis such an innocent stupid young dove, I will have mercy upon hercuriously questioning eyes. My dear rustic 'Maud, ' Sycophants means_fig-blabbers_; and when you are patient enough to study, and wiseenough to appreciate Plutarch, you will learn the derivation of thetitle which justly belongs to multitudes of people. "

Making as near an approach to a grimace as the lines of grace (whichshe never violated) would permit, Mrs. Carew lifted one shoulderalmost out of its satin fetters, and turned to her host. 

"Miss Neville should have reigned at the Hotel de Rambouillet when_précieuse_ was more honoured than now. I fear if society suspectedthe vastness of her learning, it would create a panic wherever shegoes. "

Olga was leaving the room, had almost reached the door, but at thelast words turned, and her face sparkled mischievously. 

"Beautiful Egypt is acquainted with sphinxes, and should be quick atguessing riddles. Will Cleopatra or Antony answer my conundrum? Whenmy erudition creates a panic, why am I like those who dwelt aboutChemmis, when the tragical fate of Osiris was accomplished?"

Mr. Palma answered promptly:

"Because the Pans who inhabited that region were the first wholearned of the disaster, and as they spread the fatal news among thepeople, all sudden public frights and shocks have been ever sincecalled panics. The carriage is ready. We shall be late at thewedding. Olga, where is your shawl?"

As they quitted the room together, he added in an undertone:

"Your Parthian warfare would have justified me in returning yourarrow, but I was never an expert in the use of small arms. "

With her hand upon the balustrade of the stairs, which she wasascending, Olga looked down on him, and her eyes blazed with anintensity of scorn and defiance. 

"To your empty quiver, not your leniency, I am indebted for mysafety. Your arrows were all skilfully barbed, and even the venom ofasps distilled upon them; but you have done your worst, and failed. Parthian tactics ill suit my temper, let me tell you, and just now Ishould infinitely prefer the Scythian style. Were I only for onebrief hour Tomyris, I would carry your head, sir, where she held thatof Cyrus, in a bag. "

He walked on to the front door, and those in the sitting-room heardOlga run up the steps, singing with _gusto_ that strain from FarDiavolo, ending, "Diavolo! Diavolo!"

The "Cantata of Undine" had been composed by a gifted and fashionable_amateur_, and was performed by young people who belonged to _le beaumonde_, consequently at an early hour on Friday evening, the housewas crowded to witness the appearance of a constellation of_amateurs_, among whom Regina shone resplendent. When after theopening chorus, she came first upon the stage, and stood watching thebaton of the leader, a bum of admiration rose from the audience. 

The costume was of some silvery gauze that hung like mist around herslender figure, and was encrusted here and there with the fragilewhite water-lilies that matched the spray which twined across herhead, and strayed down among the unbound hair now floating free, farbelow her waist. 

Very pale but calm, she began her solo, at first a littletremulously, but by degrees the rich voice gained its strength, asserted its spell, and nobly fulfilled the promise of ProfessorHurtzsel, that New York should hear that night its finest_contralto_. 

Startled by the burst of applause that succeeded her song, she lookedfor the first time at the audience, and saw her guardian's tallconspicuous figure leaning against a column near the spot where Mrs. Carew sat. 

Very grave, coolly critical, and quite preoccupied he certainlylooked, and none would have dreamed that the slight motion of hislips meant "My Lily. "

Twice she sang alone, and finally in a duo which admirably displayedthe compass and _timbre_ of her very peculiar voice, and the floralhurricane that assailed her attested her complete triumph. 

The unaffected simplicity of her bearing, as contrasted with the_aplomb_ and artificial manner of the other young ladies who wereperformers, --the angelic purity and delicacy of the sweet girlishface, with a lingering trace of sadness in the superb eyes, whichonly deepened their velvet violet, --excited the earnest interest ofall present, and many curious inquiries ran through the audience. 

At the close of the Cantata, Mrs. Palma drew Regina away from thestrangers who pressed forward to offer their congratulations, and, throwing a fur cloak around her, kissed her cheek. 

It was the first caress the stately woman had ever bestowed, and asthe girl looked up, gratified and astonished, the former said:

"You sang delightfully, my dear, and we are more than satisfied, quite proud. Your voice was as even and smooth as a piece ofcream-coloured Persian satin. No, Mrs. Brompton, not to-night. Pardon me, Professor, but I must hurry her away, for Mrs. Carew and Ihave an engagement at Mrs. Quimbey's. I shall be obliged to take our'Undine' home, and then return for my fair friend, who is as usualsurrounded, and inextricable just now. "

While she spoke, Regina's eyes wandered across the mass of heads, andrested on the commanding form of her guardian, standing among a groupof gentlemen collected around Mrs. Carew, who clad in white _moireantique_, with a complete overdress of finest black lace, looped withdiamond sprays, seemed more than usually regal and brilliant. 

Mrs. Palma hurried Regina through a side entrance, and down to thecarriage, and ere long, having seen her enter the hall at home, badeher good-night, and drove back for Mrs. Carew and Mr. Palma. 

It was only a little after ten o'clock, and Regina went up to thelibrary, her favourite haunt. She had converted the over-skirt of herdress into an apron, now filled with bouquets from among the numbershowered upon her; and selecting one composed of pelargoniums andheliotropes, she placed it in the vase beneath her mother's picture, and laid the remainder in a circle around it. 

"Ah, mother! they praised your child; but your voice was missing. Would you too have been proud of me? Oh! if I could feel your lips onmine, and hear you whisper once more, as of old, 'My baby! myprecious baby!'"

Gazing at the portrait, she spoke with a passionate fervour veryunusual in her composed reserved nature, and unshed tears gatheredand glorified her eyes. 

The house was silent and deserted, save by the servants, by Mrs. Carew's child and nurse, and throwing off her cloak, Regina remainedstanding in front of the portrait, while her thoughts wandered intogrey dreary wastes. 

Since the day of Mrs. Carew's arrival she had not exchanged asyllable with her guardian, nor had she for an instant seen himalone, for the early breakfasts had been discontinued, and in honourof his guest and client, Mr. Palma took his with the assembledfamily. 

There was in his deportment toward his ward nothing harsh, nothingthat could have indicated displeasure; but he seemed to have entirelyforgotten her from the moment when he presented her to Mr. Chesley. 

He never even accidentally glanced at her, and patiently watching herimmobile cold face, sparkling only with intelligence, as heendeavoured to entertain his exacting and imperious guest, Reginabegan to realize the vast distance that divided her from him. 

His haughty Brahmimc pride seemed to lift him into some lofty plane, so far beyond the level of Peleg Peterson, that in contrasting themthe girl groaned and grew sick at heart. She felt that she stood upona mine already charged, and that at any moment that wretched man whoheld the fatal fuse in his brutal hand, might hurl her and all herhopes into irremediable chaos and ruin. If the fastidious andaristocratic people who had kindly applauded her singing a littlewhile ago could have imagined the dense cloud of social humiliationthat threatened to burst upon her, would she have even been toleratedin that assemblage? Ignorance of her parentage was her sole passportinto really good society, and the prestige of her guardian's noblename an ermine mantle of protection, which might be rudely torn away. 

During the last three days, left to the companionship of her own sadthoughts, and unable to see Olga alone for even a moment, more thanone painful and unutterably bitter discovery had been made. She feltthat indeed her childhood had flown for ever, that the sacredmysterious chrism of womanhood had been poured upon her young heart. 

Until forced to observe the marked admiration which in his own houseMr. Palma evinced when conversing with Mrs. Carew, Regina had beenconscious only of a profound respect for him, of a deeply gratefulappreciation of his protecting care; and even when he interrogatedher with reference to her affection for Mr. Lindsay, she hadtruthfully averred her conviction that her heart was whollydisengaged. 

But sternly honest in dealing with her own soul, subsequent eventshad painfully shocked her into a realization of the feeling thatfirst manifested itself as she watched Mr. Palma and Mrs. Carew atthe dinner-table. 

She knew now that the keen pang she suffered that day could meannothing less solemn and distressing than the mortifying fact that shewas beginning to love her guardian. Not merely as a grateful, respectful ward, the august lawyer who represented her mother'sauthority, but as a woman once, and once only in life, loves the man, whom her pure tender heart humbly acknowledges as her king, herhigh-priest, her one divinity in clay. 

Although conscience acquitted her of any intentional weakness, herwomanly pride and delicacy bled at every pore, when she arraignedherself for being guilty of this emotion toward one who regarded heras a child, who merely pitied her forlorn isolation; and whose eyewould fill with fiery scorn, could he dream of her presumptuous, herunfeminine folly. 

Despite the chronic sneers with which Olga always referred to hischaracter and habitual conduct, Regina could not withhold a reverencefor his opinion, and an earnest admiration of his grave, dignified, yet polished deportment in his household. 

By degrees her early dread and repulsion had melted away, confidenceand respect usurped their place; and gradually he had grown andheightened in her estimation, until suddenly opening her eyes wideshe saw that Erle Palma filled all the horizon of her hopes. 

During three sleepless nights she had kept her eyes riveted upon thisunexpected and mournful fact, and while deeply humiliated by thediscovery, she proudly resolved to uproot and cast out of her heartthe alien growth, which she felt could prove only the upas of herfuture. Allowing herself absolutely no hope, no pardon, no quarter, she sternly laid the axe of indignant condemnation and destruction tothe daring off-shoot, desperately hewing at her very heart-strings. 

Mrs. Carew's manner left little doubt that she was leaning like aripe peach within his reach, ready at a touch to fall into his hand;and though Regina felt that this low-browed, sibyl-eyed woman wasvastly his inferior in all save beauty and wealth, she knew that evenhis failure to marry the widow would furnish no justification for thefurther indulgence of her own foolish and unsought preference. 

The dread lest he might suspect it, and despise her, added intensityto her desire to leave New York, and find safety in joining hermother; for the thought of his cold contempt, his glittering blackeyes, and curling lips, was unendurable. 

Weeks must elapse ere she could receive an answer to her letter, praying for permission to sail for Europe, and during this tryinginterval, she determined to guard every word and glance, to allow nohint of her great folly to escape. 

Peleg Peterson's daughter, or else "Nobody's Child, " daring to lifther eyes to the lordly form of Erle Palma!

As this bitter thought taunted and stung her, she uttered a low cryof anguish and shame. 

"What is the matter? Don't cry, it will spoil your pretty eyes. "

Regina turned quickly, and saw little Llora Carew standing near, andarrayed only in her long white night dress, and pink rosettedslippers. 

"Llora, how came you out of bed? You ought to have been asleep threehours ago. "

"So I was. But I waked up, and felt so lonesome. Mammie has gone offand left me, and hunting for somebody I came here. Won't you pleaselet me stay awhile? I can't go to sleep. "

"But you will catch cold. "

"No, the room is warm, and I have my slippers. Oh! what a prettydress! And your arms and neck are like snow, whiter even than mymamma's. Please do sing something for me. Your voice is sweeter thanmy musical box, and then I am going away to-morrow. "

She had curled herself like a pet kitten on the rug, and looking downat her soft dusky eyes, and rosy cheeks, Regina sighed. 

"I am so tired, dear. I have no voice left. "

"If you could sing before all the people at the Cantata, you mightjust one song for little me. "

"Well, pet, I know I ought not to be selfish, and I will try. Come, kiss me. My mother is so far away, and I have nobody to love me. Hugme tight. "

There was a door leading from Mr. Palma's sleeping-room, to thecurtained alcove behind the writing desk, and having quietly enteredby that passage soon after Regina came home, the master of the housesat on a lounge veiled by damask and lace curtains, and holding thedrapery slightly aside, watched what passed in the library. 

He was rising to declare his presence, when Llora came in, andsomewhat vexed at the _contretemps_ he awaited the result. 

As Regina knelt on the rug and opened her arms, the pretty childsprang into them, kissed her cheeks, and assured her repeatedly thatshe loved her very dearly, that she was the loveliest girl she eversaw, especially in that gauze dress. Particularly fond of children, Regina toyed with, and caressed her for some minutes, then rose, andsaid:

"Now I will sing you a little song to put you to sleep. Sit here bythe hearth, but be sure not to nod and fall into the fire. "

She opened the organ, and although partly beyond the range of Mr. Palma's vision, he heard every syllable of the sweet mellow Englishwords of Kücken's "Schlummerlied, " with its soothing refrain:

 "Oh, hush thee now, in slumber mild, While watch I keep, oh sleep, my child. "

She sang it with strange pathos, thinking of her own far distantmother, whom fate had denied the privilege of chanting lullabies overher lonely blue-eyed child. 

Ending, she came back to the hearth, and Llora clasped her tinyhands, and chirped:

"Oh, so sweet! When you get to heaven, don't you reckon you will sitin the choir? Once more, oh! do, please. "

"What a hungry little beggar you are! Come, sit in my lap, and I willhum you a dear little tune. Then you must positively scamper away tobed, or your mamma will scold us both, and your mammie also. "

A tall yellow woman with a white handkerchief wound turban-stylearound her head, came stealthily forward, and said:

"Miss, give her to me. I went downstairs for a drink of water, andwhen I got back I missed her. Come, baby, let me carry you to bed oryou will have the croup, and the doctors might cut your throat. "

"Wait, mammie, till she sings that little tune she promised; then Iwill go. "

Regina sat down in a low cushioned chair, took the little girl on herlap, and while the curly head nestled on her shoulder, and one armclasped her neck, she rested her chin upon the brown hair, and sangin a very sweet, subdued tone that most soothing of all lullabystrains, Wallace's "Cradle Song. "

As she proceeded, the turbaned head of the nurse kept time, swayingto and fro in the background, and a sweeter picture never adornedcanvas than that which Mr. Palma watched in front of his libraryfire, and which photographed itself indelibly upon his memory. 

Singer and child occupied very much the same position as the figuresin the _Madonna della Sedia_, and no more lovely woman and child eversat for its painter. 

As Mr. Palma's fastidiously critical eyes rested on the sad perfectface of Regina, with the long black lashes veiling her eyes, and thebare arms and shoulders gleaming above the silver gauze of herdrapery, he silently admitted that her beauty seemed strangelysanctified, and more spirituelle than ever before. Contrasting thatsweet white figure, over whose delicate lips floated the dreamyrhythm of the cradle chant, with the hundreds of handsome, accomplished, witty, and brilliant women who thronged the ball-roomhe had just left, this man of the world confessed that his proudambitious heart was hopelessly in bondage to the fair young singer. 

 "Sleep, my little one, sleep, -- Sleep, my pretty one, --sleep. "

At that moment he was powerfully tempted to delay no longer to takeher to his bosom for ever; and it cost him a struggle to sitpatiently, while every fibre of his strong frame was thrilling with adepth and fervour of feeling that threatened to bear away alldictates of discretion. Ah! what a divine melody seemed to ringthrough all his future as he leaned eagerly forward, and listened tothe closing words, softly reiterated:

 "Sleep, my little one, sleep, -- Sleep, my pretty one, --sleep. "

When she was his wife, how often in the blessed evenings spent here, in this hallowed room, he promised himself he would make her singthat song. No shadow of doubt that whenever he chose, he could winher for his own, clouded the brightness of the vision, for success inother pursuits had fed his vanity, until he believed himselfinvincible; and although he had studied her character closely, hefailed to comprehend fully the proud obstinacy latent in her quietnature. 

Just then even the Chief Justiceship seemed an inferior prize, incomparison with the possession of that white-browed girl, and herpure clinging love; and certainly for a time Mr. Erle Palma'stowering pride and insatiable ambition were forgotten in his longingto snatch the one beloved of all his arid life to the heart that wasthrobbing almost beyond even his rigid control. 

For the first time within his recollection he distrusted his power ofself-restraint, and rising passed quickly into his own room, andthence after some moments out into the hall. Near the stairs he metthe mulatto nurse carrying Llora in her arms. 

"Does Mrs. Carew permit that child to sit up so late?"

"Oh no, sir! She has been asleep once; but Miss Regina pets her agood deal, and had her in the library singing to her. "

"Mr. Palma, shall I kiss you good-night?" asked the pretty creole, lifting her curly head from her "mammie's" shoulder. 

"Good-night, Llora. Such tender birds should have been in their nestslong before this. I shall go and scold Miss Orme for keeping youawake so late. "

He merely patted her rosy round cheek, and went to the library. 

Hearing his unmistakable step, Regina conjectured that he hadescorted the ladies home much earlier than they were accustomed toreturn, and longing to avoid the possibility of a _tęte-ŕ-tęte_ withhim, she would gladly have escaped before his entrance had beenpracticable. 

He closed the door, and came forward, and, leaning back in the chairwhere she still sat, her hands closed tightly over each other. 

"I fear my ward is learning to keep late hours. It is after eleveno'clock, and you should be dreaming of the cool, beryl, aquaticabodes you have been frequenting as Undine; for indeed you look avery weary naďad. "

Was he pleased with her success, and would he deem to give her amorsel of commendation?

A moment after, she knew that he entertained no such purpose, andfelt that she ought to rejoice; that it was far best he should not, for praise from his lips would be dangerously sweet. 

Glancing at the floral tribute laid before her mother's portrait, hesaid:

"You certainly are a faithful devotee at your mother's shrine, and nowonder poor Roscoe is so desperately savage at his failure to engagea portion of your regard. Did you have a satisfactory interview withhim on Tuesday last? I invited him for that purpose, as he avowedhimself dissatisfied with my efforts as proxy, and demanded theprivilege of pleading his own cause. Permit me to hope that hesuccessfully improved the opportunity which I provided by requestinghim to escort you to dinner. "

Standing upon the rug, and immediately in front of her, he spoke withcool indifference, and though the words seemed to her a cruel mockerythey proved a powerful tonic, bringing the grim comfort that at leasther presumptuous madness was not suspected. 

"I had very little conversation with Mr. Roscoe, as I declined torenew the discussion of a topic which was painful and embarrassing tome, and I fear I have entirely forfeited his friendship. "

"Then after mature deliberation you still peremptorily refuse tobecome more closely related to me? Once there appeared a rosypossibility that you might one day call me cousin. "

With a sudden resolution she looked straight at him for the firsttime since his entrance, and answered quietly:

"You will be my kind faithful guardian a little while longer, until Ican hear from mother; but we shall never be any more closelyrelated. "

The reply was not exactly what he expected and desired; but with hischill, out-door conventional smile he added:

"Poor Roscoe! his heart frequently outstrips his reason. "

Looking at him, she felt assured that no one could ever justly makethat charge against him; and unwilling to prolong the interview, sherose. 

"Pardon me, if, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, I detainyou a few minutes from your Undine dreams. Be so good as to resumeyour seat. "

There was an ominous pause, and reluctantly she was forced to lookup. 

He was regarding her very sternly, and as his eyes caught and heldhers he put his fingers in his vest pocket, drawing therefrom anarrow strip of paper, folded carefully. Holding it out, he asked:

"Did you ever see this?"

Before she opened it she knew it contained the address she had givento Peleg Peterson on Tuesday, and a shiver crept over her. Mechanically glancing at it, she sighed; a sigh that was almost amoan. 

"Regina, have the courtesy to answer my question. "

"Of course I have seen it before. You know it is my handwriting. "

"Did you furnish that address with the expectation of conducting aclandestine correspondence?"

An increasing pallor overspread her features, but in a very firmdecided voice, she replied:

"Yes sir. "

"Knowing that your legal guardian would forbid such an interchange ofletters, you directed them enclosed under cover to Mrs. Mason?"

"I did. "

The slip of paper fluttered to the floor, and her fingers locked eachother. 

"A gentleman picked up that scrap of paper, in one of the squareslocated far up town, and recognizing the name of my ward, verydiscreetly placed it in the possession of her guardian. "

"Mr. Palma, were you not in a carriage at that square on Tuesday?"

"I was not. My time is rather too valuable to be wasted in arendezvous at out-of-the-way squares while a snowstorm is in fullblast. What possible attraction do you imagine such folly could offerme?"

"I met you not very far from that square, and I thought----"

"Pray take time, and conclude your sentence. "

She shook her head. 

"Some important business connected with my profession, and involvinga case long ago placed in my hands, called me, despite theunfavourable weather, to that section of the city. Havingparticularly desired and instructed you to come home as soon as therehearsal at Mrs. Brompton's ended, I certainly had no right tosuppose you intended to disobey me. "

He paused, but she remained a pale image of silent sorrow. 

"A few evenings since you asked me to trust you, and in defiance ofmy judgment I reluctantly promised to do so. Have you not forfeitedyour guardian's confidence?"

"Perhaps so; but it was unavoidable. "

"Unavoidable that you should systematically deceive me?" he demandedvery sternly. 

"I have not deceived you. "

"My duty as your guardian forces me to deal plainly with you. Withwhom have you arranged this disgraceful clandestine correspondence?"

Her gaze swept quite past him, ascended to the pitying brown eyes inher mother's portrait; and though she grew white as her Undinevesture, and he saw her shudder, her voice was unshaken. 

"I cannot tell you. "

"Representing your mother's authority, I demand an answer. "

After an instant, she said:

"Though you were twenty times my guardian, I shall not tell you, sir. "

She seemed like some marble statue, which one might hack and hew intwain, without extorting a confession. 

"Then you force me to a very shocking and shameful conclusion. "

Was there, she wondered, any conclusion so shameful as the truth, which at all hazard she was resolved for her mother's sake to hide?

"You are secretly meeting and arranging to correspond with somevagrant lover whom you blush so acknowledge. "

"Lover! Oh, merciful God! When I need a father, and a father'sprotecting name--when I am heart-sick for my mother, and hershielding healing love--how can you cruelly talk to me of a lover?What right has a nameless, homeless waif to think of love? God grantme a father and a mother, a stainless name, and I shall never need, never wish, never tolerate a lover! Do not insult my misery. "

She lifted her clenched hands almost menacingly, and her passionatevehemence startled her companion, who could scarcely recognize in theglittering defiant gaze that met his the velvet violet eyes overwhich the silken fringes had hung with such tender Madonna grace buta half-hour before. 

"Regina, how could you deceive me so shamefully?"

"I did not intend to do so. I am innocent of the disgraceful motivesyou impute to me; but I cannot explain what you condemn so severely. In all that I have done I have been impelled by a stern, painfulsense of duty, and my conscience acquits me; but I shall not give youany explanation. To no human being, except my mother, will I confessthe whole matter. Oh, send me at once to her! I asked you to trustme, and you believe me utterly unworthy, think I have forfeited yourconfidence, even your respect. It is hard, very hard, for I hoped topossess always your good opinion. But it must be borne, and now atleast, holding me so low in your esteem, you will not keep me underyour roof; you will gladly send me to mother. Let me go. Oh! do letme go--at once; to-morrow. "

She seemed inexplicably transformed into a woeful desperate woman, and the man's heart yearned to fold her closely in his arms, sheltering her for ever. 

Drawing nearer, he spoke in a wholly altered voice. 

"When you asked me to trust you, I did so. Now will you grant me asimilar boon? Lily, trust me. "

His tone had never sounded so low, almost pleading before; and itthrilled her with an overmastering grief, that when he who was wontto command, condescended to sue for her confidence, she was forcedto withhold it. 

"Oh, Mr. Palma, do not ask me! I cannot. "

He took her hands, unwinding the cold fingers, and in his peculiarmagnetic way softly folding them in his warm palms; but she struggledto withdraw them, and he saw the purple shadows deepening under herlarge eyes. 

"Little girl, I would not betray your secret Give it to mysafekeeping. Show me your heart. "

As if fearful he might read it, she involuntarily closed hereyes, and her answer was almost a sob. 

"It is not my secret, it involves others, and I would rather dieto-morrow, to-night, than have it known. Oh! let me go away at once, and for ever!"

Accustomed to compel compliance with his wishes, it was difficult forhim to patiently endure defiance and defeat from that fair youngcreature, whom he began to perceive he could neither overawe norpersuade. 

For several minutes he seemed lost in thought, still holding herhands firmly; then he suddenly laughed, and stooped toward her. 

"Brave, true little heart! I wonder if some day you will be assteadfast and faithful in your devotion to your husband, as you havebeen in your loving defence of your mother? You need not tell me yoursecret, I know everything; and, Lily, I can scarcely forgive you forventuring within the reach and power of that wretched vagabond. "

He felt her start and shiver, and pitying the terrified expressionthat drifted into her countenance, he continued:

"Unconsciously, you were giving alms to your own and to your mother'sworst enemy. Peleg Peterson has for years stood between you and yourlawful name. "

She reeled, and her fingers closed spasmodically over his, as whiteand faint, she gasped:

"Then he is not--my----"

The words died on her quivering lips. 

"He is the man who has slandered and traduced your mother, even toher own husband. "

"Oh! then, he is not, he cannot be my--father!"

"No more your father than I am! At last I have succeeded inobtaining----"

She was beyond the reach even of his voice, and as she drooped hecaught her in his arms. 

Since Monday the terrible strain had known no relaxation, and thesudden release from the horrible incubus of Peleg Peterson wasoverpowering. 

Mr. Palma held her for some seconds clasped to his heart, and placingthe head on his bosom, turned the white face to his. How hungrily thehaughty man hung over those wan features, and what a wealth ofpassionate tenderness thrilled in the low trembling voice thatwhispered:

"My Lily. My darling; my own. "

He kissed her softly, as if the cold lips were too sacred even forhis loving touch, and gently placed her on the sofa, holding her withhis encircling arm. 

Since his boyhood no woman's lips had ever pressed his, and the lastkiss he had bestowed was upon his mother's brow, as she lay in hercoffin. 

To-night the freshness of youth came back, and the cold, politic, non-committal lawyer found himself for the first time an ardenttrembling lover. 

He watched the faint quiver of her blue-veined lids, and heard theshuddering sigh that assured him consciousness was returning. Softlystroking her hand, he saw the eyes at last unclose. 

"You certainly have been down among your uncanny Undine caves; foryou quite resemble a drenched lily. Now sit up. "

He lifted her back into the easy chair, as if she had been an infant, and stood before her. 

As her mind cleared, she recalled what had passed, and said almost ina whisper:

"Did I dream, or did you tell me that horrible man is not my father?"

"I told you so. He is a black-hearted, vindictive miscreant, whosuccessfully blackmailed you, by practising a vile imposture. "

"Oh! are you quite sure?"

"Perfectly sure. I have been hunting him for years, and at last haveobtained in black and white his own confession, which noblyexonerates your mother from his infamous aspirations. "

"Thank God! Thank God!"

Tears were stealing down her cheeks, and he saw from the twitching ofher face that she was fast losing control of her overtaxed nerves. 

"You must go to your room and rest, or you will be ill. "

"Oh! not if I am sure he will never dare to claim me as his child. Oh, Mr. Palma! that possibility has almost driven me wild. "

"Dismiss it as you would some hideous nightmare. Go to sleep anddream of your mother, and of----"

He bit his lip to check the rash words, and too much agitated toobserve his changed manner, she asked:

"Where is he now?"

"No matter where. He is so completely in my power, that he cantrouble us no more. "

She clasped her hands joyfully, but the tears fell faster, andlooking at her mother's picture, she exclaimed:

"Have mercy upon me, Mr. Palma! Tell me--do you know--whom I am? Doyou really know beyond doubt who was--or is--my father?"

"This much I can tell you, I know your father's name; but just now Iam forbidden by your mother to disclose it, even to you. Come to yourroom. "

He raised her from the chair, and as she stood before him, it waspitiable to witness the agonized entreaty in her pallid but beautifulface. 

"Please tell me only one thing, and I can bear all else patiently. Was he--was my father--a gentleman? Oh! my mother could never haveloved any--but a gentleman. "

"His treatment of her and of you would scarcely entitle him to thathonourable epithet; yet in the eyes of the world your fatherassuredly is in every respect a gentleman, is considered even anaristocrat. "

She sobbed aloud, and the violence of her emotion, which she seemedunable to control, alarmed him. Leading her to the library door hesaid, retaining her hand. 

"Compose yourself, or you will be really sick. Now that your poortortured heart is easy, can you not go to sleep?"

"Oh, thank you! Yes, I will try. "

"Lily, next time trust me. Trust your guardian in everything. Good-night. God bless you. "

CHAPTER XXV. 

"'The dice of the gods are always loaded, ' and what appears themerest chance is as inexorably fixed, predetermined, as the rules ofmathematics, or the laws of crystallization. What madness to floutfate!"

Mrs. Orme laid down her pen as she spoke, and leaned back in herchair. 

"Did you speak to me?" inquired Mrs. Waul, who had been nodding overher worsted work, and was aroused by the sound of the voice. 

"No, I was merely thinking aloud; a foolish habit I have contractedsince I began to aspire to literary laurels. Go to sleep again, andfinish your dream. "

Upon the writing desk lay a _MS_. In morocco cover, and secured byheavy bronze clasps, into which the owner put a small key attached toher watch chain, carefully locking and laying it away in a drawer ofthe desk. 

Approaching a table in the corner of the room, Mrs. Orme filleda tall narrow Venetian glass with that violet-flavoured, violet-perfumed Capri wine, whose golden bubbles danced upon thebrim, and, having drained the last amber drop, she rolled her chairclose to the window, looped back the curtains, and sat down. 

The lodgings she had occupied since her arrival in Naples weresituated on the _Riviera di Chiaja_, near the _Villa Reale_, and notfar from the divergence into the _Strada Mergellina_. Of thewonderful beauty of the scene beyond her front windows She had neverwearied, and now in the ravishing afternoon glow, with the blue airall saturated with golden gleams, she yielded to the Parthenopeanspell, which, once felt, seems never to be forgotten. 

Had it the power to chant to rest that sombre past which memory keptas a funeral theme for ever on its vibrating strings? Was there atlast a file for the serpent, that had so long made its lair in herdistorted and envenomed nature?

At thirty-three time ceases to tread with feathery feet, and theyears grow self-asserting, italicize themselves in passing; andacross the dial of woman's beauty the shadow of decadence fallsaslant. But although Mrs. Orme had offered sacrifice to thatinexorable Terminus, who dwells at the last border line of youth, theripeness and glow of her extraordinary loveliness showed as yet nohint of the coming eclipse. 

Health lent to cheek and lip its richest, warmest tints, and thoughthe silvery splendour of hope shone no longer in the eloquent browneyes, the light of an almost accomplished triumph imparted a balefulbrilliance, which even the long lashes could not veil. 

Her pale lilac robe showed admirably the transparency of hercomplexion, and in her waving gilded hair she wore a cluster ofdelicate rose anemones. 

Her gaze seemed to have crossed the blue pavement of sea, and restedon the purpling outlines of Ischia and Capri; but the dimpling smilethat crossed her face sprang from no dreamy reverie of Parthenopelegends, and her voice was low and deep like one rehearsing for sometragic outbreak. 

"So Samson felt in Dagon's temple, amid the jubilee of histormentors, when silent and calm, girded only by the sense of hiswrongs, he meekly bowed to rest himself; and all the while his armsgroped stealthily around the pillars destined to avenge him. Ah! howcalm, how holy, all outside of my heart seems! How in contrast withthat charnel-house yonder vision of peaceful loveliness appears asincongruous as the nightingales which the soul of Sophocles heardsinging in the grove of the Furies? After to-day will the world everlook quite the same to me? Thirty-three years have brought me swiftlyto the last fatal page; and shall the hand falter that writes_finis_?"

A strangely solemn expression drifted over her countenance, but atthat moment a tall form darkened the doorway, and she smiled. 

"Come in, General Laurance. Punctuality is essentially an Americanvirtue, rarely displayed in this _dolce far niente_ land; and youexemplify its nationality. Five was the hour you named, and my littleSwiss tell-tale is even now sounding the last stroke. "

She did not rise, seemed on the contrary, to sink farther back in hervelvet-lined chair; and bending down General Laurance touched herhand. 

"When a man's happiness for all time is at stake does he loiter onhis way to receive the verdict? Surely you will----"

He paused and glanced significantly at the figure whose white cap wasbowed low, as its wearer slumbered over the interminable crochet. 

"May not this interview at least be sacred from the presence of yourkeepers?"

"Poor dear soul, she is happily oblivious, and will take nostenographic notes. I would as soon declare war against my own shadowas order her away. "

Evidently chagrined, the visitor stood irresolute, and meanwhile thegaze of his companion wandered back to the beauty of the Bay. 

He drew a chair close to that which she occupied, and holding his hatas a screen, should Mrs. Waul's spectacles chance to turn in thatdirection, spoke earnestly. 

"Have I been unpardonably presumptuous in interpreting favourablythis permission to see you once more? Have you done me the honour toponder the contents of my letter?"

"I certainly have pondered well the contents. "

She kept her hands beyond his reach, and looking steadily into hiseager handsome face, she saw it flush deeply. 

"Madame, I trust, I believe you are incapable of trifling. "

"In which, you do me bare justice only. With me the time fortrifling is past; and just now life has put on all its tragicvestments. But how long since General Laurance believed me incapableof--worse than trifling?"

"Ever since my infamous folly was reproved by you as it deserved. Ever since you taught me that you were even more noble in soul thanlovely in person. Be generous, and do not humiliate me by recallingthat temporary insanity. Having blundered fearfully, in my ignoranceof your real character, does not the offer of yesterday embody allthe reparation, all the atonement of which a man is capable?"

"You desire me to consider the proposal contained in your letter, asan expiation for past offences, as an _amende honourable_ for whatmight have ripened into insult, had it not been nipped in the bud? DoI translate correctly your gracious diction?"

"No, you cruelly torment me by referring to an audacious and shamefuloffence, for which I blush. "

"Successful sins are unencumbered by penitential oblations, and onlydiscovered and defeated crimes arouse conscience, and paint one'scheeks with mortification. General Laurance merely illustrates agreat social law. "

"Do not, dear madame, keep me in this fiery suspense. I have offeredyou all that a gentleman can lay at the feet of the woman he loves. "

A cold smile lighted her face, as some arctic moonbeams gleams for aninstant across the spires and doomes of an iceberg. 

"Once you attempted to offer me your heart, or what remains of itsossified ruins; which I declined. Now you tender me your hand andname, and indeed it appears that like many of the high-born class youso nobly represent, your heart and hand have never hitherto beenconjoined in your _devoir_. It were a melancholy pity they should beeternally divorced. "

Bending over her, he exclaimed:

"As heaven hears me, I swear I love you better than life, thaneverything else that the broad earth holds! You cannot possibly doubtmy sincerity, for you hold the proof in your own hands. Be merciful, Odille, and end my anxiety. "

He caught her hand, and as she attempted no resistance, he raised itto his moustached lip. Her eyes were resting upon the blue expanse ofwater, as if far away, across the vast vista of the Mediterranean shesought some strengthening influence, some sacred inspiration; andafter a moment, turning them full upon his countenance, she said withgrave stony composure:

"You have asked me to become your wife, knowing full well that noaffection would prompt me to entertain the thought; and you must bethoroughly convinced that only sordid motives of policy couldinfluence me to accept you. Do men who marry under such circumstanceshonour and trust the women, who as a _dernier ressort_ bear theirnames? You are not so weak, so egregiously vain, as to deludeyourself for one instant with the supposition that I could ever loveyou?"

"Once my wife, I ask nothing more. Upon my own head and life, be thefailure to make you love me. Only give me this hand, and I will takeyour heart Can a lover ask less, and hazard more?"

"And if you fail--woefully, as fail you must?"

"I shall not. You cannot awe or discourage me, for I have yet to findthe heart that successfully defies my worship. But if you remainedindifferent--ah, loveliest! you would not! Even then, I should beblessed by your presence, your society--and that alone were worth allother women!"

"Even though it cost you the heavy, galling burden of marriage vows, an exorbitant price, which only necessity extorts? How vividly we ofthe nineteenth century exemplify the wisdom of the classic aphorisms?_Quem Deus vult perdere, prius dementat_. Have you no fear that youare seizing with bare fingers a glittering thirsty blade, which mayflesh itself in the hand that dares to caress it?"

"I fear nothing but your rejection; and though you should proveJudith or Jael, I would disarm you thus. "

Again he kissed the fair slender hand, and clasped it tenderlybetween both his own. 

"A man of your years does not lightly forsake the traditions of hisCaste, and the usages of his ancestors; and what can patricians likeGeneral Laurance hope to secure by stooping to the borders of_proletaire?_"

"The woman whom he loves. To you I will confess, that never untilwithin the past six or eight months have I really comprehended thepower of genuine love. Early in life I married a high-born, gentle, true-hearted woman, who made me a good faithful wife; but into thatalliance my heart never entered, and although for many years I havebeen free to admire whom fickle fancy chose, and have certainlypetted and caressed some whom the world pronounced very lovely, theimpression made upon me was transient, as the perfume of a blossomplucked and worn for a few hours only. You have exerted over me afascination which I can neither explain nor resist. For you Ientertain feelings never aroused in my nature until now; and I speakonly the simple truth, when I solemnly swear to you, upon the honourof a Laurance, that you are the only woman I have ever truly andardently loved. "

"The honour of a Laurance? What more sacred pledge could I possiblydesire?"

The fingers of her free hand were toying with a small gold chainaround her neck, to which was fastened the hidden wedding ring ofblack agate, with its white skull; and as she spoke her scarlet lipspaled perceptibly, and her soft dreamy eyes began to glitter. 

"Ah! I repeat, upon my honour as a gentleman and a Laurance; and aholier oath no man could offer. Of my proud unsullied name I amfastidiously careful, and can even you demand or hope a nobler onethan that I now lay at your feet?"

"The name of Laurance? Certainly I think it would satisfy even myambition. "

He felt the pretty hand grow suddenly cold in his grasp, and saw thethin delicate nostril expand slightly, as she fixed her brillianteyes on his, and smiled. Then she continued:

"Is it not too sacred and aristocratic a mantle to fling around anobscure actress, of whose pedigree and antecedent life you knownothing, save that widowhood and penury goaded her to histrionicexhibitions of a beauty, that sometimes threatened to subject her toimpertinence and insult? Put aside the infatuation which notunfrequently attacks men, who like you are rapidly descending thehill of life, approaching the stage of second childlike simplicity, and listen for a moment to the cold dictates of prudence and policy. Suppose that ere you surrendered your reason to the magnetism of whatyou are pleased to consider my 'physical perfection, ' one of yourrelatives, a brother, or say even your son, had met me at Milan asyou did; and madly forgetting his family rank, his aristocratic ties, all the pride and worldly wisdom of heredity, had, while in a fit ofcomplete dementia, offered as you have done to clothe my humbleobscurity in the splendid name of Laurance? Would General RenéLaurance have pardoned him, and received me as his sister, or hisdaughter?"

"Could I censure any man for surrendering to charms which have socompletely vanquished me? Thank heaven! I have neither brother norson to rival me. My only child Cuthbert is safely anchored in theharbour of wedlock, and having his own family ties, I am free toconsult only my heart in the choice of a bride. I have not journeyedso far down the hill of life as you cruelly persist in asserting, andthe fervour of my emotions denies your unkind imputation. When Iproudly show the world the lovely wife of my heart's choice, you willfind my devotion a noble refutation of your unflattering estimate. But a moment since, you confessed that to exchange the name of Ormefor that of Laurance would crown your ambition; my dearest, the truthhas escaped you. "

With a sudden gesture of loathing she threw off his hand, struck herpalms together, and he started at the expression that seemedliterally to blaze in her eyes, so vivid, so withering was the lightthat rayed out. 

"Yes, the truth escaped my lips. The honourable name of Laurance istalismanic, and offers much to Odille Orme; yet I will stain my soulwith no dissimulation. With love and romance, I finished long, longago; and to-day I have not patience to trifle even with itsphraseology. I am thirty-three, and in my early girlhood the one lovedream of all my life was rudely broken, leaving me no more capacityto indulge a second, than belongs to those marbles in the _MuséeBourbonique_. For my dear young husband I felt the only intense, idolatrous, yes, blindly worshipping devotion, that my nature couldyield to any human being. When I lost him, I lost my heart also;became doubly widowed, because my grief bereft me of the power ofproperly loving even our little baby. For years I have given my bodyand soul to the accomplishment of one purpose, the elevation of mysocial status, and that of my child. Had my husband been spared tome, we would not have remained obscure and poor, but after mywidowhood the struggle devolved upon me. I have not had leisure tothink of love, have toiled solely for maintenance and position; andhave sternly held myself aloof from the world that dared to believemy profession rendered me easy of access. Titles have been laid at myfeet, but their glitter seemed fictitious, did not allure me; and noother name save yours has ever for an instant tempted me. To-day youare here to plead my acceptance of that name, and frankly, I tellyou, sir, it dazzles me. As an American I know all that itrepresents, all that it would confer on me, all that it would provefor my child, and I would rather wear the name of Laurance than acoronet! I confess I have but one ambition, to lift my daughter intothat high social plane, from which fate excluded her mother; and thiseminence I covet for her, marriage with you promises me. I have noheart to bring you; mine died with all my wifely hopes when I lost myhusband. If I consent to give you my hand, and nominally the claim ofa husband, in exchange for the privilege of merging Orme in Laurance, it must be upon certain solemn conditions, to the fulfilment of whichyour traditional honour is pledged. Is a Laurance safely bound byvows?"

Her voice had grown strangely metallic, losing all its liquidsweetness, and as her gaze searched his face, the strikingresemblance she traced in his eyes and mouth to those of Cuthbert andRegina seemed to stab her heart. 

To the man who listened and watched with breathless anxiety herhardening, whitening features, she merely recalled the memory of herown tragic "Medea" confronting "Jason" at Athens. 

"Only accept my vows at the altar, and I challenge the world tobreathe an imputation upon their sanctity. René Laurance never brokea promise, never forfeited a pledge; and to keep his name unsullied, his honour stainless, is his sole religion. Odille, my Queen----"

She rose and waved him back. 

"Spare me rapsodies that accord neither with your years nor mysentiments. Understand, it is a mere bargain and a sale, and I amcarefully arranging the conditions. For myself I ask little; but asyou are aware, my daughter is grown, is now in her seventeenth year, and the man whom the world regards as my husband must share his nameand fortune with my child. Doubtless you deem me calculating andmercenary, and for her dear sake I am forced to do so; for all thetenderness that remains in my nature is centred in my little girl. She has been reared as carefully as a princess, is accomplished andvery beautiful, and when you see her I think you will scarcely refusethe tribute of your admiration and affection. "

For an instant a grey pallor spread from lip to brow, and the unhappywoman shuddered; but rallying, she moved across the floor to herwriting desk, and the infatuated man followed, whispering:

"If she resembles her mother, can you doubt her perfect and promptadoption into my heart?"

"My daughter is unlike me; is so entirely the image of her lostfather, that the sight of her beauty sometimes overwhelms me withtorturing memories. Here. General Laurance is a carefully writtenpaper, which I submit for your examination and mature reflection. When in the presence of proper witnesses you sign that contract, youwill have purchased the right to claim my hand--mark you, only myhand--at the altar. "

It was a cautiously worded marriage settlement, drawn up inconformity with legal requirements; and its chief exaction was theadoption of Regina, the transmission of the name of Laurance, andthe settlement upon her of a certain amount of money in stocks andbonds, exclusive of any real estate. As he received the paper andopened it, Mrs. Orme added: "Take your own time, and weigh theconditions carefully and deliberately. "

"Stay, Odille; do not leave me. A few moments will suffice for thismatter, and I am in no mood to endure suspense. "

"Within an hour you can at least comprehend what I demand. I am goingto the terrace of the Villa Reale, and when in accordance with thatcontract you decide to adopt my child, and present her to the worldas your own, you will find me on the terrace. "

He would have taken her hand, but she walked away and disappeared, closing a door behind her. 

His hat had rolled out of sight, and as he searched hurriedly for it, Mrs. Waul spoke from her distant recess:

"General Laurance will find his hat between the ottoman and thewindow. "

The winding walks of the Villa were comparatively deserted, when Mrs. Orme began to pace slowly to and fro beneath the trees, whose foliageswayed softly in the mild evening air. When the few remaining groupshad passed beyond her vision, she threw back the long thick veil thathad effectually concealed her features, and approaching the parapetthat overhung the sea, sat down. Removing her hat and veil, sheplaced them beside her on the seat, and resting her hands on the ironrailing, bowed her chin upon them, and looked out upon the seamurmuring at the foot of the wall. 

The flush and sparkle of an hour ago had vanished so utterly, that itappeared incredible that colour, light, and dimples could ever wakeagain in that frozen face, over whose rigid features brooded the calmof stone. 

 "A woman fair and stately, But pale as are the dead, "--

she seemed some impassive soulless creature, incapable alike ofremorse or of hope, allured by no future, frightened by no past;silently fronting at last the one sunless, joyless, dreary goal, whose attainment had been for years the paramount aim of her strandedlife. The rosy glow of dying day yet lingered in the sky and tingedthe sea, and a golden moon followed by a few shy stars watched theirshining images twinkling in the tremulous water; but the loveliestobject upon which their soft light fell was that lonely, wan, lilac-robed woman. 

So Jephtha's undaunted daughter might have looked, as she saw theSyrian sun sink below the palms and poppies, knowing that when itrose once more upon the smiling happy world, her sacrifice would havebeen accomplished, her fate for ever sealed; or so perhaps Alcestiswatched the slow-coming footsteps of that dreadful hour, when for herbeloved she voluntarily relinquished life. 

To die for those we love were easy martyrdom, but to live insacrificial throes fierce as Dirce's tortures, to endure for tediousindefinite lingering years, jilted by death, demands a fortitudehigher than that of Cato, Socrates, or Seneca. 

To all of us come sooner or later lurid fateful hours that bring usface to face with the pale Parcć; so close that we see the motionlessdistaff, and the glitter of the opening shears, and have no wish tostay the clipping of the frayed and tangled thread. 

In comparison with the grim destiny Mrs. Orme had so systematicallyplanned the hideous "death in life, " upon which she was deliberatelypreparing to enter, a leap over that wall into the placid sea beneathwould have been welcome as heaven to tortured Dives; but despite theloathing and horror of her sickened and outraged soul, shecontemplated her future lot as calmly as St. Lawrence the heating ofhis gridiron. 

Over the beautiful blue bay, where the moon had laid her pavement ofgold, floated a low sweet song, a simple barcarolle, that came from agroup of happy souls in a small boat

 "Che cosi vual que pesci Fiduline! L'anel que me cascá Nella bella mia barca Nella bella se ne vá. Fiduline. "

Approaching the shore, the ruddy light burning at one end of the boatshowed its occupants; a handsome athletic young fisherman, and hispretty childish wife, hushing her baby in her arms, with a slowcradle-like movement that kept time to her husband's song. 

 "Te daro cento scudi Fiduline. Sta borsa riccamá Por la bella sua barca Colla bella se ne vá Fidulilalo, Fiduline. "

Springing ashore he secured the boat, and held out his arms for thesleeping bud that contained in its folded petals all their domestichopes; and as the star-eyed young mother kissed it lightly and laidit in its father's arms, the happy pair walked away, leaving the echoof their gay musical chatter lingering on the air. 

To the woman who watched and listened from the parapet above, itseemed a panel rosy, dewy, fresh from Tempe, set as a fresco upon thewalls of Hell, to heighten the horrors of the doomed. 

From her chalice fate had stolen all that was sweet and rapturous inwifehood and motherhood, substituting hemlock; and as the vision ofher own fair child was recalled by the sleeping babe of the Italianfisherman, she suffered a keen pang in the consciousness that thosetender features of her innocent daughter reproduced vividly the imageof the man who had blackened her life. 

The face in Regina's portrait was so thoroughly Laurance in outlineand Laurance in colour, that the mother had covered it with a thickveil, unable to meet the deep violet eyes that she had learned tohate in René Laurance and his son. 

Yet for the sake of that daughter, whose gaze she shunned, she wasabout to step down into flames far fiercer than those of Tophet, silently immolating all that remained of her life. 

Although she neither turned her head nor removed her eyes from thesea, she knew that the end was at hand. For one instant her heartseemed to cease beating, then with a keen spasm of pain slowlyresumed its leaden labour. 

The erect, graceful, manly figure at her side bent down, and thegrizzled moustache touched her forehead. 

"Odille, I accept your terms. Henceforth in accordance with your ownconditions you are mine; mine in the sight of God and man. "

Recoiling, she drew her handkerchief across the spot where his lipshad rested, and her voice sounded strangely cold and haughty:

"God holds Himself aloof from such sacrilege as this, and sometimes Ithink He does not witness, or surely would forbid. Just yet, you mustnot touch me. You accept the conditions named, and I shall holdmyself bound by the stipulations; but until I am your wife, until youtake my hand as Mrs. Laurance, you will pardon me if I absolutelyprohibit all caresses. I am very frank, you see, and doubtless youconsider me peculiar, probably prudish, but only a husband's lips cantouch mine, only a husband's arm encircle me. When we aremarried----"

She did not complete the sentence, but a peculiar musical laughrippled over her lips, and she held out her hand to him. 

"Remember, I promised General Laurance only my hand, and here Isurrender it. You have fairly earned it, but I fear it will not provethe guerdon you fondly imagine. "

He kissed it tenderly, and keeping it in his, spoke very earnestly:

"Only one thing, Odille, I desire to stipulate, and that springssolely from my jealous love. You must promise to abandon the stagefor ever. Indeed, my beautiful darling, I could not endure to see mywife, my own, before the footlights. In Mrs. Laurance the world mustlose its lovely idol. "

"Am I indeed so precious in General Laurance's eyes! Will he hold mealways such a dainty sacred treasure, safe from censure andaspersion? Sir, I appreciate the delicate regard that prompts thisexpression of your wishes, and with one slight exception, I willinglyaccede to them. I have written a little drama, adapting the chief_rôle_ to my own peculiar line of talent and I desire in that play, of my own composition, to bid adieu to the stage. In Paris, whereillness curtailed my engagement, I wish to make my parting bow, andI trust you will not oppose so innocent a pleasure? The marriageceremony shall be performed in the afternoon, and that night Ipropose to appear in my own play. May I not hope that my husbandwill consent to see me on my wedding day in that _rôle_? Only onenight, then adieu for ever to the glittering bauble! Can myfastidious lover refuse the first boon I ever craved?"

She turned and placed her disengaged hand on his shoulder, and as themoonlight shone on her smiling dangerously beguiling face, theinfatuated man laid his lips upon the soft white fingers. 

"Could I refuse you anything, my beautiful brown-eyed empress? Onlyonce more then; promise me after that night to resign the stage, toreign solely in my heart and home. "

"You have my promise, and when I break my vows, it will be theLaurance example that I follow. In your letter you stated that urgentbusiness demanded your return to Paris, possibly to America. Can younot postpone the consummation of our marriage?"

"Impossible! How could I consent to defer what I regard as thecrowning happiness of my life? I have not so many years in store, that I can afford to waste even an hour without you. When I leaveEurope, I shall take my darling with me. "

The moon was shining full upon her face, and the magnificent eyeslooked steadily into his. There was no movement of nerve and muscleto betray all that raged in her soul, as she fought and conquered thetemptation to spring forward, and hurl him over the parapet. 

In the flush and enthusiasm of his great happiness, he certainlyseemed far younger in proportion to their respective years than hiscompanion; and as he softly stroked back a wave of golden hair thathad fallen on her white brow, he leaned until his still handsome facewas close to hers, and whispered:

"When may I claim you? Do not, my love, delay it a day longer than isabsolutely necessary. "

"To-morrow morning I will give you an answer. Then I am going awayfor a few days to Pćstum, and cannot see you again till we meet inParis. Recollect, I warned you, I bring no heart, no love; both arelost hopelessly in the ashes of the past. I never loved but oneman--the husband of my youth, the father of my baby; and his loss Ishall mourn till the coffin closes above me. General Laurance, youare running a fearful hazard, and the very marble of the altar shouldfind a voice to cry out and stay your madness. "

She shivered, and her eyes burned almost supernaturally large andlustrous. 

Charmed by her beauty and grace, which had from the beginning oftheir acquaintance attracted him more powerfully than any other womanhad ever done, and encouraged by the colossal vanity that had alwayspredominated in his character, he merely laughed and caressed herhand. 

"Can any hazard deter me when the reward will be the privilege, theright to fold you in my arms? I am afraid of nothing that can resultfrom making you my wife. Do not cloud my happiness by conjuring upspectres that only annoy you, that cannot for an instant influenceme. Your hands are icy and you have no shawl. Let me take you home. "

Silently she accepted his arm, and as the fringy acacias trembled andsighed above her, she walked by his side; wondering if the blackshadow that hung like a pall over the distant crest of Vesuvius werenot a fit symbol of her own wretched doomed existence, threatening asudden outbreak that would scatter ruin and despair where leastexpected?

Nearing the Villa gate General Laurance asked:

"What is the character of your drama? Is it historic?"

"Eminently historic. "

"In what era?"

"In the last eighteen or twenty years. "

"When may I read the _MS_? I am impatient to see all that springsfrom your dear hands. "

"The dramatic effect will be finer, when you see me act it. Pardon meif I am vain enough to feel assured that my little play will touch myhusband's heart as ever Racine, Shakespeare, and Euripides neverdid!"

There was a triumphant, exultant ring in her silvery voice that onlycharmed her infatuated companion, and tenderly pressing the hand thatlay on his arm, he added pleadingly;

"At least, my dear Odille, you will tell me the title?"

She shook off his fingers, and answered quietly:

"General Laurance, I call it merely--_Infelice_. "

CHAPTER XXVI. 

For some days subsequent to Mrs. Carew's departure, Regina saw littleof her guardian, whose manner was unusually preoccupied, and entirelydevoid of the earnest interest and sympathy he had displayed at theirlast interview. Ascribing the change to regret at the absence of theguest whose presence had so enlivened the house, the girl avoided allunnecessary opportunities of meeting him, and devoted herselfassiduously to her music and studies. 

The marriage of a friend residing in Albany had called Olga thither, and in the confusion and hurried preparation incident to the journeyshe had found, or at least improved, no leisure to refer to thesubject of the remarks made by Mrs. Carew and Mr. Chesley relative toMr. Eggleston. 

Mr. Congreve and Mrs. Palma had accompanied Olga to the railroaddepot, and she departed in unusually high spirits. 

Several days elapsed, during which Mr. Palma's abstraction increased, and by degrees Regina learned from his stepmother that a long pendingsuit involving several millions of dollars was drawing to a close. 

As counsel for the plaintiff, he was summing up and preparing hisfinal speech. An entire day was consumed in its delivery, and on thefollowing afternoon as Regina sat at the library table writing herGerman exercise, she heard, his footsteps ascending with unwontedrapidity the hall stairs. Outside the door he paused, and accostedMrs. Palma who hastened to meet him. 

"Madam, I have won. "

"Indeed, Erle, I congratulate you. I believe it involves a very largefee?"

"Yes, twenty thousand dollars; but the victory yields other fruitquite as valuable to me. Judges McLemore and Mayfield were on thedefence, and it cost me a very hard fight: literally--' _Palma nonsine pulvere_. ' The jury deliberated only twenty minutes, and ofcourse I am much gratified. "

"I am heartily glad, but it really is no more than I expected; forwhen did you ever fail in anything of importance?"

"Most signally in one grave matter, which deeply concerns me. Despite my efforts, Olga's animosity grows daily more intense, and itannoys, wounds me; for you are aware that I have a very earnestinterest in her welfare. I question very much the propriety of yourcourse in urging this match upon her, and you know that from thebeginning I have discouraged the whole scheme. She is vastlyCongreve's superior, and I confess I do not relish the idea of seeingher sacrifice herself so completely. I attempted to tell her so, about a fortnight since, but she stormily forbade my mentioningCongreve's name in her presence, and looked so like an enragedleopardess that I desisted. "

"It will prove for the best, I hope; and nothing less binding, lessdecisive than this marriage will cure her of her obstinate folly. Time will heal all, and some day, Erle, she will understand you, andappreciate what you have done. "

"My dear madam, I merely mean that I desire she should regard me as abrother, anxious to promote her true interests; whereas she considersme her worst enemy. Just now we will adjourn the subject, as I musttrouble you to pack my valise. I am obliged to start immediately toWashington, and cannot wait for dinner. Will you direct Octave toprepare a cup of coffee?"

"How long will you be absent?"

"I cannot say positively, as my business is of a character which maybe transacted in three hours, or may detain me as many days. I mustleave here in half an hour. "

The door was open, and hearing what passed, Regina bent lower overher exercise book when her guardian came forward. 

Although toil-worn and paler than usual, his eyes were of a proudglad light, that indexed gratification at his success. 

Leaning against the table, he said carelessly:

"I am going to Washington, and will safely deliver any message youfeel disposed to send to your admirer, Mr. Chesley. "

She glanced inquiringly at him. 

"I hope you reciprocate his regard, for he expressed great interestin your welfare. "

"I liked him exceedingly; better than any gentleman I ever met, except dear Mr. Hargrove. "

"A very comprehensive admission, and eminently flattering to poorElliott and 'Brother' Douglass. "

"Mr. Chesley is a very noble-looking old man, and seemed to me worthyof admiration and confidence. He did not impress me as a stranger, but rather as a dear friend. "

"Doubtless I shall find the chances all against me, when you arerequested to decide between us. "

A perplexed expression crossed the face she raised toward him. 

"I am not as quick as Mrs. Carew in solving enigmas. "

"_ A propos!_ what do you think of my charming fair client?"

Her heart quickened its pulsations, but the clear sweet voice wasquiet and steady. 

"I think her exceedingly beautiful and graceful. "

"When I am as successful in her suit as in the great case I wonto-day, I shall expect you to offer me very sincere congratulations. "

He smiled pleasantly, as he looked at her pure face, which bad neverseemed so surpassingly lovely as just then, with white hyacinthsnestling in and perfuming her hair. 

"I shall not be here then; but, Mr. Palma, wherever I am, I shallalways congratulate you upon whatever conduces to your happiness. "

"Then I may consider that you have already decided in favour of Mr. Chesley?"

"Mr. Palma, I do not quite understand your jest"

"Pardon me, it threatens to become serious. Mr. Chesley is immenselywealthy, and having no near relatives desires to adopt some pretty, well-bred, affectionate-natured girl, who can take care of and cheerhis old age; and to whom he can bequeath his name and fortune. Hiscovetous eye has fallen upon my ward, and he seriously contemplatesmaking some grave proposals to your mother, relative to transferringyou to Washington, and thence to San Francisco. As Mr. Chesley'sheiress, your future will be very brilliant, and I presume that in avoluntary choice of guardians, I am destined to lose my ward. "

"Very soon my mother will be my guardian, and Mr. Chesley iscertainly a gentleman of too much good sense and discretion toentertain such a thought relative to a stranger, of whom he knowsabsolutely nothing. A few polite kindly worded phrases bear no suchserious interpretation. "

She had bent so persistently over her book, that he closed andremoved it beyond her reach, forcing her to regard him; for after thetoil, contention, and brain-wrestling of the courtroom, it was hisreward just now to look into her deep calm eyes, and watch theexpressions vary in her untutored ingenuous countenance. 

"Men, especially confirmed old bachelors, are sometimes verycapricious and foolish; and my friend Mr. Chesley appears to havefallen hopelessly into the depth of your eyes. In vain I assured himthat Helmholtz has demonstrated that the deepest blue eye is afterall only a turbid medium. In his infatuation he persists that scienceis a learned bubble, and that your eyes are wells of truth andinspiration. Of course you desire that I shall present youraffectionate regards to your future guardian?"

"You can improvise any message you deem advisable, but I send none. "

A faint colour was stealing into her cheeks, and the long lashesdrooped before the bright black eyes, that had borne down many abrave face on the witness stand. 

The clock struck, and Mr. Palma compared his watch with its record. 

He was loath to quit that charming quiet room, which held the fairinnocent young queen of his love, and hasten away upon the impendingjourney; but it was important that he should not miss the railwaytrain, and he smothered a sigh:

"This morning I neglected to give you a letter which arrivedyesterday, and of course I need expect no pardon when you ascertainthat it is from 'India's coral strand. ' If 'Brother Douglass' is asindefatigable in the discharge of his missionary as his epistolarylabours, he deserves a crown of numerous converts. This letter wasenclosed in one addressed to me, and I prefer that you shouldpostpone your reply until my return. I intended to mention the matterthis morning, but was absorbed in court proceedings, and now I am toomuch hurried. "

She put the letter into her pocket, and at the same time drew out asmall envelope containing the amount of money she had borrowed. Rising, she handed it to him. 

"Allow me to cancel my debt. "

As he received it, their fingers met, and a hot flush rushed over thelawyer's weary face. He bit his lip, and recovered himself before sheobserved his emotion. 

"That alms-giving episode is destined to yield an inestimable harvestof benefits. But I must hurry away. Pray do not take passage for thejungles of Oude before I return, for whenever you leave me I shouldat least like the ceremony of bidding my ward adieu. Good-bye. "

She gave him her hand. 

"Good-bye, Mr. Palma. I hope you will have a pleasant trip. "

As she stood before him, the rich blue of her soft cashmere dressrendered her pearly complexion fairer still, and though keen paingnawed at her heart, no hint of her suffering marred the perfectionof her face. 

"Lily, where did you get those lovely white hyacinths? Yesterday Iordered a bouquet of them, but could procure none. Would you mindgiving me the two that smell so deliciously in your hair? I wantthem--well--no matter why. Will you oblige me?"

"Certainly, sir; but I have a handsomer fresher spike of flowers ina glass in my room, which I will bring down to you. "

She turned, but he detained her. 

"No, these are sufficiently pretty for my purpose, and I am hurried. I trust I may be pardoned this robbery of your floral ornaments, since you will probably see neither Mr. Roscoe, Mr. Chesley, nor yetPadre Sahib this evening. "

She laid the snowy perfumed bells in his outstretched hand, and said:

"I am exceedingly glad that even in such a trifle I can contribute toyour pleasure, and I assure you that you are perfectly welcome to myhyacinths. "

The sweet downcast face, and slightly wavering voice appealed to allthat was tender and loving in his cold undemonstrative nature, andhe was strongly tempted to take her in his arms, and tell her thetruth, which every day he found it more difficult to conceal. 

"Thank you. Some day, Lily, I will tell you their mission and fate. Should I forget, remind me. "

He smiled, bowed, and hurried from the room, leaving her sadlyperplexed. 

At dinner Mrs. Palma said:

"I have promised to chaperon the Brace sisters to-night to the opera, and shall take tea at their house. Were I sure of a seat for you, Ishould insist upon taking you, for I dislike to leave you so muchalone; but the box might be full, and then things would be awkward. "

"You need have no concern on my account, for I have my books, and amaccustomed to being alone. Moreover, I am not particularly partial tothe music of 'Martha' which will be played to-night. "

"Did your guardian tell you he has just won that great 'Migdol' casethat created so much interest?"

"He mentioned it. Mrs. Palma, I thought he looked weary and jaded; asif he needed a rest, rather than a journey. "

"Erle is never weary. His nerves are steel, and he will speedilyforget his court-house cares in Mrs. Carew's charming conversation. "

"But she is not in Washington?"

"She told me yesterday she would go there this afternoon, and showedme the most superb maize-coloured satin just received from Worth, which she intends wearing to-morrow evening at the FrenchAmbassador's ball, or reception. You know she is very fascinating, and though Erle thinks little about women, I really believe she willsucceed in driving law books, for a little while at least, out of hiscool clear head. My dear, I am going to write a short note. Will youplease direct Hattie to bring my opera hat, cloak, and glasses?"

With inexpressible relief, Regina heard the heavy silk rustle acrossthe hall, when she took her departure, and rejoiced in the assurancethat there was no one to intrude upon her solitude. 

How she wished that she could fly to some desert, where undiscoveredshe might cry aloud, in the great agony that possessed her heart. 

The thought that her guardian had hastened away to accompany thatgrey-eyed, golden-haired witch of a woman to Washington wasintolerably bitter; and as she contemplated the possibility, nay theprobability, of his speedy marriage, a wild longing seized her tomake her escape, and avoid the sight of such a spectacle. 

When she recalled his proud, handsome, composed face, and tried toimagine him the husband of Mrs. Carew, bending over, caressing her, the girl threw her arms on his writing desk, and sunk her face uponthem, as if to shut out the torturing vision. 

She knew that he was singularly reserved and undemonstrative; she hadnever seen him fondle or caress anything, and the bare thought thathis stern marble lips would some day seek and press that woman'sscarlet mouth made her shiver with a pang that was almost maddening. 

How cruelly mocking that he should take her favourite snowy hyacinthsto offer them to Mrs. Carew! Did his keen insight penetrate the follyshe had suffered to grow up in her own heart, and had he coollyresorted to this method of teaching her its hopelessness?

If she could leave New York before his return, and never see himagain, would it not be best? His eyes were so piercing, he was soaccustomed to reading people's emotions in their countenance, and shefelt that she could not survive his discovery of her secret. 

What did his irony relative to India portend? Hitherto she had quiteforgotten the letter from Mr. Lindsay, and now breaking the seal, sought an explanation. 

A few faded flowers fell out as she unfolded it, and ere shecompleted the perusal a cry escaped her. Mr. Lindsay wrote that hishealth had suffered so severely from the climate of India that he hadbeen compelled to surrender his missionary work to stronger hands, and would return to his native land. He believed that rest andAmerica would restore him, and now he fully declared the nature ofhis affection, and the happiness with which he anticipated hisreunion with her; reminding her of her farewell promise that noneshould have his place in her heart. More than once she read theclosing words of that long letter. 

 "I had intended deferring this declaration until you were eighteen, and restored to your mother's care; but my unexpectedly early return, and the assurance contained in your letters that your love has in no degree diminished, determine me to acquaint you at once with the precious hope that so gladdens the thought of our approaching reunion. While your decision must of course be subject to and dependent on your mother's approval, I wish you to consult only the dictates of your heart, believing that all my future must be either brightened or clouded by your verdict. Open the package given to you in our last interview, and if you have faithfully kept your promise let me see upon your hand the ring which I shall regard as the pledge of our betrothal. Whether I live many or few years, God grant that your love may glorify and sanctify my earthly sojourn. In life or death, my darling Regina, believe me always, "Your devoted

 "DOUGLASS. "

Below the signature, and dated a week later, were several lines inMrs. Lindsay's handwriting, informing her that her son had again beenquite ill, but was improving; and that within the ensuing ten daysthey expected to sail for Japan, and thence to San Franciso, whereMrs. Lindsay's only sister resided. In conclusion she earnestlyappealed to Regina, as the daughter of her adoption, not toextinguish the hope that formed so powerful an element in therecovery of her son Douglass. 

Was it the mercy of God, or the grim decree of fatalism, or themerest accident that provided this door of escape, when she wasgrowing desperate?

Numb with heart-ache, and strangely bewildered, Regina couldrecognize it only as a providential harbour, into which she couldsafely retreat from the storm of suffering that was beginning to roararound her. Recalling the peaceful happy years spent at theparsonage, and the noble character of the man who loved her sodevotedly, who had so tenderly cared for her through the season ofher childhood, a gush of grateful emotion pleaded that she owed himall that he now asked. 

When she contrasted the image of the pale student, so affectionate, so unselfishly considerate in all things, with the commanding figureand cold, guarded, non-committal face of Mr. Palma, she shivered andgroaned: but the comparison only goaded her to find safety in thesheltering love, that must at least give her peace. 

If she were Douglass Lindsay's wife, would she not find it far easierto forget her guardian? Would it be sinful to promise her hand toone, while her heart stubbornly enshrined the other? She loved Mr. Lindsay very much: he seemed holy, in his supremely unselfish anddeeply religious life; and after awhile perhaps other feelings wouldgrow up toward him. 

In re-reading the letter, she saw that Mr. Lindsay had informed Mr. Palma of the proposal which it contained; as he deemed it due to herguardian to acquaint him with the sentiments they entertained foreach other. 

Should she reject the priestly hand and loyal heart of the youngmissionary, would not Mr. Palma suspect the truth?

She realized that the love in her heart was of that deep exhaustivenature which comes but once to women, and since she must bury it forever, was it not right that she should dedicate her life to promotingMr. Lindsay's happiness? Next to her mother, did she not owe him morethan any other human being?

As she sat leaning upon Mr. Palma's desk, she saw his handkerchiefnear the inkstand, where he had dropped it early that morning; andtaking it up, she drew it caressingly across her check and lips. Everything in this room, where since her residence in New York shehad been accustomed to see him, grew sacred from association withhim, and all that he touched was strangely dear. 

For two hours she sat there, very quiet, weighing the past, considering the future; and at last she slowly resolved upon hercourse. 

She would write that night to her mother, enclose Mr. Lindsay'sletter, and if her mother's permission could be obtained, she wouldgive her hand to Douglass, and in his love forget the brief madnessthat now made her so wretched. 

From the date of the postscript she discovered that the letter hadbeen delayed _en route_, and computing the time from Yokohama to SanFrancisco, according to information given by Mr. Chesley, she foundthat unless some unusual detention had occurred, the vessel in whichMr. And Mrs. Lindsay intended to sail should have already reachedCalifornia. 

Mr. Palma's jest relative to India was explained; and evidently hehad not sufficient interest in her decision even to pause and ask it. Knowing the contents, he had with cold indifference carried theletter for two days in his pocket, and handed it to her just as hewas departing. 

She imagined him sitting in the car, beside Mrs. Carew, admiring herbeauty, perhaps uttering in her ear tender vows, never breathed byhis lips to any other person; while she--the waif, the fatherless, nameless, obscure young girl--sat there alone desperately fightingthe battle of destiny. 

Bitter as was this suggestion of her aching heart, it broughtstrength; and rising, she laid aside the handkerchief, and quittedthe apartment that babbled ceaselessly of its absent master. 

Among some precious souvenirs of her mother she kept the packagewhich had been given to her by Mr. Lindsay with the request that itshould remain unopened until her eighteenth birthday; and how sheunlocked the small ebony box that contained her few treasures. 

The parcel was sealed with red wax, and when she removed theenveloping pasteboard, she found a heavy gold ring, bearing a largebeautifully tinted opal, surrounded with small diamonds. On theinside was engraved "Douglass and Regina, " with the date of the dayon which he had left the parsonage for India. 

Kneeling beside her bed, she prayed that God would help her to doright, would guide her into the proper path, would enable her to doher duty, first to her mother, then to Mr. Lindsay. 

When she rose, the ring shone on her left hand, and though her facewas worn and pallid her mournful eyes were undimmed, and she sat downto write her mother frankly concerning the feelings of intensegratitude and perfect confidence which prompted her to accept Mr. Lindsay's offer, provided Mrs Orme consented to the betrothal. 

Ere she had concluded the task, her attention was attracted by anoise on the stairs that were situated near her door. 

It was rather too early for Mrs. Palma's return from the opera, andthe servants were all in a different portion of the building. 

Regina laid down her pen, and listened. Slow heavy footsteps wereascending, and recognizing nothing familiar in the sound, she walkedquickly to the door which stood ajar, and looked out. 

A tall woman wrapped in a heavy shawl had reached the landing, and asthe gaslight fell upon her, Regina started forward. 

"Olga! we did not expect you until to-morrow, but you are disguised!Oh! what is the matter?"

Wan and haggard, apparently ten years older than when she ran downthese steps a week previous departing for Albany, Olga stood clingingto the mahogany rail of the balustrade. Her large straw bonnet hadfallen back, the heavy hair was slipping low on neck and brow, andher sunken eyes had a dreary stare. 

"Are you ill? What has happened? Dear Olga, speak to me. "

She threw her arms around the regal figure, and felt that she wasshivering from head to foot. 

As she became aware of the close clinging embrace in which Reginaheld her, a ghastly smile parted Olga's colourless lips, and she saidsaid in a husky whisper:

"Is it you? True little heart; the only one left in all the world. "

After a few seconds, she added:

"Where is mamma?"

"At the opera. "

"To see Beelzebub? All the world is singing and playing that now, andyou may be sure that you and I shall be in at the final chorus. Regina----"

She swept her hand feebly over her forehead, and seemed to forgetherself. 

Then she rallied, and a sudden spark glowed in her dull eyes, as whena gust stirs an ash heap, and uncovers a dying ember. 

"Erle Palma?"

"Has gone to Washington. "

"May he never come back! O God! a hundred deaths would not satisfyme! A hundred graves were not sufficient to hide him from my sight!"

She groaned and clasped her hand across her eyes. 

"What dreadful thing has occurred? Tell me, you know that you cantrust me. "

"Trust! no, no; not even the archangels that fan the throne of God. Ihave done with trust. Take me in your room a little while. Hide mefrom mamma until to-morrow; then it will make no difference who seesme. "

Regina led her to the low rocking chair in her own room, and took offthe common shawl and bonnet which she had used as a disguise, thenseized her cold nerveless hand. 

"Do tell me your great sorrow. "

"Something rare nowaday. I had a heart, a live, warm, loving heart, and it is broken; dead--utterly dead. Regina, I was so happyyesterday. Oh! I stood at the very gate of heaven, so close that allthe glory and the sweetness blew upon me, like June breezes over arose hedge; and the angels seemed to beckon me in. I went to meetBelmont, to join him for ever, to turn my back on the world, and ashis wife pass into the Eden of his love and presence. . . . Now, anothergate yawns, and the fiends call me to come down, and if there reallybe a hell, why then----"

For nearly a moment she remained silent. 

"Olga, is he ill? Is he dead?"

A cry as of one indeed broken-hearted came from her quivering lips, and she clasped her arms over her head. 

"Oh, if he were indeed dead! If I could have seen him and kissed himin his coffin! And known that he was still mine, all mine, even inthe grave----"

Her head sank upon her bosom, and after a brief pause she resumed inan unnaturally calm voice. 

"My world so lovely yesterday has gone to pieces; and for me life isa black crumbling ruin. I hung all my hopes, my prayers, my fondestdreams on one shining silver thread of trust, and it snapped, and allfall together. We ask for fish, and are stung by scorpions; we prayfor bread--only bare bread for famishing hearts--and we are stoned. Ah! it appears only a hideous dream; but I know it is awfully, horribly true. "

"What is true? Don't keep me in suspense. "

Olga bent forward, put her large hands on Regina's shoulders as thelatter knelt in front of her, and answered drearily:

"He is married. "

"Not Mr. Eggleston?"

"Yes, my Belmont. For so many years he has been entirely mine, andoh, how I loved him! Now he is that woman's husband. Bought with hergold. I intended to run away and marry him; go with him to Europe, where I should never see Erle Palma's cold devilish black eyes again. Where in some humble little room hid among the mountains, I could behappy with my darling. I sold my jewellery, even my richest clothing, that I might have a little money to defray expenses. Then I wroteBelmont of my plans, told him I had forsaken everything for him, andappointed a place in this city where we could meet. I hastened downfrom Albany, disguised myself, and went to the place of rendezvous. After waiting a long time, his cousin came; brought me a letter, showed me the marriage notice. Only two days ago they--Belmont andthat woman--were married, and they sailed for Europe at noon to-day, in the steamer upon which I had expected to go as a bride. He wrotethat with failing health, penury staring him in the face, and, despairing at last of being able to win me, he had grown reckless, and sold himself to that wealthy widow who had long loved him, andwho would provide generously for his helpless mother. He said hedared not trust himself to see me again. And so, all is over forever. "

She dropped her head on her clenched hands, and shuddered. "DearOlga, he was not worthy of you, or he would never have deserted you. If he truly loved you, he never could have married another, for----"

She paused, for the shimmer of the diamonds on her hand accused her. Was she not contemplating similar treachery? Loving one man, how dareshe entertain the thought of listening to another's suit. She wasdeeply and sincerely attached to Douglass, she reverenced him morethan any living being; but she knew that it was not the same feelingher heart had declared for her guardian, and she felt condemned byher own words. 

Olga made an impatient motion, and answered:

"Hush--not a word against him; none shall dishonour him. He wasmaddened, desperate. My poor darling! Erle Palma and mamma were toomuch for us, but we shall conquer at last. Belmont will not live manymonths; he had a hemorrhage from his lungs last week, and in a littlewhile we shall be united. He will not long wait to join me. "

She leaned back and smiled triumphantly, and Regina became uneasy asshe noted the unnatural expression of her eyes. 

"What do you mean, Olga? You make me unhappy, and I am afraid you areill. "

"No, dear; but I am tired. So tired of everything in this hollow, heartless, shameful world, that I want to lie down and rest. Foreight years nearly I have leaned on one hope for comfort; now it hascrumbled under me, and I have no strength. Will you let me sleep herewith you to-night? I will not keep you awake. "

"Let me help you to undress. You know I shall be glad to have youhere. "

Regina unbuttoned her shoes, and began to draw them off, while Olgamechanically took down and twisted her weighty hair. Once she put herhand on her pocket, and her eyes glittered. 

"I want a glass of wine, or anything that will quiet me. Please godown to the dining-room, and get me something to put me to sleep. Myhead feels as if it were on fire. "

The tone was so unusually coaxing, that Regina's suspicions werearoused. 

"I don't know where to find the key of the wine closet. "

"Then wake Octave, and tell him to give you some wine He keeps portand madeira for soups and sauces. You must I would do as much foryou. I will go to Octave. "

She attempted to rise, but Regina feigned acquiescence, and left theroom, closing the door, but leaving a crevice. Outside, she kneltdown and peeped through the key-hole. 

Alarmed by the unnatural expression of the fiery hazel eyes, ahorrible dread overshadowed her, and she trembled from head to foot. 

While she watched, Olga rose, turned her head and listened intently;then drew something from her pocket, and Regina saw that it was aglass vial. 

"I win at last. To-morrow, mamma and her stepson will not exult overthis victory. If I have an immortal soul may God--my Maker andJudge--have mercy upon me!"

She drew out the cork with her teeth, turned, and as she lifted thevial to her lips, Regina ran in and seized her arm. 

"Olga, you are mad! Would you murder yourself?"

They grappled; Olga was much taller and now desperately strong, butluckily Regina had her fingers also on the glass, and, dragging downthe hand that clenched it, the vial was inverted, and a portion ofthe contents fell upon the carpet. 

Feeling the liquid run through her fingers, Olga uttered la cry ofbaffled rage of despair, and struck the girl a heavy blow in the facethat made her stagger; but almost frantic with terror Regina improvedthe opportunity afforded by the withdrawal of one of the large hands, to tighten her own grasp, and in the renewed struggle succeeded inwrenching away the vial. The next instant, she hurled it against themarble mantlepiece, and saw it splintered into numberless fragments. 

As the wretched woman watched the fluid oozing over the hearth, shecried out and covered her face with her hands. 

"Dear Olga, you are delirious, and don't know what you are doing. Goto bed, and when you lie down, I will get the wine for you. Please, dear Olga! You wring my heart. "

"Oh, you call yourself my friend, and you have been most cruel ofall! You keep me from going to a rest that would have no dreams, andno waking, and no to-morrow. Do you think I will live and let themtaunt me with my folly, my failure? Let that iron fiend show hiswhite teeth, and triumph over me? People will know I sold my clothes, and tried to run away, and was forsaken. Oh! if you had only let mealone! I should very soon lave been quiet; out of even Erle Palma'sway! Now----"

She gave utterance to a low, distressing wail, and rocked herself, murmuring some incoherent words. 

"Olga, your mother has come, and unless you wish her to hear you, andcome in, do try to compose yourself. "

Shuddering at the mention of her mother, she grew silent, moody, andsuffered Regina to undress her. After a long while, during which sheappeared absolutely deaf to all appeals, she rose, smiled strangely, and threw herself across the bed; but the eyes were beginning tosparkle, and now and then she laughed almost hysterically. 

When an hour had passed, and no sound came from the prostrate figure, Regina leaned over to look at her, and discovered that she waswhispering rapidly some unintelligible words. 

Once she startled up, exclaiming:

"Don't have such a hot fire! My head is scorching. "

Regina watched her anxiously, softly stroking one of her hands, trying to soothe her to sleep; but after two o'clock, when she grewmore restless and incoherent in her muttering, the young nurse feltassured she was sinking into delirium, and decided to consult Mrs. Palma. 

Concealing the shawl and bonnet, and gathering up the mostconspicuous fragments of glass on the hearth, she put them out ofsight, and hurried to Mrs. Palma's room. 

She was astonished to find her still awake, sitting before a table, and holding a note in her hand. 

"What is the matter, Regina?"

"Olga has come home, and I fear she is very ill. Certainly she isdelirious. "

"Oh! then she has heard it already! She must have seen the paper. Iknew nothing of it until to-night, when Erle's hasty note fromPhiladelphia reached me, after I left the opera. I dreaded the effectupon my poor, unfortunate child. Where is she?"

"In my room. "

CHAPTER XXVII. 

During the protracted illness that ensued, Olga temporarily lost thepressure of the burden she had borne for so many years, and enteredinto that Eden which her imagination had painted, ere the suddencrash and demolition of her _Chateaux en Espagne_. Her delirium wasnever violent and raving, but took the subdued form of a beatifiedexistence. In a low voice, that was almost a whisper, she babbledceaselessly of her supreme satisfaction in gaining the goal of allher hopes--and dwelt upon the beauty of her chalet home--the tinklingmusic of the bells on distant heights where cattle browsed--theleaping of mountain torrents just beyond her window--the cooing ofthe pigeons upon the tall peaked roof--the breath of mignonette andviolets stealing through the open door. When pounded ice was laidupon her head, an avalanche was sliding down, and the snow salutedher in passing; and when the physician ordered more light admittedthat he might examine the unnaturally glowing eyes, she complainedthat the sun was setting upon the glacier and the blaze blinded her. Now she sat on a mossy knoll beside Belmont, reading aloud Buchanan's"Pan" and "The Siren, " while he sketched the ghyll; and anon shepaused in her recitation of favourite passages to watch the colourdeepen on the canvas. 

From the beginning Dr. Suydam had pronounced the case peculiarlydifficult and dangerous, and as the days wore on, bringing nodebatement of cerebral excitement, he expressed the opinion that someterrible shock had produced the aberration that baffled his skill, and threatened to permanently disorder her faculties. 

Jealously Regina concealed all that had occurred on the evening ofher return, and though Mrs. Palma briefly referred to her daughter'sunfortunate attachment to an unworthy man, whose marriage hadpainfully startled her, she remained unaware of the revelations madeby Olga. Although she evinced no recognition of those about her, thelatter shrank from all save Regina whose tender ministrations werepeculiarly soothing; and clinging to the girl's hand, she wouldsmilingly talk of the peace and happiness reaped at last by hermarriage with Belmont Eggleston, and enjoin upon her the necessity ofpreserving from "mamma and Erle Palma" the secret of her secludedlittle cottage home. 

On the fourth night, Mrs. Palma was so prostrated by grief andwatching, that she succumbed to a violent nervous headache, and wasordered out of the room by the physician, who requested that Reginamight for a few hours be entrusted with the care of his patient. 

"But if anything should happen? And Regina is so inexperienced?"sobbed the unhappy mother, bending over her child, who was laughingat the gambols of some young chamois, which delirium painted on thewall. 

"Miss Orme will at least obey my orders. She is watchful andpossesses unusual self-control, which you, my dear madam, utterlylack in a sick-room. Beside, Olga yields more readily to her than toany one else, and I prefer that Miss Orme should have the care ofher. Go to bed, madam, and I will send you an anodyne that willcompose you. "

"If any change occurs, you will call me instantly?"

"You may rest assured I shall. "

Mrs. Palma leaned over her daughter, and as her tears fell on theburning face of the sufferer, the latter put up her hands, and said:

"Belmont, it is raining and your picture will be ruined, and thenmamma will ridicule your failure. Cover it quick. "

"Olga, my darling, kiss mamma good-night. "

But she was busy trying to shield the imaginary painting with one ofthe pillows, and began in a quavering voice to sing Longfellow's"Rainy Day. " Her mother pressed her lips to the hot cheek, but sheseemed unconscious of the caress, and weeping bitterly Mrs. Palmaleft the room. As she passed into the hall a cry escaped her, andthe broken words:

"Oh, Erle, I thought you would never come! My poor child!"

Dr. Suydam closed the door, and drawing Regina to the window, proceeded to question her closely, and to instruct her concerning thecourse of treatment he desired to pursue. Should Olga's pulse sink toa certain stage, specified doses must be given; and in a possiblecondition of the patient he must be instantly notified. 

"I am glad to find Mr. Palma has returned. Though he knows no morethan a judge's gavel of what is needful in a sick-room, he will be asupport and comfort to all, and his nerves never flag, never waver. Keep a written record of Olga's condition at the hours I havespecified, and shut her mother out of the room as much as possible. Iwill try to put her to sleep for the next twelve hours, and by thattime we shall know the result. Good-night. "

Olga had violently opposed the removal from Regina's room, and inaccordance with her wishes she had remained where her weary whirlingbrain first rested on the day of her return. Arranging the medicineand glasses, and turning down the light, Regina put on her pale bluedressing-gown girded at the waist by a cord and tassel, and looselytwisted and fastened her hair in a large coil low on her head andneck. She had slept none since Olga came home, and anxiety andfatigue had left unmistakable traces on her pale, sad face. Theletter to her mother had been finished and signed, but still lay inthe drawer of her portable writing desk, awaiting envelope and stamp;and so oppressed had she been by sympathy with Olga's greatsuffering, that for a time her own grief was forgotten, or at leastput aside. 

The announcement of Mr. Palma's return vividly recalled all thatbeclouded her future, and she began to dread the morrow that wouldsubject her to his merciless bright eyes, feeling that his presencewas dangerous. Perhaps by careful manoeuvring she might screenherself in the sick-room for several days, and thus avoid the chanceof an interview, which must result in an inquiry concerning heranswer to Mr. Lindsay's letter. Fearful of her own treacherous heart, she was unwilling to discuss her decision until assured she had growncalm and firm, from continued contemplation of her future lot;moreover, her guardian would probably return from Washington anaccepted lover, and she shrank from the spectacle of his happiness, as from glowing ploughshares--lying scarlet in her pathway. In thisroom she would ensconce herself, and should he send for her, variousexcuses might be devised to delay the unwelcome interview. 

Olga had grown more quiet, and for nearly an hour after the doctor'sdeparture she only now and then resumed her rambling, incoherentmonologue. Sitting beside the bed, Regina watched quietly until theclock struck twelve, and she coaxed the sufferer to take a spoonfulof a sedative from which the physician hoped much benefit. She bathedthe crimson cheeks with a cloth dipped in iced water, and all thewhile the hazel eyes watched her suspiciously. Other reflectionsbegan to colour her vision, and the happy phase was merging into oneof terror, lest her lover should die or be torn away from her. Leaning over her, Regina endeavoured to compose her by assurancesthat Belmont was well and safe, but restlessly she tossed from sideto side. 

At last she began to cry, softly at first, like a fretful wearychild; and while Regina held her hands, essaying to soothe her, ashadow glided between the gas globe and the bed, and Mr. Palma stoodbeside the two. He looked pale, anxious, and troubled, as his eyesrested sorrowfully on the fevered face upon the pillow, and he sawthat the luxuriant hair had been closely clipped, to facilitateapplications to relieve the brain. The parched lips were browned andcracked, and the vacant stare in the eyes told him that consciousnesswas still a long way off. 

But was there even then a magnetic recognition, dim and vague, of theperson whom she regarded as the inveterate enemy of her happiness?Cowering among the bedclothes, she trembled and said, in a husky yetaudible whisper:

"Will you hide us a little while? Belmont and I will soon sail, andif Erle Palma and mamma knew it, they would tear me from my darling, and chain me to Silas Congreve, and that would kill me. Oh! I onlywant my darling; not the Congreve emeralds, only my Belmont, mydarling. "

Something that in any other man would have been a groan, came fromthe lawyer's granite lips, and Regina, who shivered at his presence, looked up, and said hastily:

"Please go away, Mr. Palma; the sight of you will make her worse. "

He only folded his arms over his chest, sighed, and sat down, keepinghis eyes fixed on Olga. It was one o'clock before she ceased herpassionate pleading for protection from those whom she believedintent upon sacrificing her, and then turning her face to the wailshe became silent, only occasionally muttering rapid indistinctsentences. 

For some time Mr. Palma sat with his elbow on his knee, and his headresting on his hand, and even in that hour of deep anxiety and dread, Regina realized that she was completely forgotten; that he hadneither looked at nor spoken to her. 

Nearly a half-hour passed thus, and his gaze had never wandered fromthe restless sufferer on the bed, when Regina rose and renewed thecold cloths on her forehead. She counted the pulse, and while shestill sat on the edge of the bed, Olga half rose, threw herselfforward with her head in Regina's lap, and one arm clasped aroundher. Softly the girl motioned to her guardian to place the bowl oficed water within her reach, and, dipping her left hand in the water, she stole her fingers lightly across the burning brow. Olga becamequiet, and by degrees the lids drooped over the inflamed eyes. Patiently Regina continued her gentle cool touches, and at last shewas rewarded by seeing the sufferer sink into the first sleep thathad blessed her during her illness. 

Fearing to move even an inch lest she should arouse her, and knowingthe physician's anxiety to secure repose, the slight figure sat likea statue, supporting the head and shoulders of the sleeper. The clockticked on, and no other sound was audible, save a sigh from Mr. Palma, and the heavy breathing of Olga. The former was leaning backin his chair, with his arms crossed, and though Regina avoidedlooking at him, she knew from the shimmer of his glasses, that hiseyes were turned upon her. Gradually the room grew cold, and sheraised her hand and pointed to a large shawl lying on a chair withinhis reach. Very warily the two spread it lightly over the arms andshoulders, without disturbing the sleeper. One arm was clasped aboutRegina's waist, and the flushed face was pressed against her side. 

So they watched until three o'clock, and then Mr. Palma saw that thegirl was wearied by the constrained, uncomfortable position. He hadbeen studying the colourless, mournful features that were as regularand white as if fashioned in Pentelicus, and noted that the heavyhair coiled low at the back of the head, gave a singularly gracefuloutline to the whole. She kept her eyes bent upon the face in herlap, and the beautiful lashes and snowy lids drooped over their bluedepth. He knew from the paling of her lips that she was faint andtired, but he realized that she could be relieved only by thesacrifice of that sound slumber, upon which Olga's welfare was sodependent. If she stirred even a muscle the sleeper might awake torenewed delirium. 

The next hour seemed the longest he had ever spent, and several timeshe looked at his watch, hoping the clock a laggard. To Regina thevigil was inexpressibly trying, and sitting there three feet from herguardian, she dared not lift her gaze to the countenance that was sodear. 

At four o'clock he took a pillow and lounge cushion and placed thembehind her as a support for her wearied frame, but she dared not leanagainst them sufficiently to find relief; and stooping he put his armaround her shoulder, and pressed her head against him. Laying hischeek on hers, he whispered very cautiously, for his lips touched herear:

"I am afraid you feel very faint; you look so. Can you bear it alittle while longer?"

His breath swept warm across her cold cheek, and she hastily inclinedher head. He lowered his arm, but remained close beside her, and atlast she beckoned to him to bend down, and whispered:

"The fire ought to be renewed in the furnace; will you go down, andattend to it?"

Shod in his velvet slippers, he noiselessly left the room. 

How long he was absent, she was unable to determine, for her heartwas beating madly from the pressure of his cheek, and the momentarytouch of his arm; and gazing at the ring on her finger, she fiercelyupbraided herself for this sinful folly. Wearing that opal, was itnot unwomanly and wicked to thrill at the contact with one, who nevercould be more than her coolly kind, prudent, sagacious guardian? Shefelt numb, sick, giddy, and her heart--ah! how it ached as she triedto realize fully that some day he would caress Mrs. Carew!

Olga slept heavily, and when Mr. Palma returned, he brought his warmscarlet-lined dressing-gown and softly laid it around Regina'sshoulders. She looked up to express her thanks, but he was watchingOlga's face, and soon after walked to the mantlepiece and stoodleaning, with his elbow upon it. 

At last the slumberer moaned, turned, and after a few restlessmovements, threw herself back on the bolster, and fell asleep oncemore, with disjointed words dying on her lips. It was five o'clock, and Mr. Palma beckoned Regina to him. 

"She will be better when she wakes. Go to her room, and go to sleep. I will watch her until her mother comes in. "

"I could not sleep, and am unwilling to leave her until the doctorarrives. "

"You look utterly exhausted. "

"I am stronger than I seem. "

"Mrs. Palma tells me that you have been made acquainted with theunfortunate infatuation which has overshadowed poor Olga's life forsome years at least. I should be glad to know what you have learned. "

"All that was communicated to me on the subject was under the seal ofconfidence, and I hope you will excuse me if I decline to betray thetrust reposed in me. "

"Do you suppose I am ignorant of what has recently occurred?"

"At least, sir, I shall not recapitulate what passed between Olga andmyself. "

"You are aware that she considers me the author of all herwretchedness. "

"She certainly regards you and Mrs. Palma's opposition to hermarriage with Mr. Eggleston as the greatest misfortune of her life. "

"He is utterly unworthy of her affection, is an unscrupulousdissipated man; and it were better she should die to-day, rather thanhave wrecked her future by uniting it with his. "

"But she loved him so devotedly. "

"She was deceived in his character, and refused to listen to astatement of facts. When she knows him as he really is, she willdespise him. "

"I am afraid not"

"I know her better than you do. Olga is a noble high-souled woman, and she will live to thank me for her salvation from Eggleston. Hermarriage with Mr. Congreve must not be consummated; I will neverpermit it in my house. "

"She believes you have urged it, have manoeuvred to bring it topass, and this has enhanced her bitterness. "

"Manoeuvring is beneath me, and I am justly accused of much forwhich I am in no degree responsible. Poor Olga has painted me aninhuman monster, but her good sense will ere long acquit me, whenthis madness has left her and she is once more amenable to reason. "

He walked softly across the floor, leaned over the bed, and for someminutes watched the sleeper, then quietly left the room. 

Drawing his dressing-gown closely around her, Regina sat down nearthe bedside; and as she felt the pleasant warmth of the pearl-greymerino, and detected the faint odour of cigar smoke in its folds, sheinvoluntarily pressed her lips to the garment that seemed almost apart of its owner. 

Day broke clear and cold, and when the sun had risen Regina saw thatthe flush was no longer visible in Olga's face, and that to deliriumhad succeeded stupor. 

The physician looked anxious, and changed the medicine, and he foundsome difficulty in arousing her sufficiently to administer it. Mrs. Palma resumed her watch at her daughter's side, and Dr. Suydamremained several hours, urging the pale young nurse to take somerepose; but aware that the crisis of the disease had arrived, thelatter could not consent to quit the room even for a moment. Twiceduring the day, Mr. Palma came up from his office, and into thedarkened apartment where life and death were battling for theirprostrate prey; but he exchanged neither word nor glance with hisward, and after brief consultation with the doctor glided noiselesslyaway. 

About seven o'clock Mrs. Palma went down to dinner, leaving Reginaalone with the sufferer, and scarcely five minutes later she heard alow moan from the figure that had not stirred for many hours. 

Brightening the light, she peered cautiously at the face lying uponthe pillow, and was startled to find the eyes wide open. Tremblingwith anxiety she said:

"Are you not better? You have slept long and soundly. "

Mournfully the hazel eyes looked at her, and the dry brown lipsquivered. 

"I have been awake some time. "

"Before your mother left?"

"Yes. "

"Dear Olga, is your mind quite clear again?"

"Terribly clear. I suppose I have been delirious?"

"Yes, you have known none of us for five days. Here, drink this, thedoctor said you must have it the instant you waked. "

"To keep me from dying? Why should I live? I remember everything sovividly, and while custom made you all try to save me, you areobliged to know it would have been better, more kind and merciful, tohave let me die at once. Give me some water. "

After some seconds, she wearily put her hand to her head, and aghostly smile hovered over her mouth. 

"All my hair cut off? No matter now, Belmont will never see me again, and I only cared for my glossy locks because he was so proud of them. Poor darling. "

She groaned, knitted her brows, and shut her eyes; and though she didnot speak again, Regina knew that she lay wrestling with bittermemories. When her mother came back, she turned her face toward thewall, and Mrs. Palma eagerly exclaimed:

"My darling, do you know me? Kiss your mother. "

Olga only covered her face with her hands and said wearily:

"Don't touch me yet, mamma. You have broken my heart. "

At the expiration of the fifth day of convalescence, Olga was wrappedin warm shawls and placed on the couch, which had been drawn near thegrate where a bright fire burned. Thin and wan, she lay back on thecushions and pillows, with her wasted hands drooping listlesslybeside her. Moody, and taciturn, she refused all aid from any butRegina, and mercilessly exacted her continual presence. By day thelatter waited upon and read to her; by night she rested on the samebed, where the unhappy woman remained for hours awake, andinconsolable, dwelling persistently upon her luckless fate. At Mrs. Palma's suggestion her stepson had not visited the sick-room sincethe recovery of Olga's consciousness; and being closely confined tothe limits of the apartment, Regina had not seen her guardian forseveral days. About three o'clock in the afternoon, when she hadfinished brushing the short tangled hair that clung in auburn ringsaround the invalid's forehead, Olga said:

"Read me the 'Penelope. '"

Regina sat down on a low stool close to the couch, and while sheopened the book and read, Olga's right arm stole over her shoulder. At the opposite side of the hearth her mother sat, watching the pair;and she saw the door open sufficiently to admit Mr. Palma's head. Quickly she waved him back with a warning gesture; but he shook hishead resolutely, advanced a few steps, and stood in a position whichprevented the girls from discovering his presence. As Regina pausedto turn a leaf, Olga began a broken recitation, grouping passagesthat suited her fancy:

 "Yea, love, I am alone in all the world, The past grows dark upon me where I wait. 

 * * * * *

 Behold how I am mocked!

 * * * * *

 They come to me, mere men of hollow clay, And whisper odious comfort, and upbraid The love that follows thee where'er thou art. 

 * * * * *

 And they have dragged a promise from my lips To choose a murderer of my love for thee, To choose at will from out the rest one man To slay me with his kisses!"----

She groaned, and gently caressing her hand, Regina read on, andcompleted the poem. 

When she closed the book, Mr. Palma came forward and stood at theside of the couch, and in his hand he held several letters. At sightof him a flush mounted to Olga's hollow cheek, and she put herfingers over her eyes. He quietly laid one hand on her forehead andsaid pleadingly:

"Olga, dear sister, if you had died without becoming reconciled tome, I should never have felt satisfied or happy, and I thank God youhave been spared to us; spared to allow me an opportunity ofexplaining some thirds which, misunderstood, have caused you to hateme. Regina let me have this seat a little while, and in half an houryou ard Mrs. Palma can come back. I wish to talk alone with Olga. "

"To gloze over your deeds and machinations, to deny the dark cowardlywork that has stabbed my peace for ever! No, no! The only service youcan render me now is to keep out of my sight! Erle Palma, I shallhate you to my dying hour; and my only remaining wish--prayer--is, that she whom you love may give her pure hand to another; that youmay live to see her belong to other arms than yours, even as you havehelped to thrust Belmont from mine! Oh, I thank God! your coldselfish heart has stirred at last, and I shall have my revenge, whenyou come, like me, to see the lips you love kissed by another, andthe hands that were so sacred to your fond touch clasped by someother man, wearing the badge and fetter of his ownership! When yourdarling is a wife--but not yours--then the agony that you haveinflicted on me will be your portion. Because you love her, as younever yet loved even yourself, may you lose her for ever!"

She had struck off his hand, and while struggling up into a sittingposture, her eyes kindled, and her voice shook with the tempest offeeling that broke over her. 

Mr. Palma crimsoned, but motioned Mrs. Palma away, and Reginaexclaimed:

"In her feeble state this excitement may be fatal. Have you no mercy, Mr. Palma?"

"Because I wish to be merciful to her, I desire you will leave theroom. "

Mrs. Palma seized the girl's hand and drew her hastily away, andwhile the two sat on the staircase near the door of the sickroom, Regina learned from a hurried and fragmentary narration that herguardian had for years contributed to the comfort and maintenance ofMr. Eggleston's mother and sister, that his influence had beenexerted to induce a friend in Philadelphia to purchase the artist's"California Landscape, " and that his persistent opposition to Olga'smarriage had been based upon indubitable proofs that Mr. Egglestonhad deceived her; had addressed three other ladies during the sevenyears' clandestine correspondence, and had merely trifled with theholiest feelings of the girl's trusting heart. In conclusion Mrs. Palma added:

"Erle was too proud to defend himself, and sternly prohibited me fromacquainting her with some of his friendly acts. Even those twohelpless Eggleston women do not dream that their annual contributionof money and fuel comes from him. He would leave Olga in herprejudice and animosity, did he not think that a knowledge of allthat has occurred might prove to her how unworthy that man is. Shestubbornly persists that my stepson is weary of supporting us, anddesires to force a this marriage with Mr. Congreve; whereas he hasfrom the beginning assured me he deemed it inexpedient, and dreadedthe result. "

"Mrs. Palma, she insists that she will never marry any one now, andintends to join one of the Episcopal Church sisterhoods in a westerncity. "

"She certainly will not marry Mr. Congreve, for Erle called upon himand requested him to release Olga from the engagement, alleging, among other reasons, that her health was very much broken, and thatshe would spend some time in Europe. This sisterhood scheme hedeclares he will not permit her to accomplish. "

Between the two fell a profound silence, and Regina could think ofnothing but her guardian's flushed confused countenance, when Olgataxed him with his love for Mrs. Carew. How deeply his heart must beengaged, when his stem, cold, noncommittal face crimsoned?

It seemed a long time since they sat down there, and Regina wasgrowing restless when the front door-bell rang. The servant whobrought up a telegram addressed to Mr. Palma, informed Mrs. Palmathat Mr. Roscoe was waiting in the dining-room to see her. 

"My dear, knock at the door, and hand this to Erle. I will come backdirectly. "

She went downstairs, and, glad of any pretext to interrupt aninterview which she believed must be torturing to poor Olga, Reginatapped at the door. 

"Come in. "

Standing on the threshold, she merely said:

"Here is a telegraphic despatch, which may require a reply. "

"Come in, " repeated Mr. Palma. 

Advancing, she saw with amazement that he was kneeling close to thecouch, with Olga's hand in his, and his bowed head close to her face. When she reached the lounge she found that Olga was weeping bitterly, while now and then heavy sobs convulsed her feeble frame. 

"Mr. Palma, do you want to throw her back into delirium by this cruelexcitement? Do go away, and leave us in peace. "

"She will feel far happier after a little while, and tears will easeher heart. Olga, you have not yet given me your promise. "

"Be patient! Some day you will learn perhaps that though the idol youworshipped so long has fallen from the niche where you set it, eventhe dust is sacred; and you want no strange touch to defile it. Ohthe love, the confidence, the idolatry--I have so lavishlysquandered! Because it was wasted, and all--all is lost, can I mournthe less?"

"At least give me your promise to wait two years, to follow myadvice, to accede to my plan for your future. "

He wiped the tears from her cheek, and after some hesitation she saidbrokenly:

"How can you care at all what becomes of me? But since you have savedme from Mr. Congreve, and contrived to conceal the traces of mydisguise and flight from Albany, I owe you something, owe somethingto your family pride. I will think over all you wish, and perhapsafter a time, I can see things in a different light. Now--all isdark, ruined--utterly----"

She wept passionately, hiding her face in her hands; and rising, Mr. Palma placed some open letters on the chair beside her. He walked tothe window, opened and read the telegram, and Regina saw a heavyfrown darken his brow. As if pondering the contents, he stood formore than a minute, then went to the door, and said from thethreshold:

"The papers, Olga, are intended for no eye but yours. In reviewingthe past, judge me leniently, for had you been born my own sister Ishould have no deeper interest in your welfare. Henceforth try totrust me as your brother, and I will forgive gladly all your unjustbitterness and aspersion. "

He disappeared, and almost simultaneously Mrs. Palma came back andkissed her daughter's forehead. 

With a low piteous wail, Olga threw her white hands up about hermother's neck, and sobbed:

"Oh, mamma! mamma! take me to your heart! Pity me!"

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Since the night of Olga's return, Regina had taken her meals in thesick-room, gladly availing herself of any pretext for avoiding thedreadful _tęte-ŕ-tęte_ breakfasts. 

On the morning after the painful interview between Olga and Mr. Palma, the former desired to remove into her own apartment, and theeasy chair in which she sat was wheeled carefully to the hearth inher room. 

"Come close to me, dear child. "

Olga held her companion for some seconds in a tight embrace, thenkissed her cheek and forehead. 

"Patient, true little friend; you saved me from destruction. How wornand white you look, and I have robbed you so long of sleep! When I amstronger, I want to talk to you; but to-day I must be alone, mustspend it among my dead hopes, sealing the sepulchres. Jean Ingelowtells us of 'a Dead Year' 'cased in cedar, and shut in a sacredgloom;' but I have seven to shroud and bury; and will the day everdawn when I can truly say:

 Silent they rest, in solemn salvatory'?

Go out, dear, into the sunshine; you look so weary. Leave me alone inthe cold crypts of memory; you need not be afraid, I have no secondvial of poison. "

She seemed so hopeless, and her voice was so indescribably mournful, that Regina's eyes filled with tears, but Mrs. Palma just then calledher into the hall. 

"Erle says you must put on your hat, wrap up closely, and comedownstairs. He is waiting to take you to ride. "

She had not seen her guardian since he left Olga's sofa the previousday, and answered without reflection. 

"Ask him to excuse me. I am not very well, and prefer remaining in myown room. "

From the foot of the stairs, Mr. Palma's voice responded:

"Fresh air will benefit you. I insist upon your coming immediately. "

She leaned over the railing, and saw him buttoning his overcoat. 

"Please, Mr. Palma, excuse me to-day. "

"Pardon me, I cannot. The carriage is waiting. "

She was tempted to rebel outright, to absolutely refuse obedience tohis authority, which threatened her with the dreaded interview, but amoment's reflection taught her that resistance to his stubborn willwas useless, and she went reluctantly downstairs, forgetting hergloves in her trepidation. He handed her into the carriage, took aseat beside her, and directed Farley to drive to Central Park. 

The day though cold was very bright, and he partly lowered the silkcurtains to shut out the glare of the sun. For a half-hour theyrolled along the magnificent Avenue, and only casual observationsupon weather, passing equipages, and similar trivial topics, affordedRegina time to compose her perturbed thoughts. With his overcoatbuttoned tight across his broad chest, and hat drawn a little low onhis brow, Mr. Palma sat, holding his gloved fingers interlaced; andhis brilliant eyes rested now and then very searching upon the faceat his side, which was almost as white as the snowy fur sack thatenveloped her. 

"What is the matter with your cheek?" he said at length. 

"Why do you ask?" She instantly shielded it with her hand. 

"It has a slightly bluish, bruised appearance. "

"It is of no consequence, and will soon disappear. "

"Olga must indeed have struck you a heavy blow, to leave a mark thatlingers so long. She told me how desperately you wrestled to stay hersuicidal course, and as a family we owe you much for your firm braveresistance. "

"I am sorry she has betrayed what passed. I hoped you would neversuspect the distressing facts. "

"When a girl deliberately defies parental wishes and counsel, andscorns the advice and expostulation of those whom experience hastaught something of life and the world, her fate sooner or later issad as Olga's. A foolish caprice which young ladies invariablydenominate 'love, ' but which is generally merely flattered vanity, not unfrequently wrecks a woman's entire life; and though Olga willrally after a time, she cannot forget this humiliating episode, whichhas blighted the brightest epoch of her existence. Her rash, blindobstinacy has cost her very dear. Here, let us go out; I want you towalk awhile. "

They had entered the Park, and, ordering the driver to await them ata specified spot, Mr. Palma turned into the Ramble. For some momentsthey walked in silence, and finally he pointed to a rustic seatsomewhat secluded, and beyond the observation of the few personsstrolling through the grounds. Regina sat with her muff in her lap, and her bare hands nervously toying with her white silk tassel. Herguardian noticed the tremulousness of her lip, and at that moment thesun, smiting the ring on her finger, kindled the tiny diamonds into acircle of fire. Mr. Palma drew off his gloves, put them in hispocket, and just touched the opal, saying coldly:

"Is that a recent gift from your mother? I never saw you wear ituntil the night you bathed poor Olga's forehead. "

"No, sir. "

Involuntarily she laid her palm over the jewels that was beginning togrow odious in her own sight. 

"May I inquire how long it has been in your possession?"

"Since before I left the parsonage. I had it when I came to NewYork. "

"Why then have you never worn it?"

"What interest can such a trifle possess for you, sir?"

"Sufficient at least to require an answer. "

She sat silent. 

"Regina. "

"I hear you, Mr. Palma. "

"Then show me the courtesy of looking at me when you speak. Circumstances have debarred me until now from referring to a letterfrom India, which I gave you before I went to Washington. I presumeyou are aware that the writer in enclosing it to me acquainted mewith its tenor and import. Will you permit me to read it?"

"I sent it to my mother nearly a week ago. "

She had raised her eyes, and looked at him almost defiantly, nervingherself for the storm that already darkened his countenance. 

"Mr. Lindsay very properly informed me that his letter contained anoffer of marriage, and though I requested you to defer your answeruntil my return, I could not of course doubt that it would prove apositive rejection, since you so earnestly assured me he could neverbe more than a brother to you. At least, let me suggest that youclothe the refusal in the kindest possible terms. "

Her face whitened, and she compressed her lips, but her beautifuleyes became touchingly mournful in their strained gaze. Mr Palma tookoff his glasses, and for the first time in her life she saw the full, fine bright black eyes, without the medium of lenses. How they lookeddown into hers?

She caught her breath, and he smiled:

"My ward must be frank with her guardian. "

"I have been frank with my mother, and since nothing has beenconcealed from her, no one else has the right to catechise me. To herit is incumbent upon me to confide even the sacred details to whichyou allude, and she knows all; but you can have no real interest inthe matter. "

"Pardon me, I have a very deep interest in all that concerns my ward;especially when the disposal of her hand is involved. What answerhave you given 'Brother Douglass'?"

As he spoke, he laid his hand firmly on both of hers, but sheattempted to rise. 

"Oh, Mr. Palma! Ask me no more, spare me this inquisition. Youtranscend your authority. "

"Sit still. Answer me frankly. You declined Mr. Lindsay's offer?"

"No, sir!"

She felt his hand suddenly clutch hers, and grow cold. 

"Lily! Lily!"

The very tone was like a prayer. Presently, he said sternly:

"You must not dare to trifle with me. You cannot intend to accepthim?"

"Mother will determine for me. "

Mr. Palma had become very pale, and his glittering teeth gnawed hislower lip. 

"Is your acceptance of that man contingent only on her consent andapproval?"

For a moment she looked away at the blue heavens bending above her, and wondered if the sky would blacken when she had irretrievablycommitted herself to this union. The thought was hourly growinghorrible, and she shivered. 

He stooped close to her, and even then she noted how laboured washis breathing, and that his mouth quivered:

"Answer me; do you mean to marry him?"

"I do, if mother gives me permission. "

Bravely she met his eyes, but her words were a mere whisper, and shefelt that the worst was over; for her there could be no retraction. 

It was the keenest blow, the most bitter disappointment of ErlePalma's hitherto successful life, but his face hardened, and he boreit, as was his habit, without any demonstration, save thatdiscoverable in his mortal paleness. 

During the brief silence that ensued, he still held his hand firmlyon hers, and when he spoke his tone was cold and stern. 

"My opinion of your probable course in this matter was foundedentirely upon belief in the truthfulness of your statement that Mr. Lindsay had no claim on your heart. Only a short time since youassured me of this fact, and my faith in your candour must pleadpardon for my present profound surprise. Certainly I was credulousenough to consider you incapable of deceit. "

The scorn in his eyes stung her like a lash, and clasping her fingersspasmodically around his hand, she exclaimed:

"I never intended to deceive you. Oh, do not despise me!"

"I presume you understand the meaning of the words you employ; andwhen I asked you if I would be justified in softening your rejectionof my cousin by assuring him that your affections were alreadyengaged you emphatically negatived that statement, saying it would beuntrue. "

"Yes, and I thought so then; but did not know my own heart. "

Her shadowy eyes looked appealingly into his, but he smiledcontemptuously. 

"You did not know your affections had travelled to India, until thegentleman formally asked for them? Do you expect me to believe that?"

"Believe anything except that I wilfully deceived you. "

The anguish, the hopelessness written in her blanched face, and thetrembling of the childishly small hands that had unconsciouslytightened around his touched him. 

He put his right hand under her chin and lifted the face. 

"Lily, I want the truth. I intend to have it; and all of it. Now lookme in the eye and answer me solemnly, remembering that the God youreverence hears your words. Do you really love Mr. Lindsay?"

"Yes; he is so good, how can I help feeling attached to him?"

"You love him next to your mother?"

"I think I do. "

The words cost her a great effort, and her eyes wandered from his. 

"Look straight at me. You love him so well you wish to be his wife?"

"I want to make him happy if I can. "

"No evasions, if you please. Answer yes, or no. Is Mr. Lindsay dearerto you than all else in the world?"

"Next to mother's his happiness is dearest to me. "

"Yes--or no--this time; is there no one you love better?"

Earth and sky, trees and rocks, seemed whirling into chaos, and sheshut her eyes. 

"You have no right to question me farther. I will answer no more. "

Was the world really coming to an end? She heard her guardian laugh, and the next moment he had caught her to his heart. What did itmean? Was she too growing delirious with brain fever? His arm heldher pressed close to his bosom, and his cheek leaned on her head, while strangely sweet and low were his words:

"Ah, Lily! Lily! Hush. Be still. "

She wished that she could die then and there, for the thought of Mr. Lindsay sickened her soul. But the memory of the ring appalled her, and she struggled to free herself. 

"Let me go! Do let us go home. I am sick. "

His arm drew her closer still. 

"Be quiet, and let me talk to you, and remember I am your guardian. Lily, I am afraid you are tempted to stray into dangerous paths, andyour tender little heart is not a safe counsellor. You are sincerelyattached to your old friend, you trust and honour him, you are verygrateful to him for years of kindness during your childhood; and nowwhen his health has failed, and he appeals to you to repay theaffection he has long given you, gratitude seems to assume the formof duty, and you are trying to persuade yourself that you ought togrant his prayer. Lily, love is the only chrism that sanctifiesmarriage, and though at present you might consent to become Mr. Lindsay's wife, suppose that in after years you should chance to meetsome other man, perhaps not so holy, so purely Christian as thisnoble young missionary, but a man who seized, possessed yourdeep--deathless womanly love, and who you knew loved you in return?What then?"

"I would still do my duty to my dear Douglass. "

"No doubt you would try. But you would do wrong to marry your friendfeeling as you do; and you ought to wait and fully explain to him thenature of your sentiments. You are almost a child, and scarcely knowyou own heart yet, and I, as your guardian, cannot consent to see yourashly forge fetters that may possibly gall you in future. The letterto your mother has not yet been forwarded. Hattie, to whom youentrusted it, did not give it to me until this morning, alleging inapology, that she put it in her pocket and forgot it. I have reasonto believe that in a very short time you will see your mother: letthis matter rest until you can converse fully with her, and if shesanctions your decision I, of course, shall have no right toexpostulate. Lily, I want to see you happy, and while I profoundlyrespect Mr. Lindsay, who I daresay is a most estimable gentleman, Ishould not very cordially give you away to him. "

She rose and stood before him, clasping her hands tightly over eachother; tearless, tortured, striving to see the path of duty. 

"Mr. Palma, if I can only make him happy! I owe him so much. When Iremember all that he did so tenderly for years, and especially onthat awful night of the storm, I feel that I ought not to refuse whathe asks of me. "

"If he knew how you felt, I think I could safely promise for him thathe would not accept your hand. The heart of the woman he loves, isthe boon that a man holds most precious. Lily, you know your inmostheart does not prompt you to marry Mr. Lindsay. "

Did he suspect her secret folly? The blood that had seemed to curdlearound her aching heart surged into her cheeks, painting them a vividrose, and she said hastily:

"Indeed he is very dear to me. He is the noblest man I ever knew. Howcould I fail to love him?"

He took her left hand and examined the ring. 

"You wear this, as a pledge of betrothal? Is it not premature whenyour mother is in ignorance of your purpose? Tell me, my ward, tellme, do you not rather keep it here to stimulate your flagging senseof duty? To strengthen you to adhere to your rash resolve?"

"He wrote that if I had faithfully kept my farewell promise to him hewished me to wear it. "

"May I know the nature of that promise?"

"That I would always love him next to my mother. "

"But I think you admitted that possibly you might some day meet yourideal who would be dearer even than mother and Douglass. I do notwish to distress you needlessly, but while you are under myprotection I must unflinchingly do all that honour demands of afaithful guardian. I can permit no engagement without your mother'sapproval; and I honestly confess to you, that I am growing impatientto place you in her care. Do you still desire your letter forwarded?"

"If you please. "

"Sit down. I have sad news for you. "

He unbuttoned his coat, took an envelope from his pocket, and sherecognized the telegram which had arrived the previous day. "Regina, many guardians would doubtless withhold this, but fairness andperfect candour have been my rule of life, and I prefer frankness todiplomacy. This telegraphic despatch arrived yesterday, and isintended for you, though addressed to me. "

He put it in her hand, and filled with an undefined terror thatchilled her she read:

 "SAN FRANCISCO. 

 "MR. ERLE PALMA, --Tell your ward that Douglass is too ill to travel farther. If she wishes to see him alive she must come immediately. Can't you bring her on at once?

 "ELISE LINDSAY. "

The despatch fluttered to the ground and the girl moaned and bowedher face in her hands. He waited some minutes, and with a sob shesaid:

"Oh, let me go to him! It might be a comfort to him, and if he shoulddie? Oh, do let me go!"

"Do you think your mother would consent to your taking so grave astep?"

"I do not know, but she would not blame me when she learned thecircumstances. If I waited to consult her he might--oh! we arewasting time! Mr. Palma, pity me! Send me to him--to the friend wholoves me so truly, so devotedly!"

She started up and wrung her hands, as imagination pictured the noblefriend ill, perhaps dying, and longing to see her. 

"Regina, compose yourself. That telegram has been delayed by anunprecedented fall of snow that interrupts the operation of thewires, and it is dated three days ago. Last night I telegraphed tolearn Mr. Lindsay's condition, but up to the time of our leavinghome, the wires were not working through to San Francisco; and thetrains on the Union Pacific are completely snowbound. The agent toldme this morning that it was uncertain when the cars would runthrough, as the track is blocked up. Until we ascertain somethingdefinite let me advise you to withhold your letter, enclosing his;for I ought to tell you that I am daily expecting a summons to sendyou to Europe. Come, walk with me and try to be patient. "

He offered her his arm, and they walked for some time in profoundsilence. At last she exclaimed passionately:

"Please let me go home. I want to be alone. "

They finally reached the carriage, and Mr. Palma gave the coachmandirections to drive to the telegraph office. During the ride Reginaleaned back, with her face pressed against the silken curtain on theside, and her eyes closed. Her companion could see the regularchiselled profile, so delicate and yet so firm, and as he studied thecurves of her beautiful mouth, he realized that she had fullyresolved to fulfil her promise; that at any cost of personalsuffering she would grant the prayer of the devoted young minister. 

Scientists tell us that "there are in the mineral world certaincrystals, certain forms, for instance of fluor-spar, which have laindarkly in the earth for ages, but which nevertheless have a potencyof light locked up within them. In their case the potential has neverbecome actual, the light is, in fact, held back by a moleculardetent. When these crystals are warmed, the detent is lifted, and anoutflow of light immediately begins. " How often subtle analogies inphysical nature whisper interpretations of vexing psychologicalenigmas?

Was Erle Palma an animated, human fluor-spar? Had the latentcapacity, the potentiality of tenderness in his character beensuddenly actualized, by the touch of that girl's gentle hands, theviolet splendour of her large soft eyes, which lifted for ever thedetent of his cold isolating selfishness?

The long-hidden light had flashed at last, making his heart radiantwith a supreme happiness which even the blaze of his towering andsuccessful ambition had never kindled; and to-day he found itdifficult indeed to stand aside, with folded arms and sealed lips, while she reeled upon the brink of an abyss, which was so wide anddeep, that it threatened to bury all his hopes of that sacred homelife--which sooner or later sings its dangerous siren song in everyman's heart. 

To his proud worldly nature this dream of pure, deep, unselfish love, had stolen like the warm, rich spicy breath of June roses--swungunexpectedly over a glacier, bringing the flush and perfume of earlysummer to the glittering blue realms of winter; and he longedinexpressibly to open all his heart to the sweet sunshine, to gatherit in, garnering it as his own for ever. How his stern soul clung tothat shy, shrinking girl, who seemed in contrast to the gay brilliantself-asserting women he met in society as some white marble-liddedPsyche, standing on her pedestal, amid a group of glowing VenetianVenuses! He had seen riper complexions, and more rounded symmetry;and had smiled and bowed at graceful polished persiflage, more wittythan aught that ever crossed her quiet, daintily carved lips; butthough he had admired many lovely women of genius and culture, thatpale girl, striving to hide her grieved countenance against hiscarriage curtain, was the only one he had ever desired to call hiswife. That any other man dared hope to win or claim her seemedsacrilegious; and he felt that he would rather see her lying in hercoffin, than know that she was profaned by any touch save his. 

Neither spoke, and when the carriage stopped at the telegraph office, Mr. Palma went in and remained some time. As he returned, she feltthat he held her destiny for all time in his hands, and in afteryears he often recalled the despairing, terrified expression of theface that leaned forward, with parted quivering lips, and eyes thatlooked a prayer for pity. 

"The wires are not yet working fully, but probably messages will gothrough during the day. Regina, try to be patient, and believe thatyou shall learn the nature of Mrs. Lindsay's answer as soon as Ireceive it. Tell Mrs. Palma I shall not come home to dine, havepressing business at court, and cannot tell how long I may bedetained at my office. Good-bye. The despatch shall be sent to youwithout delay. "

He lifted his hat, closed the carriage door, and motioned to Farleyto drive home. 

Locked in her own apartment Olga denied admittance to even hermother, who improved the opportunity to answer a number of neglectedletters, and Regina was left to the seclusion of her room. As the daywore slowly away, her restlessness increased, and she paced the flooruntil her limbs trembled from weariness. Deliberately she recalledall the incidents of the long residence at the parsonage, and stroveto live again the happy season, during which the young minister hadcontributed so largely to her perfect contentment. The white petsthey had tended and caressed together, the books she had read withhim, the favourite passages he had italicized, the songs he lovedbest, the flowers he laid upon her breakfast plate, and now and thentwined in her hair; above all, his loving persuasive tone, quietgentle words of affectionate counsel, and tender pet name for her, "my white dove. "

How fervent had been his prayer that when he returned, he might findher "unspotted from the world. " Was she? Could she bear to deceivethe brave loyal heart that trusted her so completely?

Once at church she had witnessed a marriage, heard the awfully solemnvows that the bride registered in the sight of God, and to-day thewords flamed like the sword of the avenging angel, like a menace, achallenge. Would Douglass take her for his wife, if he knew that Mr. Palma had become dearer to her than all the world beside? Could shedeny that his voice and the touch of his hand on hers magnetized, thrilled her, as no one else had power to do? She could think withoutpain of Mr. Lindsay selecting some other lady and learning to loveher as his wife, forgetting the child Regina; but when she forcedherself to reflect that her guardian would soon be Mrs. Carew'shusband, the torture seemed unendurable. 

Unlocking a drawer, she spread before her all the little souvenirsMr. Lindsay had given her. The faded flowers that once glowed underthe fervid sun of India, the seal and pen, the blue and goldTennyson, and Whittier, and the pretty copy of Christina Rossetti'spoems, he had sent from Liverpool. One by one she read his lettersending with the last which Mr. Palma had laid on her lap when he leftthe carriage. 

Despite her efforts, above the dear meek gentle image of theconsecrated and devout missionary towered the stately proud form ofthe brilliant lawyer, with his chilling smile and haughty marblebrow; and she knew that he reigned supreme in her heart. He was notso generous, so nobly self-sacrificing, so holy and pious as Mr. Lindsay, nor did she reverence him so entirely; but above all elseshe loved him. Conscience, pride, and womanly delicacy all clamouredin behalf of the absent but faithful lover; and the true heartanswered, "Away with sophistry, and gratitude, pitying affection, and sympathy! I am vassal to but one; give me Erle Palma, my king. "

If she married Douglass and he afterward discovered the truth, couldhe be happy, could he ever trust her again? She resolved to go to SanFrancisco, to tell Mr. Lindsay without reservation all that she felt, withholding only the name of the man whom she loved best; and if hecould be content with the little she could give in return for hisattachment, then with no deception flitting like a ghoul betweenthem, she would ask her mother's permission to dedicate the future toDouglass Lindsay. She would never see her guardian again, and when hewas married it would be sinful even to think of him, and her dutiesand new ties must help her to forget him. 

Pleading weariness and indisposition, she had absented herself fromdinner, and when night came it was upon leaden wings that oppressedher. Feverish and restless she raised the sash, and though thetemperature was freezing outside, she leaned heavily on the sill andinhaled the air. A distant clock struck eleven, and she stood lookingat the moon that flooded the Avenue with splendour, and shone like asheet of silver on the glass of a window opposite. 

Very soon a peculiarly measured step, slow and firm, rung on thepavement beneath her, and ere the muffled figure paused at the door, she recognized her guardian. He entered by means of a latch-key, andclosing the window Regina sat down and listened. Her heart beat likea drum, drowning other sounds, and all else was so still that after alittle while she supposed no message had been received, and that Mr. Palma had gone to sleep. 

She dreaded to lie down, knowing that her pillow would prove one notof roses, but thorns. She prayed long and fervently that God wouldhelp her to do right under all circumstances, would enable her toconquer and govern her wilful, riotous heart, subduing it to thedictates of duty; and in conclusion she begged that the heavenlyFather would spare and strengthen His feeble, suffering, consecratedminister, spare a life she would strive to brighten. 

Rising from her knees she opened a little illustrated Testament Mr. Lindsay had given her on her thirteenth birthday, and which she wasaccustomed to read every night. The fourteenth chapter of St. Johnhappened to meet her eye. 

"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid; ye believein God, believe also in Me. " Just then she heard a low, cautious tapupon her door. Her heart stood still, she felt paralyzed, but foundvoice to say hoarsely:

"Come in. "

The door was partly opened but no one entered, and she went forwardto the threshold. Mr. Palma was standing outside, with his faceaverted, and in his outstretched hand she saw the well-knowntelegraphic envelope, which always arouses a thrill of dread, bearingso frequently the bolt of destruction into tranquil households. Shaking like aspens when the west wind blows, she took it. 

"Tell me, is he better?"

Mr. Palma turned, gave one swift pitying glance at her agonized face, and as if unable to endure the sight, walked quickly away. She shutthe door, stood a moment, spellbound by dread, then held the sheet tothe light. 

 "SAN FRANCISCO. 

 "MR. ERLE PALMA, --My Douglass died last night. 

 "ELISE LINDSAY. "

 "Though Duty's face is stern, her path is best; They sweetly sleep who die upon her breast. "

CHAPTER XXIX. 

"Your bed is untouched, you did not undress! Why did you sit up allnight, and alone?"

"Because I knew it was folly to attempt to sleep; and to watch thebay and the beauty of the night was less wearying than to toss on apillow staring at the ceiling. Mrs. Waul, what brings you here soearly?"

"A package of letters which must have arrived yesterday, but Williamonly received them a few minutes since. Mrs. Orme, will you have yourcoffee now?"

"After a little while. Have everything in order to leave at amoment's notice, for I may not return here from Pćstum. Give me theletters. "

Mrs. Orme tossed back her hair which had been unbound, and as theletters were placed in her hand, she seemed almost to forget them, soabstracted was the expression with which her eyes rested on thedancing waves of the Bay of Naples. The noise of the door closingbehind Mrs. Waul seemed to arouse her, and glancing at the lettersshe opened one from Mr. Palma. 

The long and harrowing vigil which had lasted from the moment ofbidding General Laurance good-night, on the previous evening, hadleft its weary traces in the beautiful face; but rigid resolution hadalso set its stem seal on the compressed mouth, and the eyes wererelentless as those of Irene, waiting for the awful consummation inthe Porphyry chamber at Byzantium. 

The spirit of revenge had effectually banished all the purer, holieremotions of her nature; and the hope of an overwhelming Nemesisbeckoned her to a fearful sacrifice of womanly sensibility, but justnow nothing seemed too sacred to be immolated upon the altar of herimplacable Hate. To stab the hearts of those who had wronged her, shegladly subjected her own to the fiery ordeal of a merely nominalmarriage with her husband's father, resolving that her triumph shouldbe complete. Originally gentle, loving, yielding in nature, injusticeand adversity had gradually petrified her character; yet beneath therigid exterior flowed a lava tide, that now and then overflowed itsstony barriers, and threatened irremediable ruin. 

Fully resolved upon the revolting scheme which promised punishment tothe family of Laurance, and

 "Self-girded with torn strips of hope, "

she opened the New York letter. 

The first few lines riveted her attention. She sat erect, leanedforward, with eyes wide and strained, and gradually rose to her feet, clutching the letter, until her fingers grew purple. As she hurriedon, breathing like one whose everlasting destiny is being laid in thebalance, a marvellous change overspread her countenance. The bloodglowed in lip and cheek, the wild sparkle sank, extinguished in thetears that filled her eyes, the hardness melted away from theresolute features, and at last a cry like that of some doomed spiritsuddenly snatched from the horrors of perdition and set for ever atrest upon meads of Asphodel and Amaranth, rolled through the room. 

After so many years of reckless hopelessness the transition wasoverpowering, and the miserable wife and mother rescued upon theextreme verge of utter lifelong ruin, fell forward upon her knees, sobbing and laughing alternately. 

From the hour when she learned of her husband's second marriage shehad ceased to pray, abandoning herself completely to the cynicism andvindictiveness that overflowed her soul like a wave of Phlegethon;but now the fountain of gratitude was unsealed, and she poured out avehement, passionate, thanksgiving to God. Alternately praying, weeping, smiling, she knelt there, now and then re-reading portionsof the letters, to assure herself that it was not a mere blesseddream, and at length when the strain relaxed, she dropped her head ona chair, and like a spent feeble child, cried heartily, unrestrainedly. 

Mr. Palma wrote that after years of fruitless effort he had succeededin obtaining from Peleg Peterson a full retraction of the chargesmade against her name, whereby General Laurance had prevented a suitagainst his son. Peterson had made an affidavit of certain facts, which nobly exonerated her from the heinous imputations with whichshe was threatened, should she attempt legal redress for her wrongs, and which proved that the defence upon which General Laurance relied, was the result of perjury and bribery. 

In addition to the recantation of Peterson, Mr. Palma communicatedthe joyful intelligence that Gerbert Audré, who was believed to havebeen lost off the Labrador coast fifteen years before, had beendiscovered in Washington, where he was occupying a clerical desk inone of the departments; and that he had furnished conclusivetestimony as a witness of the marriage, and a friend of CuthbertLaurance. 

The lawyer had carefully gathered all the necessary links ofevidence, and was prepared to bring suit against Cuthbert Laurancefor desertion and bigamy; assuring the long-suffering wife that hername and life would be nobly vindicated. 

Within his letter was one addressed to Mrs. Orme by Peleg Peterson, and a portion of the scrawl was heavily underlined. 

"For all that I have revealed to Mr. Palma and solemnly sworn to, forthis clearing of your reputation, you may thank your child. But forher, I should never have declared the truth--would have gone down tothe grave, leaving a blot upon you; for my conscience is too dead totrouble me, and I hate you, Minnie! Hate you for the wreck you helpedto make of me. But that girl's white angel face touched me, when shesaid (and I knew she meant it), 'If I find from mother that you areindeed my father, then I will do my duty. I will take your hand--Iwill own you my father--face the world's contempt, and we will bearour disgrace together as best me may. ' She would have done it, at allrisk, and I have pitied her. It is so clear her, and give her thename she is entitled to, that at last I have spoken the truth. She isa noble brave girl, too good for you, too good for her father; fartoo good to own René Laurance for her grandfather. When he sees thechild he paid me to claim, he will not need my oath to satisfy himthat in body she is every inch a Laurance; but where she got herwhite soul God only knows--certainly it is neither Merle norLaurance. You owe your salvation to your sweet, brave child, and haveno cause to thank me, for I shall always hate you. "

Had some ministering angel removed from her hand the hemlock of thatloathsome vengeance she had contemplated, and substituted the nectarof hope and joy, the renewal of a life unclouded by the dread ofdisgrace that had hung over her like a pall for seventeen years? Whengathering her garments about her to plunge into a dark gulf repletewith seething horror, a strong hand had lifted her away from thefatal ledge, and she heard the voice of her youth calling her to thealmost forgotten vale of peace; while supreme among the throngingvisions of joy gleamed the fair face of her blue-eyed daughter. Hadshe been utterly mad in resolving to stain her own pure hand by thetouch of René Laurance?

In the light of retrospection the unnatural and monstrous deed shehad contemplated, seemed fraught with a horror scarcely inferior tothat which lends such lurid lustre to the "Oedipus;" and now shecowered in shame and loathing as she reflected upon all that she haddeliberately arranged while sitting upon the terrace of the VillaReale. Could the unbridled thirst for revenge have dragged her oninto a monomania that would finally have ended in downright madness?Once nominally the wife of the man whom she so thoroughly abhorred, would not reason have fled before the horrors to which she linkedherself? The rebellious bitterness of her soul melted away, and afervent gratitude to Heaven fell like dew upon her arid stony heart, waking words of penitence and praise to which her lips had long beenstrangers. 

Adversity in the guise of human injustice and wrong generallyindurates and embitters; and the chastisements that chasten arethose which come directly from the hand of Him "who doeth all thingswell. "

When Mrs. Waul came back Mrs. Orme was still kneeling, with her facehidden in her arms, and the letters lying beside her. Laying herwrinkled hand on the golden hair, the faithful old woman asked:

"Did you hear from your baby?"

"Oh! I have good news that will make me happy as long as I live. Ishall soon see my child; and soon, very soon, all will be clear. Justnow I cannot explain; but thank God for me that these letters camesafely. "

She rose, put back her hair, and rapidly glanced over two otherletters, then walked to and fro, pondering the contents. 

"Where is Mr. Waul?"

"Reading the papers in our room. "

"Ask him to come to me at once. "

She went to her desk, and wrote to General Laurance that lettersreceived after their last interview compelled her to hasten to Paris, whither she had been recalled by a summons from the manager of theTheatre. She had determined, in accordance with his own earnestlyexpressed wishes, that from the day when the world knew her as Mrs. Laurance it should behold her no more upon the stage; consequentlyshe would hasten the arrangements for the presentation of her ownplay "_Infelice_, " and after he had witnessed her rendition of thenew _rôle_, she would confer with him regarding the day appointed forthe celebration of their marriage. Until then, she positivelydeclined seeing him, but enclosed a tress of her golden hair, andbegged to hear from him frequently; adding directions that wouldinsure the reception of his letters. Concluding she signed: "OdilleOrme, hoping by the grace of God soon to subscribe myself--Laurance. "

"Mr. Waul, I have unexpectedly altered my entire programme, and, instead of going to Pćstum, must start at once to Paris. Thisfortunately is Tuesday, and the French steamer sails for Marseillesat three o'clock. Go down at once and arrange for our passage, and becareful to let no one know by what route I leave Naples. On your waycall at the telegraph office and see that this despatch is forwardedpromptly; and do send me a close carriage immediately. I wish toavoid an unpleasant engagement, and shall drive to Torre del Greco, returning in time to meet you at the steamer instead of at thishouse. See that the baggage leaves here only time enough to be putaboard by three o'clock, and I shall not fail to join you there. WhenGeneral Laurance calls, Mrs. Waul will instruct the servant to handhim the note, with the information that I have gone for a farewelldrive around Naples. "

Hurriedly completing her preparations, she entered the carriage, andwas soon borne along the incomparably beautiful road that skirts thegraceful curves of the Bay of Naples. But the glory of the sky, andthe legendary charms of the picturesque scenery that surrounded her, appealed in vain to senses that were wrapped in the light of otherdays, that listened only to the new canticle which hope long dumb wasnow singing through all the sunny chambers of her heart. 

Returning again and again to the perusal of the letters to assureherself that no contingency could arise to defraud her of herlong-delayed recognition, she felt that the galling load of half herlife had suddenly slipped from her weary shoulders; and the world andthe future wore that magic radiance which greeted Miriam, as singingshe looked back upon the destruction escaped, and on toward theredeemed inheritance awaiting her. 

Reunion with her child, and the triumphant establishment of herunsullied parentage, glowed as the silver stars in her new sky; whilea baleful lurid haze surrounded the thought of that dire punishmentshe was enabled to inflict upon the men who had trampled her prayersbeneath their iron heels. 

She recalled the image of the swarthy, supercilious, be-diamondedwoman who sat that memorable night in the minister's box, claiming ashusband the listless handsome man at her side; and as she picturedthe dismay which would follow the sudden rending of the name ofLaurance from the banker's daughter, and her helpless child, Mrs. Orme laughed aloud. 

Slowly the day wore on, and General Laurance failed to call at theappointed hour to arrange the preliminaries of his marriage. Hisservant brought a note, which Mrs. Orme read when she reached thesteamer, informing her that sudden and severe indisposition confinedhim to his bed, and requested an interview on the ensuing morning. Mrs. Waul had received the note and despatched in return that givenher by her mistress. 

In the magical glow of that cloudless golden afternoon Mrs. Orme sawthe outlines of St. Elmo fade away, Capri vanish like a purple mist, Ischia and Procida melt insensibly into the blue of the marvellousbay; and watching the spark which trembled on the distant summit ofVesuvius like the dying eye of that cruel destiny from which shefled, the rescued happy woman exulted in the belief that she was atlast sailing through serene seas. 

Dreaming of her child, whose pure image hovered in the mirage hopewove before her--

 "She seemed all earthly matters to forget, Of all tormenting lines her face was clear, Her wide brown eyes upon the goal were set, Calm and unmoved as though no foe were near. "

CHAPTER XXX. 

Since the memorable day of Regina's visit to Central Park many weekshad elapsed, and one wild stormy evening in March she sat at thelibrary table writing her translation of a portion of "Egmont. "

The storm--now of sleet, now of snow--darkened the air, and theglobes of the chandelier representing Pompeian lamps were lightedabove the oval table, shedding a bright yet mellow glow over the warmquiet room. 

Upon a bronze console stood a terra-cotta jar containing a whiteazalea in full bloom, and the fragrance of the flowers breathed likea benediction on the atmosphere; while in the tall glass beneath Mrs. Orme's portrait two half-blown snowy camellias nestled amid a fringeof geranium leaves. 

Close to the fire, with her feet upon a Persian patterned cushion, Olga reclined in the luxurious easy chair that belonged to Mr. Palma's writing desk, and open on her lap lay a volume entitled "TheService of the Poor. " The former brilliancy of her complexion seemedto have forsaken her for ever, banished by a settled sallowness; andshe looked thin, feeble, dejected, passing her fingers abstractedlythrough the short curling ruddy hair that clustered around herforehead and upon her neck. 

As if weary of the thoughts suggested by her book, she turned andlooked at the figure writing under the chandelier, and by degrees sherealized the change in the countenance, which three months before hadbeen pure, serene, and bright as a moonbeam. 

The keen and prolonged anguish which Regina had endured left itsshadow, faint, vague, but unmistakable; and in the eyes lay gloom, and around the mouth patient yet melancholy lines, which hinted of abitter struggle in which the calm-hearted girl died, and the wiser, sadder woman was born. 

Her grief had been silent but deep for the loss of the dear friendwho symbolized for her all that was noble, heroic, and godly in humannature; and her suffering was not assuaged by letters from Mrs. Lindsay, furnishing the sorrowful details of the last illness of theminister, and the dying words of tender devotion to the young girlwhom he believed his betrothed bride. 

Over these harrowing letters she had wept long and bitterly, accusingherself continually of her unworthiness in allowing another image tousurp the throne where the missionary should have reigned supreme;and the only consolation afforded was in the reflection that Douglasshad died believing her faithful, happy in the perfect trust reposedin her. He had been buried on a sunny slope of the cemetery not farfrom the blue waves of the Pacific, and his mother remained in SanFrancisco with her sister, in whose house Mr. Lindsay had quietlybreathed his life away, dying as he had lived, full of hope in Christand trust in God. 

Mrs. Palma and Olga only knew that Regina had lost a dear friend whomshe had not seen for years, and none but her guardian understood thenature of the sacred tie that bound them. 

Day and night she was haunted by memories of the kind face never moreto be seen this side of the City of Peace, and when at length shereceived a photograph taken after death, in which, wan and emaciated, he seemed sleeping soundly, she felt that her life could never againbe quite the same, and that the grey shadowy wings of Regret droopedlow over her future pathway. 

Accompanying the photograph was a brief yet loving note written byMr. Lindsay the evening before his death; and to it were appended thelines from "Jacqueline":

 "Nor shall I leave thee wholly. I shall be-- An evening thought, --a morning dream to thee, -- A silence in thy life, when through the night, The bell strikes, or the sun with sinking light, Smites all the empty windows. As there sprout Daisies, and dimpling tufts of violets, out Among the grass where some corpse lies asleep, So round thy life, where I lie buried deep, A thousand little tender thoughts shall spring, A thousand gentle memories wind and cling. "

As if the opal were a talisman against the revival of reflectionsthat seemed an insult to the dead, Regina wore the ring constantly;and whenever a thrill warned her of the old madness, her right handcaressed the jewels, seeking from their touch a renewal of strength. 

Studiously she manoeuvred to avoid even casual meetings with herguardian, and except at the table, and in the presence of the family, she had not seen him for several weeks. Business engagements occupiedhim very closely; he was called away to Albany, to Boston, and onceto Philadelphia, but no farewells were exchanged with his ward, andas if conscious of her sedulous efforts to avoid him, he appearedalmost to ignore her presence. 

During these sad days the girl made no attempt to analyze theestrangement which she felt was hourly increasing between them. Shepresumed he disapproved of her resolution to accept Mr. Lindsay, because he was poor, and offered no brilliant worldly advantages, such as her guardian had been trained to regard as paramountinducements in the grave matter of marriage; and secluding herselfas much as possible she fought her battle with grief and remorse asbest she might, unaided by sympathy. If she could only escape fromthat house, with her secret undiscovered, she thought that in timeshe would crush her folly and reinstate herself in her own respect. 

After several interviews with Mr. Palma, the details of which Olgacommunicated to no one, she had consented to hold her scheme of the"Sisterhood" in abeyance for twelve months, and to accompany hermother to Europe, whither she had formerly been eager to travel; andMrs. Palma, in accordance with instructions from her stepson, hadperfected her preparations, so as to be able to leave New York at aday's notice. 

Mrs. Carew had returned to the city, and now and then Mr. Palmamentioned her name, and delivered messages from her to hisstepmother; but Olga abstained from her old badinage, and Reginaimagined that her forbearance sprang from a knowledge of theengagement which she supposed must exist between them. She could nothear her name without a shiver of pain, and longed to get away beforethe affair assumed a sufficiently decided form to compel her tonotice and discuss it. To-day, after watching her for some time, Olgasaid:

"You are weary, and pale almost to ghastliness. Put away your books, and come talk to me. "

Regina sighed, laid down her pen, and came to the fireplace. 

"I thought you promised to go very early to Mrs. St. Clare's andassist Valeria in arranging her bridal veil?"

"So I did, and it will soon be time for me to dress. How I dislike togo back into the gay world, where I have frisked so recklessly and solong. Do you know I long for the hour when I shall end thismasquerade, and exchange silks and lace and jewellery for coarse bluegown, blue apron, and white cap?"

"Do you imagine the colour of your garments will change thecomplexion of your heart and mind? You remind me of Alexander'scomment upon Antipater: 'Outwardly Antipater wears only whiteclothes, but within he is all purple. '"

"Ah! but my purple pride has been utterly dethroned, and it seems tome now that when I find rest in cloistered duties the quiet sacredseclusion will prove in some degree like the well _Zem-Zem_, in whichGabriel washed Mohammed's heart, filled it with faith, and restoredit to his bosom. Until I am housed safely from the roar and gibes andmockery of the world, I shall not grow better; for here

 'God sends me back my prayers, as a father Returns unoped the letters of a son Who has dishonoured him. '

"To conquer the world is nobler than to shun it, and to a nature suchas yours, Olga, other lines in that poem ought to appeal withpeculiar force:

 'If thy rich heart is like a palace shattered, Stand up amid the ruins of thy heart, And with a calm brow front the solemn stars-- A brave soul is a thing which all things serve. '"

The scheme which you are revolving now is one utterly antagonistic tothe wishes of your mother, and God would not bless a step whichinvolved the sacrifice of your duty to her. "

"After a time mamma will approve; till then I shall be patient. Shehas consented for me to go to the Mother House at Kaiserswerth, andto some of the Deaconess establishments in Paris and Dresden, inorder that I may become thoroughly acquainted with the esotericworking of the system. I am anxious also to visit the institution fortraining nurses at Liverpool, and unless we sail directly for Havre, we shall soon have an opportunity of gratifying my wishes. "

Regina took the book from her hand, turned over the leaves, and read:

"'All probationers must be unbetrothed, and their heart stillfree. '. . . 'A short life history of the previous inward and outwardexperiences of the future Deaconess pupil. It must be composed andwritten by herself. ' Olga, what would you do with your past?"

"I have buried it, dear. All the love of which I was capable I pouredout, nay, I crushed the heart that held it; as the Syrian woman brokethe precious box of costly ointment, anointing the feet of her God!When my clay idol fell I could not gather back the wasted trust andaffection, and so, all--all is sepulchred in one deep grave. I havespent my wealth of spicery; the days of my anointing are for everended. To true deep-hearted women it is given to love once only, andall such scorn to set a second, lesser, lower idol, where formerlythey bowed in worship. Even false gods hold sway long after theirimages are defiled, their temples overthrown, and as the DodonianGroves still whisper of the old oracular days, to modern travellers, so a woman's idolatry leaves her no shrine, no libation, no reverencefor new divinities; mutilated though she acknowledges her Hermć, nofresh image can profane their pedestal. Memory is the high priestesswho survives the wreck of altars and of gods, and faithfullyministers amid the gloom of the soul's catacombs. I owe much tomamma, and something to Erle Palma, who is a nobler man than I havedeemed him, less a bronze Macchiavelli, with a heart of quartz; andI shall never again as heretofore rashly defy their advice andwishes. But I know myself too well to hope for happiness in the gayfrivolous insincere world, where I have fluttered out my butterflyexistence of fashionable emptiness. 

 'I kissed the painted bloom off Pleasure's lips And found them pale as Pain's. '

I have bruised and singed my Psyche wings, and _le beau monde_ has nonew, strong pinions to replace those beat out in its hard tyrannousservice. You think me cynical and misanthropic, but, dear, I believeI am only clear-eyed at last. If I had married him for whom I daredso much, and found too late that all the golden qualities I fondlydreamed that he possessed were only baser metal, gaudy tinsel thattarnished in my grasp, I am afraid it would have maddened me beyondhope of reclamation. I have made shipwreck; but a yet sadder fatemight have overtaken me, and at least my soul has outridden thestorm, thanks to your frail babyish hands, so desperately strong whenthey grappled that awful night with suicidal sin. Few women havesuffered more keenly than I, and yet, in Murial's sweet patientwords, --

 'God has been good to me; you must not think That I despair. _There is a quiet time Like evening in my soul. I have no heart_. '"

There was more peace in Olga's countenance as she clasped one ofRegina's hands in hers than her companion had yet seen, and after amoment, she continued:

"You know, dear, that we are only waiting for Congress to adjourn, inorder to have Mr. Chesley's escort across the ocean, and he willarrive to-morrow. Erle Palma is exceedingly anxious that you shouldaccompany us, and I trust your mother will sanction this arrangement, for I should grieve to leave you here. Perhaps you are not aware thatyour guardian has recently sold this house, and intends purchasingone on Murray Hill. "

"Mr. Palma cannot possibly desire my departure half so earnestly as Ido, and if I am not summoned to join my mother, I shall insist uponreturning to the convent whence he took me seven years ago. There Ican continue my studies, and there I prefer to remain until I can berestored to my mother. Olga, how soon will Mr. Palma be married?"

"I do not know. He communicates his plans to no one; but I may safelysay, if he consulted merely his own wishes, it would not be longdelayed. Until quite recently, I did not believe it possible thatthat man's cold, proud, ambitious, stony heart would bow before anywoman, but human nature is a riddle which baffles us all--sometimes. I must dress for the wedding, and mamma will scold me if I am late. Kiss me, dear child. Ah, velvet violet eyes! if I find aresting-place in heaven, I shall always want even there to hover nearyou. "

She kissed the girl's colourless cheek, and left her; and when thecarriage bore Olga and her mother to Mrs. St. Clare's, Reginaretreated to her own room, dreading lest her guardian should returnand find her in the library. 

At breakfast he had mentioned that he would dine at his club, inhonour of some eminent judge from a distant State, to whom themembers of the "Century" had tendered a dinner, but she endeavouredto avoid even the possibility of meeting him alone. Had she been lessmerciless in her self-denunciation, his avowed impatience to send herto her mother might have piqued her pride; but it only increased herscorn of her own fatal folly, and intensified her desire to leave hispresence. Was it to gratify Mrs. Carew's extravagant taste that hehad sold this elegant house, and designed the purchase of one yetmore costly?

In the midst of her heart-ache she derived some satisfaction from thereflection, that at least Mr. Palma's wife would never profane thebeautiful library, where his ward had spent so many happy days, andwhich was indissolubly linked with sacred memories of its master. Unwilling to indulge a reverie so fraught with pain and humiliation, she returned to her "Egmont, " resuming her translation of a speech by"Clärchen. " Ere long Hattie knocked at the door:

"Mr. Palma says, please to come down to the library; he wishes tospeak to you. "

"Ask him if he will not be so kind as to wait till morning? Say Ishall feel very much obliged if he will excuse me tonight. "

In a few minutes she returned:

"He is sorry he must trouble you to come down this evening, as heleaves home to-morrow. "

"Very well. "

She went to the drawer that contained all her souvenirs of Mr. Lindsay, and lingered some minutes, looking sorrowfully at thephotograph; then passed her lips to the melancholy image, and as ifstrengthened by communion with the dead face, went down to thelibrary. 

Mr. Palma was walking slowly up and down the long room, and hadpaused in front of the snowy azalea. As she approached he put out hishand and took hers, for the first time since they had sat together inthe Park. 

"How deliciously this perfumes the room, and it must be yours, for noother member of the household cares for flowers, and I see a clusterof the same blossoms in your hair. "

"I had forgotten that Olga fastened them there this afternoon. Ibought it from the greenhouse in ---- Street, where I often getbouquets to place under mother's picture. Azaleas were Mr. Lindsay'sfavourite flowers, and that fact tempted me to make the purchase. Wehad just such a one as this at the parsonage, and on his birthday wecovered the pot with white cambric, fringed the edge with violets, and set it in the centre of the breakfast-table; and the bees came inand swung over it. "

She had withdrawn her hand, and folding her fingers, leaned her faceon them, a position which she often assumed when troubled. Her lefthand was uppermost, and the opal and diamonds seemed pressed againsther lips, though she was unconscious of their close proximity. Mr. Palma broke off a cluster of three half-expanded flowers, twisted thestem into the buttonhole of his coat, and answered coldly:

"Flowers are always associated in my mind with early recollections ofmy mother, who had her own greenhouse and conservatories. They appearto link you with the home of your former guardian, and the days thatwere happier than those you speed here. "

"That dear parsonage was my happiest home, and I shall always cherishits precious memories. "

"Happier than a residence under my roof has been? Be so good as tolook at me; it is the merest courtesy to do so, when one is beingspoken to. "

"Pardon me, sir, I was not instituting a comparison; and while I amgrateful for the kindness and considerate hospitality shown me by allin this pleasant house, it has never seemed to me quite the home thatI found the dear old parsonage. "

"Because you prefer country to city life? Love to fondle whiterabbits, and pigeons, and stand ankle deep in clover blooms?"

"I daresay that is one reason; for my tastes are certainly verychildish still. "

"Then of course you regret the necessity which brought you to residehere?"

He bent an unusually keen look upon her, but she quietly met hiseyes, and answered without hesitation:

"You must forgive me, sir, if your questions compel me to sacrificecourtesy to candour. I do regret that I ever came to live in thiscity; and I believe it would have been better for me, if I hadremained at V---- with Mr. Hargrove and the Lindsays. "

"You mean that you would have been happier with them than with me?"

As she thought of the keen suffering her love for him had entailedupon her, of the dreary days and sleepless nights she had recentlypassed in that elegant luxurious home, her eyes deepened in tint, saddened in expression, and she said:

"You have been very kind and generous to me, and I gratefullyappreciate all you have done; but if you insist on an answer, I mustconfess I was happier two years ago than I am now. "

"Thank you. The truth, no matter how unflattering, is always far moreagreeable to me than equivocation, or disingenuous-ness. Does my wardbelieve that it will conduce to her future happiness to leave myroof, and find a residence elsewhere?"

"I know I should be happier with my mother. "

"Then I congratulate myself as the bearer of delightful tidingsRegina, it gives me pleasure to relieve you from your presentdisagreeable surroundings, by informing you of the telegram receivedto-day by cable from your mother. It was dated two days ago atNaples, and is as follows: 'Send Regina to me by the first steamer toHavre. I will meet her in Paris. '"

Involuntarily the girl exclaimed:

"Thank God!"

The joyful expression of her countenance rendered it impossible todoubt the genuineness of her satisfaction at the intelligence; andthough Mr. Palma kept close guard over his own features lest theyshould betray his emotion, an increasing paleness attested the depthof his feelings. 

"How soon can I go?"

"In two days a steamer sails for Havre, and I have already engaged apassage for you. Doubtless you are aware that Mrs. Palma and Olgahold themselves in readiness to start at any hour, and your friendand admirer Mr. Chesley will go over in the same steamer;consequently with so chivalrous an escort you cannot fail to have apleasant voyage. Since you are so anxious to escape from myguardianship, I may be pardoned for emulating your frankness, andacknowledging that I am heartily glad you will soon cease to be myward. Mr. Chesley is ambitious of succeeding to my authority, and Ihave relinquished my claim as guardian, and referred him to yourmother, to whose hands I joyfully resign you. A residence in Europewill, I hope, soon obliterate the unpleasant associations connectedwith my house. "

"A lifetime would never obliterate the memory of all your kindness tome, or of some hours I have passed in this beautiful library. For allyou have done I now desire, Mr. Palma, to thank you most sincerely. "

She looked up at the grave, composed face so handsome in its regular, high-bred outlines, and her mouth trembled, while her deep eyes grewmisty. 

"I desire no thanks for the faithful discharge of my duty as aguardian: my conscience acquits me fully, and that is the reward Ivalue most. If you really indulge any grateful sentiments on the eveof your departure, oblige me by singing something. I bought thatorgan, hoping that now and then when my business permitted me tospend a quiet evening at home, I might enjoy your music; but yousedulously avoid touching it when I am present. This is the lastopportunity you will have, for I must meet Mr. Chesley at noonto-morrow in Baltimore, and thence I go on to Cincinnati, where Ishall be detained, until the steamer has sailed. After to-night Ishall not see my ward again. "

They were standing near the azalea, and Regina suddenly put her handon the back of a chair. To see him no more after this evening--toknow that the broad ocean rolled between--that she might never againlook upon the face that was so inexpressibly dear;--all this sweptover her like a bitter murderous wave, drowning the sweetness of herlife, and she clung to the chair. 

She was not prepared for this sudden separation, but though his eyeswere riveted upon her she bore it bravely. A faint numb sensationstole over her, and a dark shadow seemed to float through the room, yet her low voice was steady, when she said:

"I am sorry I disappointed any pleasant anticipations you indulgedwith reference to the organ, which has certainly been a source ofmuch comfort to me. I have felt very timid about singing before you, sir; but if it will afford you the least pleasure, I am willing todo the best of which I am capable. "

"You sang quite successfully before a large audience at Mrs. Brompton's, and displayed sufficient self-possession. "

"But those were strangers, and the opinion of those with whom we liveis more important, their criticism is more embarrassing. "

"I believe I was present, and heard you on that occasion. "

She moved away to the organ, and sat down, glad of an excuse, for herlimbs trembled. 

"Regina, what was that song you sang for little Llora Carew the nightbefore she left us? Indeed there were two, one with the other withoutan accompaniment?"

"You were not here at that time. "

"No matter; what were they? The child fancies them exceedingly, and Ipromised to get the words for her. "

"Kücken's 'Schlummerlied, ' and a little 'Cradle Song' by Wallace. "

"Be so good as to let me hear them. "

Would Mrs. Carew sing them for him when she was far away, utterlyforgotten by her guardian? The thought was unutterably bitter, and itgoaded her, aided her in the ordeal. 

With nerves strung to their extreme tension, she sang as herequested, and all the while her rich mellow voice rolled through theroom, he walked very slowly from one end of the library to the other. She forced herself to sing every verse, and when she concluded he wasstanding behind her chair. He put his hands on her shoulders, andprevented her rising, for just then he was unwilling she should seehis countenance, which he feared would betray the suffering he wasresolved to conceal. 

After a moment, he said:

"Thank you. I shall buy the music in order to secure the words. Lily----"

He paused, bent down, and rested his chin on the large coil of hairat the back of her head, and though she never knew it his proud lipstouched the glossy silken mass. 

"Lily, if I ask a foolish trifle of you, will you grant it, as afarewell gift to your guardian?"

"I think, sir, you do not doubt that I will. "

"It is a trivial thing, and will cost you nothing. The night on whichyou sang those songs to Llora is associated with something which Itreasure as peculiarly precious; and I merely wish to request thatyou will never sing them again for any one unless I give youpermission. "

Swiftly she recalled the fact that on that particular evening he hadescorted Mrs. Carew to a "German" at Mrs. Quimbey's, and sheexplained his request by the supposition that her songs to Mrs. Carew's child commemorated the date of his betrothal to the grey-eyedmother. Could she bear even to think of them in coming years?

She hastily pushed back the ivory stops, and shaking off hisdetaining palms, rose:

"I am sorry that I cannot do something of more importance to obligemy kind guardian; for this trifle involves not the slightestsacrifice of feeling, and I would gladly improve a better opportunityof attesting my gratitude. You may rest assured I shall never singthose words again under any circumstances. Do not buy the music; Iwill leave my copies for Llora, and you and her mother can easilyteach her the words. "

"Thanks! You will please place the music on the organ, and when Icome back from Cincinnati it will remind me. I hope your mother willbe pleased with you progress in French German, and music. Yourteachers furnish very flattering reports, and I have enclosed themwith some receipts, bills, and other valuable papers in this largesealed envelope, which you must give to your mother as soon as yousee her. "

He went to his desk, took out the package, and handed it to her. Seating himself at the table where she generally wrote and studied, he pointed to a chair on the opposite side, and mechanically she satdown. 

"Perhaps you may recollect that some months ago, Mrs. Orme wrote meshe was particularly desirous you should be trained to read well. Itis a graceful accomplishment, especially for a lady, and I ordered aprofessor of elocution to give you instruction twice a week. I hopeyou have derived benefit from his tuition, as he has fitted one ortwo professional readers for the stage, and I should dislike to haveyour mother feel disappointed in any of your attainments. Now that Iam called upon to render an account of my stewardship, I trust youwill pardon me, if I examine you a little. Here is Jean Ingelow, close at hand, and I must trouble you to allow me an opportunity oftesting your proficiency. "

The book which she had been reading that day lay on the table, andtaking it up he leisurely turned over the leaves. A premonitory dreadseized her, and she wrung her hands, which were lying cold in herlap. 

"Ah!--here is your mark; three purple pansies, crushed in the middleof 'Divided, '--staining the delicate cream-tinted paper with theirdark blood. Probably you are familiar with this poem, consequentlycan interpret it for me without any great effort. Commence at thefirst, and let me see what value Professor Chrysostom's trainingpossesses. Not too fast; recollect Pegasus belongs to poets, --neverto readers. "

He leaned across the marble table, and placed the open book beforeher. 

Did he intentionally torture her? With those bright eyes reading herunwomanly and foolish heart, was he amusing himself, as anentomologist impales a feeble worm, and from its writhing deduces theexact character of its nervous and muscular anatomy?

The thought struck her more severely than the stroke of a lash wouldhave done, and turning the page to the light, she said quickly:

"'Divided' is not at all dramatic, and as an exercise is notcomparable to 'High Tide on the Coast of Lincolnshire, ' or 'Songs ofSeven, ' or even that most exquisite of all, 'Afternoon at aParsonage. '"

"Try 'Divided. '"

She dared not refuse lest he should despise her utterly, interpretingcorrectly her reluctance. For an instant the print danced before her, but the spirit of defiance was fast mastering her trepidation, andshe sat erect, and obeyed him. 

Thrusting one hand inside his vest, where it rested tightly clenchedover his heart, Mr. Palma sat intently watching her, glad of theprivilege afforded him to study the delicate features. Her excessivepaleness reminded him of the words:

 "That white, white face, set in a night of hair, "

and though the chastening touch of sorrow and continuedheart-ache--that most nimble of all chisellers--had strangely maturedthe countenance which when it entered that house was as free fromlines and shadows as an infant's, it still preserved its almostchild-like purity and repose. 

The proud fair face, with its firm yet dainty scarlet lips, baffledhim; and when he reflected that a hundred contingencies might ariseto shut it from his view in future years he suddenly compressed hismouth to suppress a groan. His vanity demanded an assurance that herheart was as entirely his as he hoped, yet he knew that he loved herall the more tenderly, and reverently, because of the true womanlydelicacy that prompted her to shroud her real feelings, with suchdesperate tenacity. 

She read the poem with skill and pathos, but no undue tremor of thesmooth, deliciously sweet voice betrayed aught save the naturaltimidity of a tyro, essaying her first critical trial. Tonight shewore a white shawl draped in statuesque folds over her shoulders andbust, and the snowy flowers in her raven hair were scarcely purerthan her full forehead, borne up by the airy arched black bows thathad always attracted the admiration of her fastidious guardian; andas the soft radiance of the clustered lamps fell upon her, she lookedas sweet and lovely a woman as ever man placed upon the sacred hearthof his home, a holy priestess to keep it bright, serene, and warm. 

On that same day, but a few hours earlier, she had perused thesepages, wondering how the unknown gifted poetess beyond the sea had soaccurately etched the suffering in her own young heart, theloneliness and misery that seemed coiled in the future like serpentsin a lair. Now, holding that bruised palpitating heart under thesteel-clad heel of pride, she was calmly declaiming that portraitureof her own wretchedness, as any elocutionist might a grand passagefrom the "_Antigone_, " or "_Prometheus_. " Not a throb of pain waspermitted to ripple the rich voice that uttered:

 "But two are walking apart for ever, And wave their hands in a mute farewell. "

Farther on, nearing the close, Mr. Palma observed a change in thecountenance, a quick gleam in the eyes, a triumphant ring in the deepand almost passionate tone that cried exultingly:

 "Only my heart to my heart will show it As I walk desolate day by day. "

He leaned forward and touched the volume:

"Thank you. Give me the book. I should render the concluding versesvery much as I heard them recently from my fair client, Mrs. Carew--so. "

In his remarkably clear, full, musical and carefully modulated voicehe read the two remaining verses, then closed the volume and lookedcoolly across the table at the girl. 

With what a flash her splendid eyes challenged his, and how proudlyher tender lips curled, as with pitiless scorn she answered:

"Not so--oh, not so. Jean Ingelow would never recognize her ownjewelled handiwork. She meant this, and any earnest woman who prizeda faithful lover could not fail to read it aright. "

Her eyes sank till they rested on her ring, and slipping it to andfro upon her slender finger till the diamonds sparkled, she repeatedwith indescribable power and pathos:

 "And yet I know, past all doubting, truly, -- A knowledge greater than grief can dim-- I know, as he loved, he will love me duly, Yea better, e'en better than I love him. And as I walk by the vast calm river, The awful river so dread to see, I say 'Thy breadth and thy depth for ever-- Are bridged by his thoughts that cross to me. '"

"Regina, do you interpret that the River of Death?"

She pointed to the jewels on her hand, and the blue eyes cold assteel met his. 

"Only the river of death could have 'divided' Douglass and me. "

A frown overshadowed his massive brow, but he merely addedcomposedly:

"I did not suspect until to-night that you were endowed with yourmother's histrionic talent. Some day you will rival her as anactress, and at least I may venture to congratulate you upon thefact that she will scarcely be disappointed in your dramatic skill. "

For nearly a moment, neither spoke. 

"Mr. Palma, you have no objection, I hope, to my carrying mother'sportrait with me?"

"It is undeniably your property, but since you will so soon possessthe original, I would suggest the propriety of leaving the picturewhere it is, until your mother decides where she will reside. "

"I understood that you had sold this house, and feared that in theremoval it might be injured. "

"It will be carefully preserved with my own pictures, and if yourmother wishes it forwarded I will comply with her instructions. Allthe business details of your voyage I have arranged with Mrs. Palmaand Mr. Chesley; and you have only to pack your trunks and bid adieuto such friends as you may deem worthy of a farewell visit. Have youa copy of Jean Ingelow?"

"No, sir. "

"Then oblige me by accepting mine. I have no time for poetry. "

He took the book to his desk, wrote upon the fly leaf: "Lily, Marchthe 10th;" then marked "Divided, " and returning to the table held thevolume toward her. 

"Thank you, but indeed, sir, I do not wish to accept it. I muchprefer that you should retain it. "

He inclined his head, and replaced the book on the marble slab. Sherose, and he saw the colour slowly ebbing from her lips. 

"Mr. Palma, I hope you will not deny me one great favour. I cannotleave my dog; I must have my Hero. "

"Indeed! I thought you had quite forgotten his existence. You haveceased to manifest any interest in him. "

"Yes, to manifest, but not to feel. You took him from me, and I wasunwilling to annoy you with useless petitions and complaints. Youassured me he was well cared for, and that I need not expect to havehim while I remained here; now I am going away for ever, I want him. You gave him to me once; he is mine; and you have no right towithhold him any longer. "

"Circumstances have materially altered. When you were a little girl Isent you a dog to romp with. Now you are a young lady preparing forEuropean conquests, and having had his day, Hero must retire to therustic shade of your childhood. "

"Years have not changed my feeling for all that I love. "

"Are you sure, Lily, that you have not changed since you came to livein New York?"

"Not in my attachment to all that brightened my childhood, and Herois closely linked with the dear happy time I spent at the parsonage. Mr. Palma, I want him. "

Her guardian smiled, and played with his watch chain. 

"Officers of the ocean steamers dislike to furnish passage for dogs;and they are generally forwarded by sailing vessels. My ward, Iregret to refuse you, particularly when we are about to say good-bye, possibly for ever. Wait six months, and if at the expiration of thattime, you still desire to have him cross the ocean, I pledge myselfto comply with your wishes. You know I never break a promise. "

"Where is Hero? May I not at least see him before I go?"

"Just now he is at a farm on Staten Island, and I am sorry I cannotgratify you in such a trivial matter. Trust me to take care of him. "

Her heart was slowly sinking, for she saw him glance at the clock, and knew that it was very late. 

"I will bring you good tidings of your pet, when I see you in Europe. If I live, I shall probably cross the ocean some time during thesummer; and as my business will oblige me to meet your mother, Ishall hope to see my ward during my tour, which will be short. "

He was watching her very closely, and instead of pleased surprise, discerned the expression of dread, the unmistakable shiver thatgreeted the announcement of his projected trip. After all, had heutterly mistaken her feeling, flattered himself falsely?

She supposed he referred to his bridal tour, and the thought thatwhen they next met he would be Brunella Carew's husband, goaded herto hope that such torture might be averted by seeing him no more. 

While both stood sorrowful and perplexed, the front door bell rangsharply. Soon after Terry entered, with a large official envelope, sealed with red wax. 

"From Mr. Rodney, sir. "

"Yes, I was expecting it. Tell Octave I must have a cup of coffee atdaylight, and Farley must not fail to have the _coupé_ ready to takeme to the depot. Let the gas burn in the hall to-night. That is all. "

Mr. Palma broke the seals, glanced at the heading of several sheetsof legal cap, and laid the whole on his desk. 

"Regina, all the money belonging to you I shall leave in Mrs. Palma'shands, and she will transmit it to you. Mr. Chesley will take chargeof you to-morrow, soon after his arrival, and in the chivalric newguardian I presume the former grim custodian will speedily beforgotten. I have some letters to write, and as I shall leave homebefore you are awake, I must bid you good-bye to-night. Is thereanything you wish to say to me?"

Twice she attempted to speak, but no sound was audible. 

Mr. Palma came close to her, and held out his hand. Silently sheplaced hers in it, and when he took the other, holding both in a warmtightening clasp, she felt as if the world were crumbling beneath herunsteady feet. Her large soft eyes sought his handsome pale face, wistfully, hungrily, almost despairingly, and oh, how dear he was toher at that moment! If she could only put her arms around his neck, and cling to him, feeling as she had once done the touch of his cheekpressing hers; but there was madness in the thought. 

"Although you are so anxious to leave my care and my house, I hope myward will think kindly of me when far distant. It is my misfortunethat you gave your fullest confidence and affection, to your guardianMr. Hargrove; but since you were committed to nay hands, I haveendeavoured faithfully, conscientiously, to do my duty in everyrespect. In some things it has cost me dear, --how dear I think youwill never realize. If I should live to see you again, I trust Ishall find you the same earnest, true-hearted, pure girl that youleave me, for in your piety and noble nature I have a deep andabiding faith. My dear ward, good-bye. "

The beautiful face with its mournful tender eyes told little of thefierce agony that seemed consuming her, as she gazed into the belovedcountenance for the last time. 

"Good-bye, Mr. Palma. I have no words to thank you for all your careand goodness. "

"Is that all, Lily? Years ago, when I left you at the parsonage, looking as if your little heart would break, you said, 'I will prayfor you every night. ' Now you leave me without a tear and with nopromise to remember me. "

Tenderly his low voice appealed to her heart, as he bent his head soclose that his hair swept across her brow. 

She raised the hand that held hers, suddenly kissed it with anoverwhelming passionate fervour, and holding it against her cheek, murmured almost in a whisper:

"God knows I have never ceased to pray for you, and, Mr. Palma, aslong as I live, come what may to both of us, I shall never fail in myprayers for you. "

She dropped his hand, and covered her face with her own. 

He stretched his arms toward her, all his love in his fine eyes, sofull of a strange tenderness, a yearning to possess her entirely, buthe checked himself, and, taking one of the hands, led her to thedoor. Upon the threshold she rallied, and looked up:

"Good-bye, Mr. Palma. "

He drew her close to his side, unconscious that he pressed herfingers so tight that the small points of the diamonds cut into theflesh. 

"God bless you, Lily. Think of me sometimes. "

They looked in each other's eyes an instant, and she walked away. Heturned and closed the door, and she heard the click of the lockinside. Blind and tearless, like one staggering from a severe blow, she reached her own room, and fell heavily across the foot of herbed. 

Through the long hours of that night she lay motionless, striving tohush the moans of her crushed heart, and wondering why such anguishas hers was not fatal. Staring at the wall, she could not close hereyes, and the only staff that supported her in the ordeal was theconsciousness that she had fought bravely, had not betrayed herhumiliating secret. 

Toward dawn she rose, and opened her window. The sleet had ceased, and the carriage was standing before the door. An impulse she couldnot resist drove her out into the hall, to catch one more glimpse ofthe form so precious to her. She heard a door open on the hallbeneath, and recognized her guardian's step. He paused, and she heardhim talking to his stepmother, bidding her adieu. His last words weredeep and gentle in their utterance. 

"Be very tender and patient with Olga. Wounds like hers heal slowly. Take good care of my ward. God bless you all. "

Descending the steps she saw him distinctly, enveloped in an overcoatbuttoned so close that it showed the fine proportions of his tallfigure; and as he stopped to light his cigar at a gas globe which abronze Atalanta held in a niche half way up the stairs, his noblyformed head and gleaming forehead impressed itself for ever on hermemory. 

Slowly he went down, and leaning over the balustrade to watch thevanishing figure, the withered azaleas slipped from her hair, andfloated like a snowflake down, down to the lower hall. 

Fearful of discovery she shrank back, but not before he had seen thedrifting flowers, and one swift upward glance showed him the blanchedsuffering face pale as a summer cloud, retreating from observation. Stooping, he snatched the bruised wilted petals that seemed a fitsymbol of the drooping flower he was leaving behind him, kissed themtenderly, and thrust them into his bosom. 

The blessed assurance so long desired seemed nestling in theirperfumed corollas making all his future fragrant; and how little shedreamed of the precious message they breathed from her heart to his!

 "What could he do indeed? A weak white girl Held all his heartstrings in her small white hand; His hopes, and power, and majesty were hers, And not his own. "

CHAPTER XXXI. 

"No, mother; no. Not less, but more beautiful; not so pale as whenyou hang over me at the convent, baptizing me with hot, fast drippingtears. Now a delicate flush like the pink of an apple bloomoverspreads your cheeks; and your eyes, once so sad, eyes which Iremember as shimmering stars, burning always on the brink of clouds, and magnified and misty through a soft veil of April rain, arebrighter, happier eyes than those I have so fondly dreamed of. Oh, mother! mother! Draw me close, hold me tight. Earth has no peace soholy as the blessed rest in a mother's clasping arms. After the longwinter of separation, it is so sweet to bask in your presence, thawing like a numb dormouse in the sunshine of May. I knew I shouldfind joy in the reunion, but how deep, how full, anticipation failedto paint; and only the blessed reality has taught me. "

On the carpet at her mother's feet, with her head in her mother's lapand her arms folded around her waist, Regina had thrown herself, feasting her eyes with the beauty of the face smiling down upon her. It was the second day after her arrival in Paris, and hour after hourshe had poured into eagerly listening ears the recital of her life atthe quiet parsonage, at the stately mansion on Fifth Avenue; and yetthe endless stream of talk flowed on, and neither mother nor childtook cognizance of the flight of time. 

Of her past the girl withheld only the acknowledgment of her profoundinterest in Mr. Palma, and when questioned concerning his oppositionto her engagement with Mr. Lindsay she had briefly announced herbelief that he was hastening the preparations for his marriage withMrs. Carew. Of him she spoke only in quiet terms of respect andgratitude, and her mother never suspected the spasm of pain that thebare mention of his name aroused. 

Thus far no allusion had been hazarded to the long-veiled mystery ofher parentage, and Mrs. Orme wondered at the exceeding delicacy withwhich her daughter avoided every reference that might have beenconstrued into an inquiry. As the soft motherly hand passedcaressingly over the forehead resting so contentedly on her knee, Regina continued:

"In all the splendid imagery that makes 'Aurora Leigh' deathless, nothing affected me half so deeply as the portrait of the motherlesschild; and often when I could not sleep, I have whispered in the weesma' hours:

 "I felt a mother want about the world, And still went seeking, like a bleating lamb Left out at night, in shutting up the fold, As restless as a nest-deserted bird, Grown chill through something being away, though what-- It knows not. So mothers have God's license to be missed. "

"My guardians were noble, kind, high-toned, honourable gentlemen, andI owe them thanks, but ah! a girl should be ward only to those whogave her being; and, mother, brown-eyed mother, sweet and holy, itwould have been better for your child had she shared her past withnone but you. Do I weary you with my babble? If so, lay your handupon my mouth, and I will watch your dear face, and be silent. "

In answer, the mother stooped and kissed many times the perfect lipsthat smiled at the pressure; but the likeness to a mouth dangerouslysweet, treacherously beautiful, mocked her, and Regina saw her turnaway her eyes, and felt rather than heard the strangled moan. 

"Mother-kisses, the sweetest relic of Eden that followed Eve into aworld of pain. All these dreary years I have kept your memory like awhite angel-image, set it up for worship, offered it the best part ofmyself; and I know I have grown jealously exacting, where you areconcerned. I studied because I wished you to be proud of me; Ipractised simply that my music might be acceptable and pleasant toyou; and when people praised me, said I was pretty, I rejoiced thatone day I might be considered worthy of you. Something wounded mewhen at last we met. Let me tell you, my dearest, that you may takeout the thorn, and heal the grieved spot. The day I came, --how longago? for I am in a delicious dream, have been eating the lusciouslotos of realized hope, --the day I came, and saw a new, glorious sunshining from my mother's eyes, you ran to meet me. I hear you again, 'My baby! my baby!' as you rushed across the floor. You opened yourarms, and when you clasped me to your bosom you bent my head back, and gazed at me--oh! how eagerly, hungrily; and I saw your face turnghastly white, and a great agony sweep across it, and the lips thatkissed me were cold and quivering. To me it was all sweet as heaven;but the cup of delight I drained, had bitter drops for you. Mother, tell me, were you disappointed in your daughter?"

"No, darling; no. The little blue-eyed child has grown into a woman, of whom the haughtiest mother in the land might be proud. My darlingis all I wish her. "

"Ah, mother! the flattery is inexpressibly sweet, falling like dew onparched leaves; but the eyes of your idolatrous baby have grown verykeen, and I know that the sight of me brings you a terrible pain youcannot hide. Last night, when Mrs. Waul made me shake out my hair toshow its length, and praised it and my eyebrows, you dropped my hand, and walked away; and in the mirror on the wall, I saw yourcountenance shaken with grief. What is it? We have been apart solong, do take me into your heart fully; tell me why you look at me, and turn aside and shiver?"

Her clasping arms tightened about her mother's waist, and after ashort silence, Mrs. Orme exclaimed:

"It is true. It has always been so. From the hour when you were born, and your little round head black with silky locks was first laid uponmy arm, your face stabbed me like a dagger, and your eyes are bluesteel that murder my peace. My daughter, my daughter, you are theexact counterpart, the beautiful image of your father! It is becauseI see in your eyes so wonderfully blue the reproduction of his, andabout your mouth and brows the graceful lines of his, that I shudderwhile I look at you. Ah, my darling! is it not hard that your beautyshould sting like a serpent the mother whose blood filled your veins?The very tones of your voice, the carriage of your head, even thepeculiar shape of your fingers and nails, are his--all his! Oh, mybaby! my white lamb! my precious little one, if I had not fed youfrom my bosom--cradled you in my arms--realized that you were indeedflesh of my flesh--my own unfortunate, unprotected disowned baby, Ibelieve I should hate you!"

She bowed her head in her hands, and groaned aloud. 

"Forgive me, mother. If I had imagined the real cause, I would neverhave inquired. Let it pass. Tell me nothing that will bring such astorm of grief as this. God knows I wish I resembled you--only you. "

She covered her mother's hands with kisses, and tears gathered in hereyes. 

"No; God knew best, and in His wisdom, His mercy for widowhood andorphanage, He stamped your father's unmistakable likeness indeliblyupon you. Providentially a badge of honourable parentage was set uponthe deserted infant, which neither fraud, slander, nor perjury canever remove. The laws God set to work in nature defy the calumny, thecorruption, the vindictive persecution and foul injustice cloakedunder legal statutes, human decrees; and though a world swore to thecontrary, your face proclaims your father, and his own image willhunt him through all his toils and triumphantly confront him with hiscrime. No jury ever empanelled could see you side by side with yourfather, and dare to doubt that you were his child! No, bitter as arethe memories your countenance recalls, I hold it the keenest weaponin the armoury of my revenge. "

"Let us talk of something that grieves and agitates you less. May Ising you a song always associated with your portrait, an invocationsacred to my lovely mother?"

"No, sometime you must know the history I have carefully hidden fromall but Mr. Palma and your dead guardian; and now that the bitterwaves are already roaring over me, why should I delay the narration?It was not my purpose to tell you thus, I though it would toocompletely unnerve me, and I wrote the story of my life in the formof a drama, and called it _Infelice!_ But the recital is in Mr. Chesley's hands for perusal; and I shall feel stronger, lessoppressed, when I have talked freely with you. Kiss me, my puredarling, my own little nameless treasure, my fatherless baby; forindeed I need the elixir of my daughter's love to keep me human whenI dwell upon the past. "

She strained the girl to her heart, then put her away and rose. Opening a strong metallic box concealed in a drawer of thedressing-table, she took out several papers, some yellowed with age, and blurred with tears, and while Regina still sat, with her armresting on the chair, Mrs. Orme locked the door, and began to walkslowly up and down the room. 

"One moment, mother. I want to know why my heart is drawn so steadilyand so powerfully toward Mr. Chesley, and why something in his facereminds me tenderly of you? Are you quite willing to tell me why heseems so deeply interested in me?"

"Regina, have you never guessed? Orme Chesley is my uncle, mymother's only brother. "

"Oh, how rejoiced I am! I hoped he was in some mysterious way relatedto us, but I feared to lean too much upon the pleasant thought, lestit proved a disappointment. My own uncle? What a blessing! Does Mr. Palma know it?"

"Mr. Palma first suspected and traced the relationship, and it wasfrom him that Uncle Orme learned of my existence, for it appears hebelieved me dead. Mr. Palma has long held all the tangled threads ofmy miserable history in his skilful hands, and to his prudent, patient care you and I shall owe our salvation. For years he has beento me the truest, wisest, kindest friend a deserted and helplesswoman ever found. "

Regina sank her head upon the chair, afraid that her radiant facemight betray the joy his praises kindled; and while she walked, Mrs. Orme began her recital:

"My grandfather, Hubert Chesley, was from Alsace; my grandmotheroriginally belonged to the French family of Ormes. They had twochildren, Orme the eldest, and Minetta, who while very young marrieda travelling musician from Switzerland, named Léon Merle. A yearafter she became his wife her father died, and the family resolvedto emigrate to America. On the voyage, which was upon a crowdedemigrant ship, I was born; and a few hours after my mother died. They buried her at sea, and would to God I too had been thrown intothe waves, for then this tale of misery would never torture innocentears. But children who have only a heritage of woe, and ought to die, fight for existence defying adversity, and thrive strangely; so Ilucklessly survived. 

"My first recollections are of a pauper quarter in a large city, where my father supported us scantily by teaching music. Subsequentlywe removed to several villages, and finally settled in one where werelocated a college for young gentlemen, and a seminary for girls. Inthe latter my father was employed as musical professor, and here welived very comfortably until he died of congestion of the lungs. Uncle Orme at that time was in feeble health, and unable tocontribute toward our maintenance, and soon after father's death hewent out to California to the mining region. I was about ten yearsold when he left, and recollect him as a pale, thin, delicate man. In those days it cost a good deal of money to reach the gold mines, and this alone prevented him from taking us with him. 

"We were very poor, but grandmother was foolishly, inconsistentlyproud, and though compelled to sew for our daily bread, she dressedme in a style incompatible with our poverty, and contrived to send meto school. Finally her eyes failed, and with destitution staringopen-jawed upon us, she reluctantly consented to do the washing andmending for three college boys. She was well educated, andinordinately vain of her blood, and how this galling necessityhumiliated her! We of course could employ no servant, and once whenshe was confined to her bed by inflammatory rheumatism, I was sent tothe college to carry the clothes washed and ironed that week. It wasthe only time I was ever permitted to cross the campus, but itsufficed to wreck my life. On that luckless day I first met CuthbertLaurance, then only nineteen, while I was not yet fifteen. Think ofit, my darling; three years younger than you are now, and you a merechild still! While he paid me the money due, he looked at and talkedto me. Oh, my daughter! my daughter! as I see you at this instant, with your violet eyes, watching me from under those slender, blackarches, it seems the very same regular, aristocratic, beautiful facethat met me that wretched afternoon, beneath the branching elms thatshaded the campus! So courteous, so winning, so chivalric, soindescribably handsome did he present himself to my admiring eyes. Iwas young, pretty, an innocent, ignorant, foolish child, and Iyielded to the fascination he exerted. 

"Day by day the charm deepened, and he sought numerous opportunitiesof seeing me again; gave me books, brought me flowers, became theking of my waking thoughts, the god of my dreams. In a cottage nearus lived a widow, Mrs. Peterson; whose only child Peleg, a roughovergrown lad, was a journeyman carpenter, and quite skilful incarving wooden figures. We had grown up together, and he seemedparticularly fond of and kind to me, rendering me many littleservices which a stalwart man can perform for a delicate petted youngcreature such as I was then. 

"As grandmother's infirmity increased, and her strict supervisionrelaxed, I met Cuthbert more frequently, but as yet without herknowledge; and gradually be won my childish heart completely. Hisfather, General René Laurance, was a haughty wealthy planter residingin one of the Middle States, and Cuthbert was his only child, thepride of his heart and home. Those happy days seem a misty dream tome now, I have so utterly outgrown the faith that lent a glory tothat early time. Cuthbert assured me of his affection, swore undyingallegiance to me; and like many other silly, trusting, inexperienced, doomed young fools, I believed every syllable that he whispered in myears. 

"One Sabbath when grandmother supposed I was saying my prayers in thechurch, which I had left home to attend, I stole away to our trystingplace in a neighbouring wood, that bordered a small stream. Oh, thebitter fruits of that filial disobedience! The accursed harvest thatripened for me, that it seems I shall never have done garnering!Clandestine interviews concealed, because I knew prohibition wouldfollow discovery! I am a melancholy monument of the sin of deception;and that child who deliberately snatches the reins of control fromthe hands where God decrees them, and dares substitute her will andjudgment for those of parents or guardians, drives inevitably on toruin, and will live to curse her folly. That day Peleg was fishing, and surprised us at the moment when Cuthbert was bending down to kissme. Having heard all that passed, he waited till evening, and findingme in the little garden attached to our house, he savagely upbraidedme for preferring Cuthbert's society to his, claimed me as his, byright of devotion; and when I spurned him indignantly, and forbadehim to speak to me in future, he became infuriated, rushed into thecottage, and disclosed all that he had discovered. "

"I knew it! I felt assured you must always have loathed him!"exclaimed Regina, with kindling eyes; and catching her mother's dressas she passed beside her. 

"Why, my darling?"

"Because he was coarse, brutal! When he dared to call you 'Minnie, 'if I had been a man I would have strangled him!"

Her mother kissed her, and answered sadly:

"And yet he loved me infinitely better than the man for whom Irepulsed, nay insulted him. He was poor, unpolished, but at that timehe would have died to defend me from harm. It was reserved for hiscourtly, high-bred, elegant rival to betray the trust he won! Thestorm that followed Peleg's revelation was fierce, and availingherself of his jealous surveillance, grandmother allowed me no morestolen interviews. After a fortnight, Cuthbert came one day anddemanded permission to see me, alleging that we were betrothed, andthat he would give satisfactory explanations of his conduct. Grandmother was obdurate, but unfortunately I ventured in, and, seizing me in his arms, he swore that all the world should notseparate us. To her he explained that his father desired him to marryan heiress who lived not far from the paternal mansion, and possessedimmense estates, upon which the covetous eyes of the Laurances' hadlong been fixed; but until he completed his collegiate course mattersmust be delayed. He protested that he could love no one but me, andsolemnly vowed that as soon as freed by his majority from parentalcontrol he would make me his wife. I was sufficiently insane tobelieve it all; but grandmother was wiser, and sternly interdictedhis visits. 

"A month went by, during which Peleg persecuted me with professionsof love, and offers of marriage. How I detested him, and by contrasthow godlike appeared my refined, polished, proud young lover! Atlength Cuthbert wrote to me, entrusting the letter to a college chumGerbert Audré, but Peleg's Argus scrutiny could not be baffled, andagain I was detected. 

"Meantime grandmother's strength was evidently failing, and UncleOrme was far away in western wilds; who would save me from my ownrash folly if she should die, and leave me unprotected? Thisapprehension preyed ceaselessly on her mind, she grew morose, moody, tyrannical; and when finally Cuthbert came once more, forcing anentrance into the little cottage, and asking upon what conditions hemight be permitted to visit me, she bluntly told him that she haddetermined to take me at all hazards to a convent, and shut me up forever, unless within forty-eight hours he married me. The though ofseparation made him almost frantic, and after some discussion, it wasarranged that we should be married very secretly in a distant town, with only grandmother and his room-mate André as witnesses. Our unionwould be concealed rigidly until Cuthbert had left college andattained his majority, which was then nearly two years distant; atwhich time he would enter upon the possession of a certain amount ofproperty left by his mother. An approaching recess of several days, which would enable him to absent himself without exciting suspicion, was selected as an auspicious occasion for the consummation we all soardently desired, and very quietly the preliminary steps were taken. 

"By what stratagem or fraud a license was obtained, I never learned, and was too ignorant and unsuspicious to question or understand theforms essential to legality. One stormy night we were driven acrossthe country to a railway station, hurried aboard the train, and nextmorning reached the town of V----. At the parsonage you know so wellwe found Mr. Hargrove, who appeared very reluctant to accede to ourwishes. I was only fifteen, a simple-hearted child, and Cuthbert, though well grown, was too youthful to assume the duties of theposition for which he presented himself as candidate. The faithful, prudent pastor expostulated, and declared himself unwilling to bind apair of children by ties so solemn and indissoluble; but the licensewas triumphantly exhibited as a release from ministerialresponsibility, and grandmother urged in extenuation that in theevent of her death I would be thrown helpless upon the world, and sheas my sole surviving protector and guardian desired to see meentitled to a husband's care and shelter. 

"At last, with an earnest protest, the conscientious man consented, and standing before him that sunny morning, in the presence of God, and of grandmother and Mr. Audré, Cuthbert Laurance and Minnie Merlewere solemnly married! Oh, my daughter! when I think of that day, andits violated vows--when I remember what I was, and contrast theMinnie Merle of my girlhood with the blasted, wretched ruin that Iam, my brain reels, my veins run fire!"

She clasped her palms across her forehead and moaned, as the delugeof bitter recollections overflowed her. 

Tears were stealing down Regina's cheeks, as she watched the anguishshe felt powerless to relieve, and she began to realize the depth ofwoe that had blackened all her past. 

"He promised to love, honour, cherish me, as long as life lasted, andMr. Hargrove pronounced me his wife, and blessed me. How dared weexpect a blessing! Cuthbert knew that he was defying, outraging hisfather's wishes, and I had earned my title by deception anddisobedience. God help all those who build their hopes upon thetreacherous sands of human constancy. Mr. Hargrove laid his hand uponmy head, and said in a strangely warning tone, I might have known wasprophetic: 'Mrs. Laurance, you are the youngest wife I ever saw, youare not fit to be out of the nursery; but I trust this union will notfulfil my forebodings, that the result will sanction my mostreluctant performance of this hallowed ceremony. '

"How supremely happy I was! How unutterably proud of my handsometender husband! I do not know whether even then he truly loved me, orif he merely intended me as a pretty toy to amuse him during thetedium of college sessions; I only remember my delirious delight, myboundless exultation. We returned home, and Cuthbert resumed hiscollege studies, but through the co-operation of his room-mate, hespent much of his time in our cottage. Peleg became troublesome, andinvidious reports were set afloat. I am not aware whether grandmotherhad always intended to publish the marriage as soon as consummated, or whether her breach of faith sprang from some facts shesubsequently discovered; but certainly she distrusted Cuthbert'ssincerity of purpose, and taking Peleg into her confidence, despatched him to inform General Laurance of all that had occurred. From that hour Peleg Peterson became my most implacable anddangerous foe. 

"Dreaming of no danger, Cuthbert and I had spent but three weeks ofwedded happiness, when, without premonition, the sun of my joy wassuddenly blotted out. A letter arrived, speedily followed by atelegram summoning him to the bedside of his father, who wasdangerously ill. Oh, fool that I was! I fancied heaven designed toremove a cruel parent, and thus obliterate all obstacles to thecompletion of my bliss. What blind dolts young people are! Cuthbertwas restless, suspicious, unwilling to leave me, or appeared so, andwhen we parted, he took me in his arms, kissed away my tears, implored heaven to watch over his bride, his treasure, his wife; andswore that at the earliest possible moment he would hold 'darlingMinnie' to his heart once more. Turn away your face, Regina, for ittoo vividly, too intolerably recalls his image as he stood bidding mefarewell; his glossy black hair clinging in rings around his whitebrow, his magnetic blue eyes gazing tenderly into mine! Oh, thewonderful charm of that beautiful treacherous face! Oh, husband of mylove I father of my innocent baby!"

She threw herself into a corner of the sofa, and the dry sob thatshook her frame told how keen was the torture. Regina followed, kneeling in front of her, burying her face in her mother's dress. 

"I saw him enter the carriage and drive away, and thirteen yearspassed before I looked upon him again. Of course the reported illnesswas a mere ruse to lull his apprehensions. His father received himwith a hurricane of reproaches, threats, maledictions. He taunted, jeered him with having been hoodwinked, cajoled, outwitted by a'wily old washwoman, ' who had inveigled him into a disgracefulmisalliance in order to betray him, to fasten upon and devour hiswealth. One letter only I received from Cuthbert, denouncinggrandmother's treachery, and announcing his father's rage and threatsto disinherit and disown him if he did not repudiate the marriage, which he stated was invalid on account of his son's minority. Hewrote that he would be compelled for the present to accede to hisfather's wishes, since for nearly two years at least he was whollydependent on his bounty; but assured me that on the day when he couldclaim his inheritance from his mother he would acknowledge hismarriage at all hazards, and proclaim me his wife. That letter, thefirst and last I ever received from my husband, you can read at yourleisure. Three days after it was dated, he and his father sailed forEurope, and he has never returned to America. 

"Although it was a cruel blow to all my brilliant anticipations, Idid not even then dream of the fate designed for me. I loved on, trusted on, hoped--oh, how sanguinely! My pride was piqued at GeneralLaurance's haughty, supercilious scorn of my birth and blood, and Idetermined to fit myself for the proud niche I would one day fill asCuthbert's wife. My grandmother spoke French fluently, it was hervernacular; and my father had left some valuable and choice books. Tothese I turned with avidity, prosecuting my studies with renewedzest. About three months after my husband left me, Uncle Orme sentmoney to defray our expenses to California. Grandmother who forebodedthe future, told me I had been sacrificed, abandoned, repudiated, andurged me to accompany her. In return, I indignantly refused, chargingher with having fired the temple of my happiness, by the brand of herbetrayal of the secret. Recriminations followed, we parted in angerand she left me, to join Uncle Orme; but not before acquainting mewith the startling fact that Peleg Peterson had declared hisdetermination to annul the marriage by furnishing infamous testimonyagainst my character. 

"After her departure a man who acted as agent for General Laurancecalled to negotiate for a separation, advising me to make the bestterms in my power, as it was useless for me to attempt to cope withGeneral Laurance, who would mercilessly crush me if necessary, by thepublication of disgraceful slanders which my 'old lover PelegPeterson' had sworn to prove in open court. He offered me fivethousand dollars and my passage to San Francisco, on condition of myrenouncing all claim to the hand and name of Cuthbert Laurance. Myhusband he assured me had reached his father's house in a state ofintoxication; and had since become convinced of my unworthiness, andof the necessity of severing for ever all connection with me. Not foran instant did I credit him. It seemed a vile machination, and Iscornfully rejected all overtures for separation, proclaiming myresolution to assert and maintain my rights as a lawful wife. It wasopen war, and how they derided my proud demand for recognition!

"Mr. Audré left college the week after Cuthbert was called sounexpectedly away, and disappeared; and grandmother died suddenlywith rheumatism of the heart, when only a few miles distant from theharbour of her destination. Peleg audaciously proposed that we shouldignore the empty worthless marriage ceremony, accept the Laurancebribe, and go away to the far west, where we might begin life anew. He told me my husband believed me unworthy, that he had convinced himI would dishonour his noble name, and that my reputation was at hisown mercy. In my amazement and horror I defied him, dared him to dohis worst; and recklessly he accepted the rash challenge. Leaving noclue (as I imagined), I secretly quitted the village, where gossipwas busy with my name, and went to New York. My scanty means rapidlymelted away, and I hired myself as a seamstress in a wealthy family. Not even at this stage of affairs did I lose faith in my husband, andbravely I confronted the knowledge that at no distant period I shouldbe forced to provide for a helpless infant. 

"One day, in going down a steep flight of steps, with a heavy waiterin my hands, I missed my footing, fell, and was picked up senselesson the tiled floor at the foot of the stairs. A physician living nearwas called in, and as I was only the seamstress, the information hegave my employer induced her to send me immediately to the hospitalfor pauper women. One of my ankles was fractured, and the day aftermy admission to the hospital you were born prematurely. In a ward ofthat hospital, surrounded by strange but kind sympathetic faces, you, my darling, opened your blue eyes, unwelcomed by a father's love, unnoticed by your wretched mother; for I was delirious for many days, and you were three weeks old when first I knew you were my baby. Ah, my daughter! why did not a merciful God order us both out of theworld then, before it persecuted and bruised us so cruelly? I havewished a thousand times that you had died before I ever recognizedyou as mine!"

"Oh, mother, mother, pity me! Do not reproach me with the life I oweto you. "

Regina's features writhed, and, pressing her face closer against hermother's knee, she sobbed unrestrainedly:

"My darling, blessings often come so thoroughly disguised that webrand them as curses, learning later that they garner all our earthlyhopes, sometimes our heavenly; and when I look at you now, my soulyearns over you with a love too deep for utterance. I know that youwere born to avenge your wrongs and mine, to aid by your baby fingersin lifting the load of injustice and libel that has so long borne medown. You are the one solitary comfort in all the wide earth, and butfor you I should have given up the struggle long ago. "

Softly she stroked the silky hair and tearful cheek, and leaning backcontinued:

"While I was still an inmate of the hospital, where I was known asMinnie Merle, Peleg Peterson found me, and proclaimed himself yourfather. He was partly intoxicated at the time, and was forciblyejected; but the excitement of that dastardly horrible charge threwme into a relapse, and I was dangerously ill. Lying beside me on mycot, I watched your little face, through the slow hours ofconvalescence, and your tiny hands seemed to strengthen me for thelabour that beckoned me back to life. For your dear sake I must bravethe future. To one of the noble-hearted gentle Sisters of Charity whovisited the hospital and ministered like an angel of mercy to you andme, I told enough of my history to explain my presence there, andthrough her influence when I was strong enough to work, I was placedin a position where I was permitted to keep you with me for a year. Iknew that my only safety lay in hiding for a time from my enemy, anddestroying all trace of my departure from the hospital, I assumed thename of Odille Orphia Orme, which had belonged to a sister of mygrandmother. 

"I was not sixteen when you were born, and, having had my head shavedduring my illness, my hair grew out the bright gold you see it now, instead of the dark brown it had hitherto been. A strange freak ofnature, but a providential aid to the disguise I wished to maintain. I wrote to Cuthbert, informing him of your birth, praying his speedyreturn, but no reply came; and again and again I repeated thepetition. At length I was answered by the return of all my letters, without a line of comment. Then I began to suspect what was in storefor me, but it threatened to drive me wild; and I shut my eyes andrefused to think, set my teeth, and hoped, hoped still. The two yearshad almost expired, and when Cuthbert was of age he would fly to hiswife and child, solacing them for all they had endured. I could notafford to doubt; that way lay madness!

"When you were fourteen months old, I put you in an Orphan Asylum, where I could see you often, and took a situation as upper maid andseamstress in a fashionable family on Fifth Avenue. My duties werelight, my employers were considerate and kind, and the young ladies, observing my desire to improve myself, gave me the privileges of thelibrary, which was well selected and extensive. They were verycultivated, elegant people, and I listened to their conversation, observed their deportment, and modelled my manners after the examplethey furnished. I was so anxious to astonish Cuthbert by my grace andintelligence, when he presented me to his father, and I exulted inthe thought that even he might one day be proud of his son's wife. 

"How I struggled and toiled, sowing by day, reading, studying bynight. Finding Racine, Euripides, and Shakespeare in the library, Iperused them carefully, and accidentally I discovered my talent. Theladies of the house on one occasion had private theatricals, and theplay was one with which I chanced to be familiar. At the lastrehearsal, on the night of the play, one of the young ladies wassuddenly seized with such violent giddiness, that she was unable toappear in the character she personated, and in the dilemma I wassummoned. So successful was my performance that I saw the new pathopening before me, and began to fit myself for it. I gave every sparemoment to dramatic studies, and was progressing rapidly when all hopewas crushed. 

"Cuthbert's birthday came; days, weeks, months rolled by, and I wroteone more passionate prayer for recognition; pleading that at leasthe would allow me to see him once again, that he would just once lookat the lovely face of his child; then if he disowned both wife andchild we would ask him no more. How I counted the weeks that crawledaway! how fondly I still hoped that now, being of age and free, hewould fulfil his promise!

"You were two years and a half old, and I went one Sunday to visityou. 

"How well I recollect your appearance on that fatal day! Your barepearly feet gleaming on the floor over which I guided your uncertainsteps, as you tottered along clinging to my finger, your dimpled neckand arms displayed by the white muslin slip my hands had fashioned, your jetty hair curling thick and close over your round head, yoursmall milk-white teeth sparkling through your open lips, as yourlarge soft violet eyes laughed up in my face!--so glad you were tosee me! You had never seemed so lovely before, and I knelt down andhugged you, my darling. I kissed your dainty feet and hands, yourlips and eyes so like Cuthbert's, and I know as I caressed you myheart swelled with the fond pride that only mothers can understandand feel, and I whispered, 'Papa's baby! Papa's own darling!Cuthbert's baby!'

"It was harder than usual to quit you that day; you clung to me, nestled close to me, stole your little hand into my bosom, andfinally fell asleep. When I laid you softly down in your lowtruckle-bed, the tears would come and hang on my lashes, and whileI lingered, passing my hand over your dear pretty feet, I determinedthat if Cuthbert did not come, or write very soon, I would take youand go in search of him. What man could shut his arms and heartagainst such a lovely babe who owed him her being?

"It was late when I got home, and the lady with whom I lived sent forme in great haste. Guests had unexpectedly come from a distance, dinner must be served, and the butler had been called awayinopportunely to one of his children, who had been terribly scalded. Could I oblige her by consenting to serve the visitors at table? Shewas a good mistress to me, and of course I did not hesitate. One ofthe guests was a nephew of the host, and recently returned fromEurope, as I learned from the conversation. When the desert was beingset upon the table, he said: 'No, I rather liked him; none areperfect, and he has sowed his wild oats, and settled down. Marriageis a strong social anchor, and his bride is a very heavy-lookingwoman, though enormously rich, I hear. It is said that his fathermanoeuvred the match, for Cuthbert liked being fancy free. '

"The name startled me, and the master of the house asked, 'Of whomare you speaking?' 'Cuthbert Laurance and his recent marriage withAbbie Ames the banker's daughter. My mistress pulled my dress anddirected me to bring a bottle of champagne from the side table. Istood like a stone, and she repeated the command. As I lifted thewine and started back, the stranger added: 'Here is an account of thewedding; quite a brilliant affair, and as I witnessed the nuptials Ican testify the description is not exaggerated. They were married inParis, and General Laurance presented the bride with a beautiful setof diamonds. ' The bottle fell with a crash, and in the confusion Itottered toward the butler's pantry and sank down insensible. 

"Oh, the awful, intolerable agony that has been my portion eversince! Do you wonder that Laurance is a synonym for all that iscruel, wicked? Is it strange that at times I loath the sight of yourface, which mocks me with the assurance that you are his as well asmine? Oh, most unfortunate child! cursed with the fatal beauty of himwho wrecked your mother's life, and denies you even his infamousname!"

She sprang up, broke away from her daughter's arms, and resumed herwalk. 

"After that day I was a different woman, hard, bitter, relentless, desperate. In the room of hope reigned hate, and I dedicated thefuture to revenge. I had heard Mr. Palma's name mentioned as the mostpromising lawyer at the bar, and though he was a young man then, heinspired all who knew him with confidence and respect. Withholdingonly my husband's name, I gave him my history, and sought legaladvice. A suit would result in the foul and fatal aspersion, whichPeleg was waiting to pour like an inky stream upon my character, andwe ascertained that he was in the pay of the Laurances, and wouldtestify according to their wishes and purposes. There was no proof ofmy marriage, unless Mr. Hargrove had preserved the license, therecord of which had been destroyed by the burning of the court-house. Where were the witnesses? Grandmother was dead, and it was rumouredMr. Audré had perished in a fishing excursion off the Labrador coast. 

"Mr. Palma advised me to wait, to patiently watch for an opportunity, pledging himself to do all that legal skill could effect; and noblyhe has redeemed his promise to the desolate, friendless, broken-hearted woman who appealed to him for aid. 

"I succeeded after several repulses, in securing a very humbleposition in one of the small theatres, where I officiated first withscissors and needle, in fitting costumes and in various other menialemployments; studying ceaselessly all the while to prepare myself forthe stage. The manager became interested, encouraged me, tested me atrehearsals, and at last after an arduous struggle, I made my _début_at the benefit of one of the stock actors. My name was adroitlywhispered about, one or two mysterious paragraphs were published atthe expense of the actor, and so--curiosity gave me an audience andan opportunity. 

"That night seemed the crisis of my destiny; if I failed, what wouldbecome of my baby? Already, my love, you were my supreme thought. ButI did not, my face was a great success; my acting was pronouncedwonderful by the dramatic critic to whom the beneficiary sent acomplimentary ticket, and after that evening I had no difficulty insecuring an engagement that proved very successful. 

"A year after I learned that Cuthbert had married a second time, Iwent to V---- to see Mr. Hargrove, and obtain possession of mylicense. The good man only gave me a copy, to which he added hiscertificate of the solemnization of my marriage; but he sympathizedvery deeply with my unhappy condition, and promised in any emergencyto befriend you, my darling. A few hours after I left the parsonageit was entered and robbed, and the license he refused me was stolen. Long afterward I learned he suspected me. "

Here Regina narrated her discovery of the mysterious facts connectedwith the loss of the paper, and her first knowledge of PelegPeterson. As she explained the occurrences that succeeded the storm, Mrs. Orme almost scowled, and resumed:

"He has been the _bęte noire_ of my ill-starred life, but even hismalice has been satiated at last. Anxious to shield you from thepossibility of danger, and from all contaminating influences andassociation, I carried you to a distant convent; the same with whichgrandmother had threatened me, and placed you under the sacred shadowof the Nuns' protection. Then, assured of your safety and that youreducation would not be neglected, I devoted myself completely to myprofession. From city to city I wandered in quest of fame and money, both so essential to the accomplishment of my scheme; a scheme thatgoaded me sleeping and waking, leaving no moment of repose. 

"One night in Chicago, having overtaxed my strength, I fainted on thestreet, _en route_ from the theatre, and while my servant fled forassistance, I was found by Mr. And Mrs. Waul, and taken to theirhome. Their kind hearts warmed toward me, and no parents could havebeen more tenderly watchful than they have proved ever since. Theysupplied a need of protection, of which I was growing painfullyconscious, and I engaged them to travel with me. 

"Once I took three days out of my busy life, and visited the oldfamily homestead of General Laurance. The owner was in Europe, thehouse closed; but, standing unnoticed under the venerable oaks thatformed the avenue of approach to the ancestral halls of my husband, Ilooked at the stately pile and the broad fields that surrounded it, and called upon Heaven to spare me long enough to see my child theregnant heiress of all that proud domain. There I vowed that costwhat it might, I would accomplish my revenge, would place you thereas owner of that noble inheritance. 

"Through Mr. Palma's inquiries concerning the records, I ascertainedthat this property had been settled upon Cuthbert on the week of hissecond marriage. You were ten years old when I determined to go toEurope and consummate my plan. Peleg had disappeared, and I knew thatthe other agent of the Laurances had lost all trace of me. You wereso grieved because I left for Europe without bidding you good-bye!Ah, my sweet child! You never knew that it was the hardest trial ofmy life to put the ocean between us, and that I was too cowardly towitness your distress at the separation that was so uncertain induration. 

"Could I have gone without the sight of my precious baby? I reachedthe convent about dusk, and informed the sisters that I deemed itbest to transfer you to the guardianship of two gentlemen, one ofwhom would come and take you away the ensuing week. Through a creviceof the dormitory door I watched you undress, envied the gentle nunwho gathered up your long hair and tied over it the little whiteruffled muslin cap; and when you knelt by your small curtained bed, and repeated your evening prayers, adding a special petition that'_Heavenly Father would bless dear mother, and keep her safe_, ' Istifled my sobs in my handkerchief. When you were asleep I crept inon tiptoe, and while Sister Angela held the lamp, I drew aside thecurtain and looked at you. How the sweet face of my baby stirred allthe tenderness that was left in my embittered nature! As youslumbered, you threw your feet outside the cover, and murmured inyour musical childish babble something indistinct about 'mother, andour Blessed Lady. '

"My heart yearned over you, but I could not bear the thought ofhearing your peculiarly plaintive wailing cry, which always piercedmy soul so painfully, and I softly kissed your feet and hurried away. Come, put your arms around my neck, and kiss me, my lovelyfatherless child!"

For some seconds Mrs. Orme held her in a warm embrace. "There sitdown. Little remains to be told, but how bitter! Here in Paris, whileplaying 'Amy Robsart, ' I saw once more, after the lapse of thirteenyears, the man who had so contemptuously repudiated me. Regina, ifever you are so unfortunate, so deluded, as to deeply and sincerelylove any man, and live to know that you are forgotten, that anotherwoman wears the name and receives the caresses that once made heavenin your heart, then, and only then, can you realize what I suffered, while looking at Cuthbert, with that other creature at his side, acknowledged his wife! I thought I had petrified, had ceased to feelaught but loathing and hate, but ah! the agony of that intolerable, that maddening sight! Ask God for a shroud and coffin, rather thanendure what I suffered that night!"

She was too much engrossed by her mournful retrospective task, toobserve the deadly pallor that overspread Regina's face, as the girlrested her head on the arm of the sofa and passed her fingers acrossher eyes, striving to veil the image of one beyond the broadAtlantic's sweep and roar. 

"At last I began to taste the sweet poison of my revenge. Cuthbertdid not suspect my identity, but he was strangely fascinated by myface and acting. Openly indifferent to the woman with whom his fatherhad linked him, and provided with no conscientious scruples, heaudaciously expressed his admiration, and contrived an interview tocommence his advances. He avowed sentiments disloyal to the heiresswho wore his name and jewels, and insulting to me had I been what hesupposed me, merely Odille Orme a pretty actress. I repulsed andderided him, forbidding him my presence; and none can appreciate theexquisite delight it afforded me to humiliate and torture him. Whenit was a crime in the sight of man, he really began to love thewoman, who--in God's sight--was his own lawful wife; and hispunishment was slowly approaching. 

"My health gave way under the unnatural pressure of acting eveningafter evening, with his handsome magnetic face watching everyfeature, every inflection of my voice. I was ordered to rest inItaly, and when I learned I should there meet General Laurance, Iconsented to go. Before leaving Paris, I saw the only child of thathideous iniquitous sham marriage; and, darling, when I contrastedyou, my own pure pearl, with the deformed, dwarfish, repulsivedaughter, whom the Nemesis of my wrongs gave to Cuthbert, in littleMaud Laurance, I almost shouted aloud in my great exultation. You sobeautiful, with his own lineaments in every feature, disowned forthat misshapen, imbecile heiress of his proud name. Oh, mills of theGods! how delicious the slow music of their grinding!

"Thus far, my daughter, I have shown you all your mother's wretchedpast, and now I shrink from the last blotted pages. Hitherto myrecord was blameless, but even now take care how you judge themother, who if she has gone astray did it for you, all for you. Forsome time I had known that Cuthbert was living in recklessextravagance, that the affairs of the father-in-law were dangerouslyinvolved, and that without his own father's knowledge Cuthbert hadborrowed large sums in London and Paris, securing the loans bymortgages on his real estate in America; especially the eleganthomestead, preserved for several generations in his family. Employingtwo shrewd Hebrew brokers, I by degrees bought up those mortgages, straining every effort to effect the purchase. 

"When I reached Milan, I sat one night pondering what was mostexpedient. It was apparent that in a suit for and publication of myreal title and rights, I should be defeated by the disgrace hurledupon me; and to subject the Laurances to the humiliation of a courtscandal would poorly indemnify me for the horrible stain whichPeterson's foul claim would entail upon your innocent but prematurebirth. My health was feeble, consumption threatened my lungs, and Mr. Palma urged me to attempt no legal redress for my injuries. I couldnot die without one more struggle to see you lighted, clothed withyour lawful name. 

"My daughter, my darling, let all my love for you plead vehemently inmy defence, when I tell you that for your dear sake I made adesperate, an awful, a sickening resolve. General Laurance wasinfatuated by my beauty, which has been as fatal to his house as hisname to me. Like many handsome old men, he was inordinately vain, andimagined himself irresistible; and when he persecuted me withattentions that might have compromised a woman less prudent andprudish than I bore myself, I determined to force him to an offer ofhis hand, to marry him. "

With a sharp cry Regina sprang up. 

"Mother, not him! Not my father's father!"

"Yes, René Laurance, my husband's father. "

With a gesture of horror the girl groaned and covered her whiteconvulsed face. 

"Mother! Could my mother commit such a loathsome, awful crime againstGod, and nature?"

"It was for your sake, my darling!" cried Mrs. Orme, wringing herhands, as she saw the shudder with which her child repulsed her. 

"For my sake that you stained you dear pure hands! For my sake thatyou steeped your soul in guilt that even brutal savages abhor, andloaded your name and memory with infamy! In his desertion my fathersinned against me, and freely because he is my father I couldforgive him; but you, the immaculate mother of my lifelong worship, you who have reigned white-souled and angelic over all my hopes, myaspirations, my love and reverence, oh, mother! mother, you havedoubly wronged me! The disgrace of your unnatural and heinous crime Ican never, never pardon!"

With averted head she stood apart, a pitiable picture of misery, that could find no adequate expression. 

"My baby, my love, my precious daughter!"

Ah the pleading pathos of that marvellous voice which had swayed atwill the emotions of vast audiences, as soft fitful zephyrs stir andbow the tender grasses in quiet meadows! Slowly the girl turnedaround, and reluctantly looked at the beloved beautiful face, tearfulyet smiling, beaming with such passionate tenderness upon her. 

Mrs. Orme opened her arms, and Regina sprang forward, sinking on herknees at her mother's feet, clinging to her dress. 

"You could not smile upon me so, with that sin soiling your soul! Oh, mother, say you did it not!"

"God had mercy, and saved me from it. "

"Let us praise and serve Him for ever, in thanksgiving, " sobbed thedaughter. 

"I see now that my punishment would have been unendurable, for Ishould have lost the one true, pure heart that clings to me. How domothers face their retribution, I wonder, when they disgrace theirinnocent little ones, and see shame and horror and aversion in thesoft faces that slept upon their bosoms, and once looked in adorationat the heaven of their eyes? Even in this life the pangs of the lostmust seize all such. 

"I did not marry General Laurance, though I entertained the purposeof a merely nominal union, and he acceded to my conditions, signinga marriage contract to adopt you, give you his name, settled upon youall his remaining fortune, except the real estate which I knew he hadtransferred to his son. I think my intense hate and thirst forvengeance temporarily maddened me; for certainly had I been quitesane I should never have forced myself to hang upon the verge of suchan odious gulf. I was tempted by the prospect of making you the realheiress of the Laurance name and wealth, and of beggaring Cuthbert, his so-called wife and crippled child, by displaying the mortgage Iheld; and which will yet sweep them to penury, for the banker hasfailed, and Abbie Ames is penniless as Minnie Merle once was. 

"While I floated down the dark stream to ruin, a blessed interposinghand arrested me. Mr. Palma wrote that at last a glorious day of hopedawned on my weary, starless night. Gerbert Audré was alive andanxious to testify to the validity of my marriage, and the perfectsanity and sobriety of Cuthbert when it was solemnized (his fatherwas prepared to plead that he was insane from intoxication when hewas inveigled into the ceremony); and oh, better, best of all, mypersecutor had relented! Peleg swore that his assertions regarding mycharacter were untrue, were prompted by malice, stimulated byLaurance gold. Having been arrested by Mr. Palma and carried before amagistrate, he had written and signed a noble vindication of me. Toyou he avows I owe his tardy recantation and complete justificationof my past; and you will find among those papers his letter to meupon this subject. 

"My daughter, what do we not owe to Erle Palma? God blesshim--now--and for ever! And may the dearest, fondest wishes of hisheart be fulfilled as completely as have been his promises to me. "

Regina's face was shrouded by her mother's dress, but thinking ofMrs. Carew, she sank lower at Mrs. Orme's feet, knowing that her sadheart could not echo that prayer. 

"As yet my identity has not been suspected, but the end is at hand, and I am about to break the vials of wrath upon their heads. Mr. Palma only waits to hear from me to bring suit against Cuthbert fordesertion and bigamy, and against René Laurance, the arch-demon of myluckless carried life, for wilful slander, premeditated defamation ofcharacter. My lawful unstained wife-hood will be established, yourspotless birth and lineage triumphantly proclaimed; and I shall seemy own darling, my Regina Laurance, reigning as mistress in the hallsof her ancestors. To confront you with your father and grandfather, Ihave called you to Paris, and when I have talked with Uncle Orme, whose step I hear, I shall be able to tell you definitely of the hourwhen the thunderbolt will be hurled into the camp of our enemies. Kiss me good-night. God bless my child. "

CHAPTER XXXII. 

After a sleepless night, Cuthbert Laurance sat in dressing gown andslippers before the table, on which was arranged his breakfast. Inhis right hand he held, partly lifted, the cup of coffee; upon theleft he rested his head, seeming abstracted, oblivious of the daintydishes that invited his attention. 

The graceful _insouciance_ of the Sybarite had vanished, and thoughthe thirty-seven years of his life had dealt very gently with hismanly beauty, leaving few lines about his womanishly fair brow, heseemed to-day gravely preoccupied, anxious, and depressed. Pushingback his chair, he sat for some time in a profound and evidentlypainful reverie, and when his father came in, and closed the doorbehind him, the cloud of apprehension deepened. 

"Good-morning, Cuthbert, I must compliment you on your early hours. How is Maud?"

"I have not seen her this morning. Victorine usually takes her out atthis time of the day. I hope after a night's reflection and rest, youfeel disposed to afford me more comfort than you extended lastevening. The fact is, unless you come forward and help me, I shall beutterly ruined. "

General Laurance lighted his cigar, and, standing before his son, answered coldly:

"I beg you to recollect that my resources are not quiteinexhaustible, and last year when I gave that Chicago property toyou, I explained the necessity of curbing your reckless extravagance. Were I possessed of Rothschild's income, it would not suffice to keepupon his feet a man who sells himself to the Devil of the gamingtable, and entertains with the prodigality of a crown prince. I neverdreamed until last night that the real estate at home is encumberedby mortgages, and it will be an everlasting shame if the homesteadshould be sacrificed; but I can do no more for you. This failure ofAmes is a disgraceful affair, and I understand soils hisreputation--past all hope of purification. How long does Abbie expectto remain in Nice? It does not look well, I can tell you, that sheshould go off and leave Maud with her _bonne_. "

"Oh! for that matter, Maud is better off here, where she can be seenregularly by the physician, and Victorine knows much better what todo for her than her mother. Abbie is perfectly acquainted with thechange in her father's and in my own affairs, and I should supposeshe would have returned immediately after the receipt of theintelligence, especially as I informed her that we should becompelled to return to America. "

"I shall telegraph her to come back at once, for I hear that she isleading a very gay life at Nice, and that her conduct is not whollycompatible with her duties as a wife and mother. "

An expression of subdued scorn passed over Cuthbert's face, as heanswered sarcastically:

"Probably your influence may avail to hasten her return. As for herpeculiar views, and way of conducting herself, I imagine it is rathertoo late for you to indulge in fastidious carpings, as you selectedand presented her to me as a suitable bride, particularly acceptableto you for a daughter-in-law. 

"When men live as you have done since your marriage, it is scarcelysurprising that wives should emulate their lax example. You havenever disguised your indifference as a husband. "

"No, sir. When I made merchandise of my hand, I deemed that sacrificesufficient, and have never pretended to include my heart in thebargain. But why deal in recrimination? Past mistakes areirremediable, and it behooves me to consider only the future. Were itnot for poor Maud, I really should care very little, but herhelplessness appeals to me now more forcibly than all otherconsiderations. You say, sir, that you cannot help me--why not? Atthis crisis a few shares of stock, and some of those sterling bondswould enable me to pay off my pressing personal debts; and I couldget away from Paris with less annoying notoriety and scandal, whichabove all things I abhor. I only ask the means of retiring from myassociations here without disgrace, and once safely out of France Ishall care little for the future. You certainly cannot consent to seeme stranded here, where my position and _menage_ have been so proud?"

General Laurance puffed vigorously at his cigar for some seconds, then tossed it down, put his hands in his pockets, and said abruptly:

"When I told you last night that I could not help you, I meant it. The stocks and bonds you require have already been otherwiseappropriated. I daresay, Cuthbert, you will be astonished at what Iam about to communicate, but whatever your opinion of the step I havedetermined to take, I request in advance, that you will refrain fromany disagreeable comments. For thirty-seven years I have devotedmyself to the promotion of your interest and happiness, and you mustadmit you have often sorely tried my patience. If you have at lastmade shipwreck of your favourable financial prospects, it is nolonger in my power to set you afloat again. Cuthbert, I am on the eveof assuming new responsibilities that require all the means yourluxurious mode of living has left me. I am going to marry again. "

"To marry again! Are you approaching your dotage?"

The son had risen, and his handsome face was full of undisguisedscorn, as his eyes rested on his father's haughty and offendedcountenance. 

"Whatever your dissatisfaction, you will be wise in repressing it atleast in your remarks to me. I am no longer young, but am very farfrom senility; and finding no harmony in your household, no peacefulfireside where I can spend the residue of my days in quiet, I havefinally consulted the dictates of my own heart, and am prompted bythe hope of great happiness with the woman whom I sincerely love--tomarry her. Under these circumstances you can readily appreciate myinability to transfer the stocks, which it appears you have reliedupon to float you out of this financial storm. "

Cuthbert bowed profoundly, and answered contemptuously:

"They have, I presume, already been transferred in the form of amarriage contract? Pardon me, sir; but may I inquire whom you designto fill my mother's place?"

"I expect within a few days to present to you as my wife theloveliest woman in all Europe, one as noble, refined, modest, anddelicate as she is everywhere conceded to be beautiful, --thecelebrated Madame Odille Orme. "

An unconquerable embarrassment caused his eyes to wander from hisson's face as he pronounced the name, else he would have discoveredthe start, the pallor with which the intelligence was received. Cuthbert turned and stood at the window, with his back to his father, and the convulsive movement of his features attested the profoundpain which the announcement caused. 

"Madame Orme is not an ordinary actress, and has always maintained areputation quite rare among those of her profession. I have carefullystudied her character, think I have seen it sufficiently tested tosatisfy even my fastidious standard of female propriety and decorum;and knowing how proudly and jealously I guard my honour and my name, you may rest assured I have not risked anything in committing both tothe keeping of this woman, to whom I am very deeply and tenderlyattached. She told me she had met you once. How did she impress you?"

It cost him a strong effort to answer composedly. 

"She certainly is the most beautiful woman I have seen in Europe. "

"Ah! and sweet as she is lovely! My son, do not diminish my happinessby unkind thoughts and expressions, which would result in ourestrangement. No father could have devoted himself more assiduouslyto a child than I have done to you, and in my old age, if thismarriage brings me so much delight and comfort, have I not earned theright to consider my own happiness? It is quite natural that youshould be surprised, and to some extent chagrined at my determinationto settle a portion of my property upon a new claimant for my loveand protection; but I hope, for the sake of all concerned, you willat least indulge in no harsh or disrespectful remarks. I have beenrequested to invite you to accompany me to the Theatre to-night towitness Madame Orme's farewell to the stage, in a drama of her owncomposition. After this evening she appears no more in public, and atthe close of the play she desires that we shall meet her at herhotel. I trust you will courteously fulfil the engagement I have madefor you, as I assured her she might expect us both. "

He lighted a fresh cigar, and drew on his gloves. 

Cuthbert hastily snatched a glass of water from the stand near him, and laying his hand on the bolt of the door leading to his sleepingroom, looked over his shoulder at his father. 

The face of the son was whitened and sharpened by acute suffering, and his blue eyes flushed with a peculiarly cold sarcastic light ashe exclaimed bitterly:

"That General Laurance should so far forget the aristocraticassociations and memories of the past, as to wrap his ambitious namearound the person and character of a pretty _coulisse_ queen, certainly surprises his son, in whom he would never have forgivensuch a _mésalliance_; but _chacun ŕ son gout!_ Permit me, sir, tohope that my father may display the same infallible judgment inselecting a bride for himself that he so successfully manifested inthe choice of one for his son; and the sincere wish of my heart is, that your wedded life may prove quite as rose-coloured and blissfulas mine. "

He bowed low, and disappeared; and after a few turns up and down theroom, during which he smoothed his ruffled brow, rejoicing that theannouncement had been made, General Laurance went down to hiscarriage, and was driven to the hotel, where he hoped to find Mrs. Orme. 

For several days after the narration of her history to Regina, themother had seen comparatively little of her child, her time beingengrossed by numerous rehearsals and the supervision of some scenepainting, which she considered essential to the success of the play. 

Only on the morning of the day appointed for its presentation, didRegina learn that in "Infelice" her mother had merely written anddramatically arranged an accurate history of her own eventful life. By this startling method she had long designed to acquaint GeneralLaurance and his son with her real name, and the play had been verycarefully cast and prepared; but Regina heard with deep pain andhumiliation of the vindictive nature of the surprise arranged, andeloquently plead that the sacred past should not be profaned bycasting it before the public for criticism. 

Mr. Chesley earnestly seconded her entreaties that even now a changeof programme might be effected, but Mrs. Orme sternly adhered to herpurpose, declared it was too late for alteration, and that she wouldnot consent to forfeit the delight of the vengeance, which alonesweetened the future, neither would she permit her daughter to absentherself. A box had been secured where, screened from observation, Regina and Mr. Chesley could not only witness the play, but watch thetwo men whose box was opposite. 

When General Laurance called and sent up a basket of choice andcostly flowers, begging for a moment's interview, Mrs. Orme sent downin reply a tiny perfumed note, stating that she was then hurrying tothe last rehearsal, which it was absolutely necessary she shouldattend; and requesting that after the close of the play GeneralLaurance and his son would do her the honour to take supper at herhotel, where she would give him a final and very definite answer withregard to their nuptials. While he read the _billet_ and waspencilling a second appeal for the privilege of escorting her to therehearsal, she ran lightly downstairs, sprang into a carriage, andeluded him. 

Left in possession of all the records relative to her mother'shistory, and furnished for the first time with a printed copy of"Infelice, " Regina spent a melancholy day in her own room. Among thepapers she found her father's letter, promising to claim his wife assoon as he attained his majority; and as she noted the elegantchirography and glanced from the letter to the ambrotype whichrepresented Cuthbert as he looked at the period of his marriage, astrangely tender new feeling welled up in her heart, dimming her eyeswith unshed tears. 

It was her father's face upon which she looked, and something inthose proud high-bred features plead for him to the soul of hischild. True he had disowned them, but could that face deliberatelyhide premeditated treachery? Might there not be some defence, someextenuating circumstance, that would lessen his crime?

Suddenly she sprang up and began to array herself in a walking suit. She would go and see her father, learn what had induced his cruelcourse, and perhaps some mistake might be discovered and corrected. She knew that this step would subject her to her mother'sdispleasure, but just then the girl's heart was hardened againsther, in consequence of her persistency in dramatizing a record whichthe daughter deemed too mournfully solemn and sacred for thedesecration of the boards and footlights. 

Grieved and mortified by this resolution, over which her passionateinvective and persuasion exerted not the slightest influence, sheavailed herself of the absence of her mother and Mrs. Waul to leavethe hotel and get into a carriage. 

The Directory supplied her with the address she sought, and ere manymoments she found herself in front of the stately, palatial pile, inwhich Cuthbert Laurance had long dwelt Desiring to see Mr. Lauranceon business, she was shown into the elegant salon, and when theservant returned to say that he had left the house but a few minutesbefore she entered, she still lingered. 

"Can I see Mrs. Laurance?"

"Madame is at Nice. Only Mademoiselle Maud is at home. "

At that instant a side door opened, and a stout, middle-aged womanpushed before her into the room a low chair placed on wheels, inwhich sat Maud. At sight of the stranger, Victorine turned to retreatwith her charge, but Regina made a quick gesture to detain her, andwent to the spot where the chair rested. 

Maud sat with her lap full of violets and mignonette, which she wastrying to weave into a bouquet, but arrested in her occupation, herweird black eyes looked wonderingly on the visitor. How vividly theycontrasted, the slender, symmetrical figure of Regina, her perfectface and graceful bearing, with the swarthy, sallow, dwarfed, andhelpless Maud! As the former looked at the melancholy features, prematurely aged by suffering, a well of pity gushed in her heart, and she bent down and took one of the thin hands from which theflowers were slipping unnoticed. 

"Is this little Maud?"

"My name is Maud Ames Laurance. What is your name? Why, you are justlike papa! Do you know my papa?"

"No, dear; but I shall some day. I should very much like to knowyou. "

"You look so much like papa. You may kiss me if you like. "

She turned her sallow cheek for the salute, and Victorine said:

"Is mademoiselle a relative? You are quite the image of Mr. Laurance. "

"Do you think so? Where can I find General Laurance? Does he residehere?"

"Oh no! He never has lived with us. Grandpapa was here this morning, but we were out in the park. Will you have some flowers? Your eyesjust match my violets! So like papa's. "

Regina gazed sorrowfully at the afflicted figure, and holding thosethin, hot fingers in hers, she silently determined that if possiblethe impending blow should be warded off from this pitiable littlesufferer. 

"Did you come to see me?" queried Maud. 

"No, I called to see your papa--on some business, and I am sorry heis absent. Before long I shall come and see you, and we will makebouquets and have a pleasant time. Good-bye, Maud. "

Remembering that she was her half-sister, Regina lightly kissed thehollow cheek of the invalid. 

"Good-bye. I shall ask papa where you got his eyes; for they are mypapa's lovely eyes. "

"Has mademoiselle left her card with Jean?" asked Victorine, whosecuriosity was thoroughly aroused. 

"I have not one with me. "

"Then be pleased to give me your name. "

"No matter now. I will come again, and then you and Maud shall learnmy name. "

She hastened out of the room, and when she reached her mother'slodgings, met her uncle pacing the floor of the reception-room. 

"Regina, where have you been? You are top total a stranger here toventure out alone, and I beg that you will not repeat the imprudence. I have been really uneasy about your mysterious absence. "

"Uncle Orme, I wanted to see my father, and I went to his home. "

She threw her hat upon the sofa, and sighed heavily. 

"My dear child, Minnie will never forgive your premature disclosure!"

"I made none, because he was not at home. Oh, uncle, I saw somethingthat made my heart turn sick with pity. I saw that poor littledeformed girl, Maud Laurance, and it seems to me her haggard face, her utter wretchedness and helplessness would melt a heart of steel!I longed to take the poor forlorn creature in my arms, and cry overher; and I tell you, Uncle Orme, I will not be a party to her ruinand disgrace! I will not, I will not! I am strong and healthy, andGod has given me many talents, and raised up dear friends, you uncle, the dearest of all, after mother; but what has that unfortunatecripple? Nothing but her father (for she has been deserted by hermother), and only her father's name. Do you think I could see herbeggared, reduced to poverty that really pinched, in order that Imight usurp her place as the Laurance heiress? Never. "

"My dear girl, the usurpation is on their part, not yours. The nameand inheritance is lawfully yours, and the attainment of these rightsfor you has sustained poor Minnie through her sad, arduous career. "

"Abstract right is not the only thing to be considered at such ajuncture as this. Suppose I could change places with that poor littledeformed creature, would you not think it cruel, nay wicked, to turnme all helpless and forlorn out of a comfortable home, into the coldworld of want, a nameless waif. Uncle, I know what it is to befatherless and nameless! All of that bitterness and humiliation hasbeen mine for years, but now that my heart is at rest concerning myparentage, now that _I_ know there is no blemish on mother's pastrecord, I care little for what the world may think, and much, muchmore, what that poor girl would suffer. To-day, when I looked at heruseless feet and shrunken hands and deep hollow eyes, I seemed tohear a voice from far Judean hills: '_Bear ye one another'sburdens_;' and, Uncle Orme, I am willing to bear Maud's burden to theend of my life. My shoulders have become accustomed to the load theyhave carried for over seventeen years, and I will not shift it topoor Maud's. I am strong, she is pitiably feeble. I have never knownthe blessing of a father's love, have learned to do without it; shehas no other comfort, no other balm, and I will not rob her of thelittle God has left her. I understand how mother feels, I cannotblame her; and while I know that her care and anxiety in this matterare chiefly on my account, I could never respect, never forgivemyself, if to promote my own importance or interest I selfishlyconsented to beggar poor Maud. She cannot live long; death has set ashadowy mark already upon her weird eyes, and until they close in thepeace of the grave let us leave her the name she seems so proud of. She pronounced it Maud Ames Laurance, as though it were a royaltitle. Let her bear it. I can wait. "

As Mr. Chesley watched the pale gem-like face, with its soft holyeyes full of a resolution which he knew all the world could notshake, a sudden mist blurred her image, and taking her hand, hekissed her forehead. 

"My noble child, if the golden rule you seek to practise were inuniversal acceptation and actualization, injustice, fraud, and crimewould overturn the bulwarks of morality and decency. When men violatethe laws of God and man as Cuthbert Laurance certainly has done, evenreligion as well as justice requires that his crime should bepunished; although in nearly all such instances the innocent sufferfor the sins of the guilty. Your mother owes it to you, to me, toherself, to society, to demand recognition of her legal rights; andthough I do not approve all that she proposes (at least, the mannerof its accomplishment), I cannot censure her; and you, dear child, for whose sake she has borne so much, should pause before you judgeher harshly. "

"God forbid that I should! But oh, uncle! it seems to me somethingdreadful, sacrilegious, to act over before a multitude of strangersthose mournful miserable events that ought to be kept sacred. Thethought of being present is very painful to me. "

"None but General Laurance and his son will dream that it is morethan a mere romance. None but they can possibly recognize the scenes, and the audience cannot suspect that Minnie is acting her ownhistory. When a suit is instituted, it will probably result in arecognition of the marriage, and thereupon a large alimony will begranted to your mother, who will at once apply for a divorce. In thepresent condition of their financial affairs this cannot fail tobeggar the Laurances, for I had a cable despatch this morning fromMr. Palma, intimating that the stock panic had grievously crippledseveral of General Laurance's best investments. This news will bedelightful to Minnie, but I see it distresses you. Now, Regina, regnant, listen to me. Have no controversy with your mother; she isjust now in no mood to bear it, and I want no distrust to grow upbetween you. Whether you wish it or not, she will establish herclaim, and she is right in doing so. Now I wish to make a contractwith you. Keep quiet, and if we find that the Laurances will reallybe reduced to want, I will supply you with the funds necessary toprovide a comfortable home for them, and you shall give it to yourfather and little Maud. Minnie must not know of the matter, she wouldnever forgive us, and neither can I consent that your father shouldconsider me as his friend. But all that I have, my sweet girl, isyours, and Laurance may feel indebted to his own repudiated child forthe gift. It is a bargain?"

"Oh, Uncle Orme! how good and generous you are! No wonder my heartwarmed to you the first time I ever saw you! How I love and thankyou, my own noble uncle! You have no idea how earnestly I long forthe time when you and mother and I can settle down together in aquiet home somewhere, shut out from the world that has used us all sohardly, and safe in our love, and confidence for and in each other. "

She had thrown her arms around his neck, and pressing her headagainst his shoulder, looked at him with eyes full of hope andhappiness. 

"I am afraid, my dear girl, that as soon as our imaginary Eden isarranged satisfactorily, the dove that gives it peace and purity willbe enticed away, caged in a more brilliant mansion. You will loveMinnie and me very much I daresay until some lover steals between usand lures you away. "

She hid her countenance against his shoulder, and her words impressedhim as singularly solemn and mournful. 

"I shall have no lover. I shall make it the aim and study of all myfuture life to love only God, mother, and you. My hope of happinesscentres in the one word Home! We all three have felt the bitter wantof one, and I desire to make ours that serene, holy ideal Home ofwhich I have so long dreamed: 'We will bear our Penates with us;their atrium, the heart. Our household gods are the memories of ourchildhood, the recollections of the hearth round which we gathered;of the fostering hands which caressed us, of the scene of all thejoys, anxieties, and hopes, the ineffable yearnings of love, whichmade us first acquainted with the mystery and the sanctity of home. 'Such a home, dear uncle, let us fashion, somewhere in sight of theblue Pacific; and into its sacred rest no lover shall come. "

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Mrs. Orme had carefully instructed Mrs. Waul concerning the detailsof her daughter's _toilette_, and selected certain articles which shedesired her to wear; but Regina saw her mother no more that day, andlate in the afternoon, when she knocked at the door, solicitingadmission, for a moment only, the mother answered from within:

"No; my child would only unnerve me now, and there is too much atstake. Uncle Orme understands all that I wish done to-night. "

Regina heard the quick restless tread across the floor, betraying theextreme agitation that prevailed in her mind and heart; andsorrowfully the girl went back to her uncle, in whose society shedaily found increasing balm and comfort. 

The theatre was crowded when Mr. Chesley and Regina entered theirbox; and though the latter had several times attended the opera inNew York, the elegance and brilliance of the surrounding scenesurpassed all that she had hitherto witnessed. Mrs. Orme had createda profound impression by her earlier _rôles_ at this theatre, and thesudden termination of her engagement by the illness that succeededher extraordinarily pathetic and touching "Katherine, " had arousedmuch sympathy, stimulated curiosity and interest; consequently herreappearance in a new play, of whose plot no hint had yet been madepublic, sufficed to fill the house at an early hour. 

Soon after their entrance, Mr. Chesley laid his hand on hiscompanion's and whispered:

"Will you promise to be very calm and self-controlled, if I show youyour father?"

He felt her hand grow cold, and in reply she merely pressed hisfingers. 

"When I hold the curtain slightly aside, look into the second boximmediately opposite, where two gentlemen are sitting. They are yourfather and grandfather. "

She leaned and looked, and how eagerly, how yearningly her eyes dweltupon the handsome face which still closely resembled the Cuthbert ofcollege days, and the ambrotype she had studied so carefully sinceher arrival in Paris. 

As she watched her breathing became rapid, laboured, her eyes filled, her face quivered uncontrollably, and she half rose from her seat, but Mr. Chesley held her back, and dropped the curtain. 

"Oh, uncle! How handsome, how refined, how noble-looking! Poordarling mother! how could she help giving him her heart? In all mydreams and fancies, I never even hoped to find him such a man! Myfather, my father!"

She trembled so violently that Mr. Chesley said hastily:

"Compose yourself, or I shall be forced to take you home, and yourmother will be displeased; for she particularly desired that I wouldwatch the effect of the play on those two men opposite. "

She leaned back, shut her eyes, and bravely endeavoured to conquerher agitation, and luckily at this moment the stage-curtain rose. 

By the aid of photographs procured in America, and by dint ofpersonal supervision and suggestions, Mrs. Orme had successfullyarranged the exact reproduction of certain localities: thecollege--the campus--the humble cottage of old Mrs. Chesley with itspeculiar porch, whose column caps were carved to represent dogs'heads--the interior of a hospital, of an orphan asylum, and of thelibrary at the parsonage. 

Leaning far back in his chair, a prey to gloomy and indescribablybitter reflections, as he accustomed himself to the contemplation ofthe fact that the beautiful woman in whom his own fickle waywardheart had become earnestly interested, would sell herself to thegrey-bearded man beside him, Cuthbert gnawed his silky moustache;while his father watched with feverish impatience for the opening ofthe play, and the sight of his enchantress. 

The curtain rose upon a group sitting on the sward before the cottagedoor. Minnie Merle in the costume of a very young girl, with hergolden hair all hidden under a thick wig of dark curling locks, thatstraggled in childish disorder around her neck and shoulders, whileher sun-bonnet, the veritable green and white gingham of other days, lay at her feet. Beside her a tall youth, who represented PelegPeterson, in the garb of a carpenter, with a tool-box on the ground, and in his hands a wooden doll, which he was carving for the child. 

In the door of the cottage sat the grandmother knitting and nodding, with white hair shining under her snowy cap-border; and while thecarpenter carved and whistled an old-fashioned ditty, "Meet me bymoonlight alone, " the girl in a quavering voice attempted toaccompany him. 

Minnie sat with her countenance turned fully to the audience, andwhen Cuthbert Laurance's eyes fell on the cottage front, and uponthe face under that cloud of dark elfish locks, he caught his breath, and his eyes seemed almost starting from their sockets. His hand fellheavily on his father's knee, and he groaned audibly. 

General Laurance turned and whispered:

"For God's sake, what is the matter? Are you ill?"

There was no answer from the son, who tightened his clutch upon theold man's knee, and watched breathlessly what was passing on thestage. 

The scene was shifted, and now the whole façade of the college rosebefore him, with a pretty picture in the foreground; a tall handsomestudent, leaning against the trunk of an ancient elm, and talking tothe girl who sat on the turf, with a basket of freshly-ironed shirtsresting on the grass beside her. The identical straw hat, whichCuthbert had left behind him when summoned home, was upon thestudent's head, and as the timid shrinking girl glanced up shyly ather companion, Cuthbert Laurance almost hissed in his father's ear:"Great God! It is Minnie herself!"

General Laurance loosened the curtain next the audience, and as thefolds swept down, concealing somewhat the figure of his son, hewhispered:

"What do you mean? Are you drunk, or mad?"

Cuthbert grasped his father's hand, and murmured:

"Don't you know the college? That is Minnie yonder!"

"Minnie? My son, what ails you? Go home, you are ill. "

"I tell you, that is Minnie Merle, so surely as there is a God aboveus. Mrs. Orme--is Minnie--my Minnie! My wife! She has dramatized herown life!"

"Impossible, Cuthbert! You are delirious--insane. You are----"

"That woman yonder is my wife! Now I understand why such strangesweet memories thrilled me when I saw her first in 'Amy Robsart. ' Thegolden hair disguised her. Oh, father!"

The blank dismay in General Laurance's countenance was succeeded byan expression of dread, and as he looked from his son's blanchedconvulsed face to that of the actress under the arching elms of thecampus, the horrible truth flashed upon him like a lurid glimpse ofHades. He struck his hand against his forehead, and his grizzled headsank on his bosom. All that had formerly perplexed him was hideouslyapparent, startlingly clear; and he saw the abyss to which she hadlured him, and understood the motives that had prompted her. 

After some moments he pushed his seat back beyond the range ofobservation from the audience, and beckoned his son to follow hisexample, but Cuthbert stood leaning upon the back of his chair, witheyes riveted on the play. 

The courtship, the clandestine meetings, the interview in which Pelegintruded upon the lovers, the revelation to the grandmother, wereaccurately delineated, and in each scene the girl grew taller, bysome arrangement of the skirts, which were at first very short, whileshe appeared in a sitting posture. 

When the secret marriage was decided upon, and the party left thecottage by night, Cuthbert turned, rested one hand on his father'sshoulder, and as the scene changed to the quiet parsonage, he pressedheavily, and muttered:

"Even the very dress that she wore that day! And--there is the blackagate! On her hand--where I put it! Don't you know it? How she turnsit!"

In the tableau of the marriage ceremony she had taken her positionwith reference to the locality of the box, and as near it aspossible, and in the glare of the footlights the ring was clearlyrevealed. 

Lifting his lorgnette, General Laurance inspected the white hand hehad once kissed so rapturously, and by the aid of the lenses herecognized the costly ring, the valued heirloom, for the recovery ofwhich he had offered five hundred dollars. Had he still cherished ashadowy hope that Cuthbert was suffering from some fearful delusion, the sight of that singular and fatal ring utterly overthrew the lastlingering vestige of doubt. Stunned, miserable, dimly foreboding someoverwhelming _dénouement_, he sat in stony stillness, knowing thatthis was but the prelude to some dire catastrophe. 

When the telegram, arrived and the young husband took his bride inhis arms, the girlish face was lifted, and the passionate gleam ofthe dilating brown eyes sent a strange thrill to the hearts of bothfather and son. Vowing to return very soon and claim her, the husbandtore himself away, and as he vanished through a side door near thebox, Minnie followed, stretched out her arms, and looking up full atits two tenants she breathed her wild passionate prayer which rangwith indescribable pathos through that vast building:

"My husband! My husband--do not forsake me!"

Cuthbert put his hand over his eyes, and but for the voices on thestage his shuddering groan would have been heard outside the box. Inthe scene where Peleg's advances were indignantly repulsed, and histhreats to unleash the bloodhounds of slander, hunting her to infamy, were fully developed, Cuthbert seemed to rouse himself from hisstupor and a different expression crossed his features. 

Skilfully the part played by General Laurance in bribing Peleg, andreturning the letters of the wretched wife, the disgraceful threats, the offers to buy up and cancel her conjugal claims, were allpresented. 

When the grandmother departed, and the child-wife secretly made herway to New York, seeking service that would secure her bread, andstill hopeful of her husband's return, Cuthbert grasped his father'sarm and hissed in his ear:

"You deceived me! You told me she went with that villain toCalifornia to hide her disgrace!"

Cowed and powerless, the old man sat, recognizing the faithfulportraiture of his own dark schemes in those early days of thetrouble, and growing numb with a vague prophetic dread that thefoundations of the world were crumbling away. 

His son suddenly drew his chair a little forward and sat down, hiselbow on his knee, his head on his hand; his gaze fixed on the womanwho had contrived to reproduce even the fall that caused her removalto the hospital. 

The ensuing scene represented the young mother, sitting on a cot inthe hospital, with a babe lying across her knees, and the storm ofhorror, hate, and defiance with which she spurned Peleg from her, calling on heaven to defend her and her baby, and denouncing thetreachery of General Laurance who had bribed Peterson to insult anddefame her. 

As he was dragged from the apartment, vowing that neither she nor herchild should be permitted to enjoy the name to which they wereentitled, the feeble woman, shorn of her brown locks, and wearing aclose cap, lifted her infant, and with streaming eyes implored heavento defend it and its hapless mother from cruel persecution. 

In the wonderful power with which she proclaimed her deathlessloyalty to the husband of her love, and her conviction that God wouldinterpose to shield his helpless child, the audience recognized thefervour and pathos of the rendition, and the applause that greetedher, as she bowed sobbing over her baby, told how the hearts of herhearers thrilled. 

The curtain fell, and Cuthbert's eyes, gleaming like steel, turned tohis father's countenance. 

"Is that true? Dare you deny it?"

The old man only stared blankly at the carpet on the floor, and hisson's fingers closed like a vice around his arm. 

"You have practised an infernal imposture upon me! You told me shefollowed him, and that the child was his. "

"He said so. "

General Laurance's voice was husky, and a grey hue had settled uponhis features. 

"You paid him to proclaim the base falsehood! You whom I trusted sofully. Father, where is my child?"

No answer; and the curtain rose on the fair young mother, cameforward with her own golden hair in full splendour. 

Involuntarily the audience testified their recognition of thebeautiful actress who now appeared for the first time, looking aswhen she made her _début_ long ago in Paris. She was at the asylum, with a young child clinging to her finger, tottering at her side, andas she guided its steps, and hushed it in her arms, many mothersamong the spectators felt the tears rush to their eyes. 

Walking with the infant cradled on her bosom, she passed twice acrossthe stage, then paused beneath the box, and murmured:

"Papa's baby--Papa's own precious baby!" and her splendid eyes humidwith tears looked full, straight into those of her husband. 

It was the first time they had met during the evening, and somethingshe saw in that quivering face made her heart ache with the oldnumbing agony. Cuthbert could scarcely restrain himself from leapingdown upon the stage and clasping her in his arms; but she moved away, and the sorely smitten husband bowed his face in his hand, luckilyshielded from public view by the position in which he sat. 

The dinner scene ensued, and the abrupt announcement of the secondmarriage. The anguish and despair of the repudiated wife wereportrayed with a vividness, a marvellous eloquence and passionatefervour that surpassed all former exhibitions of her genius, and thepeople rose, and applauded, as audiences sometimes do, when themagnetic wave rolls from the heart and brain on the stage to those ofthe men and women who watch and listen completely _en rapport_. 

The life of the actress began, the struggle to provide for her child, the constant care to elude discovery, the application for legaladvice, the statement of her helplessness, the attempt to secure thelicense; all were represented, and at last the meeting with herhusband in the theatre. 

Gradually the pathos melted away, she was the stern relentlessoutraged wife, intent only upon revenge. She spared not even theinterview in which the faithless husband sought her presence; and asCuthbert watched her, repeating the sentences that had so galled hispride, he asked himself how he had failed to recognize his own wife?

In the meeting with the child of the second marriage, her wildexultation, her impassioned invocation of Nemesis, was one of themost effective passages in the drama; and it caused a shiver to creeplike a serpent over the body of the father, who pitied so tenderlythe afflicted Maud. 

As the scheme of saying her own daughter, by sacrificing herself in anominal marriage with the man whom she hated and loathed sointensely, developed itself, a perceptible chill fell upon theaudience; the unnaturalness of the crime asserted itself. 

While she rendered almost literally the interviews at Pozzuoli and atNaples, Cuthbert glanced at his father, and saw a purplish flushsteal from neck to forehead, but the old man's eyes never quitted thefloor. He seemed incapable of moving, Gorgonized by the beautifulMedusa whose invectives against him were scathing, terrible. 

As the play approached its close and the preparation for themarriage, even the details of the settlement were narrated, suspensereached its acme. Then came the letters of reprieve, the deliverancefrom the bondage of Peterson's vindictive malice, the power ofestablishing her claim; and when she wept her thanksgiving forsalvation, many wept in sympathy; while Regina, borne away inbreathless admiration of her mother's wonderful genius, sobbedunrestrainedly. 

When the letters of Peterson and of the lawyer were read, mapping theline of prosecution for the recovery of the wife's rights, the fatherslowly raised his eyes, and, looking drearily at his son, muttered:

"It is all over with us, Cuthbert. She has won; we are ruined. Let usgo home. "

He attempted to rise, but with a glare of mingled wrath and scorn hisson held him back. 

The last scene was reached; the triumphant vindication of wife andchild, the condemnation of the two who had conspired to defraud them, the foreclosure of the mortgages, the penury of the proudaristocrats, and the disgrace that overwhelmed them. 

Finally the second wife and afflicted child came to crave leniency, and the husband and the father pleaded for pardon; but with amalediction upon the house that caused her wretchedness, thebroken-hearted woman retreated to the palatial home she had at lastsecured, and under its upas shadow died in the arms of her daughter. 

Her play contained many passages which afforded her scope for themanifestation of her extraordinary power, and at its close the peoplewould not depart until she had appeared in acknowledgment of theirplaudits. 

Brilliantly beautiful she looked, with the glittering light oftriumph in her large mesmeric eyes, a rich glow mantling her cheeks, and rouging her lips; while in heavy folds the black velvet robeswept around her queenly figure. How stately, elegant, unapproachableshe seemed to the man who leaned forward, gazing with all his heartin his eyes upon the wife of his youth, the only woman he had everreally loved, now his most implacable foe!

The audience dispersed, and Cuthbert and his father sat like thoseold Roman Senators, awaiting the breaking of the wave of savagevengeance that was rolling in upon them. 

At length General Laurance struggled to his feet, and mechanicallyquitted the theatre, followed by his son. Reaching the carriage, theyentered, and Cuthbert ordered the coachman to drive to Mrs. Orme'shotel. 

"Not now! For God's sake, not to-night, " groaned the old man. 

"To-night, before another hour, this awful imposture must beconfessed, and reparation offered. I sinned against Minnie, but notpremeditatedly. You deceived me. You made me believe her the foul, guilty thing you wished her. You intercepted her letters, you neverlet me know that I had a child neglected and forsaken; and, father, God may forgive you, but I never can. My proud, lovely Minnie! My ownwife!"

Cuthbert buried his face in his hands, and his strong frame shook ashe pictured what might have been, contrasting it with the hideousreality of his loveless and miserable marriage with the banker'sdaughter, who threatened him with social disgrace. 

During that drive General Laurance felt that he was approaching someoffended and avenging Fury, that he was drifting down to ruin, powerless to lift his hand and stay even for an instant the fataldescent; that he was gradually petrifying, and things seemed vagueand intangible. 

When they reached the hotel, they were ushered into the salon alreadybrilliantly lighted as if in expectation of their arrival. Cuthbertpaced the floor; his father sank into a chair, resting his hands onthe top of his cane. 

After a little while, a silk curtain at the lower end of the room waslifted, and Mrs. Orme came slowly forward. How her lustrous eyesgleamed as she stood in the centre of the apartment, scorn, triumph, hate, all struggling for mastery in her lovely face. 

"Gentlemen, you have read the handwriting on the wall. Do you comefor defiance, or capitulation?"

General Laurance lifted his head, but instantly dropped it on hisbosom; he seemed to have aged suddenly, prematurely. Cuthbertadvanced, stood close beside the woman whose gaze intensified as hedrew near her, and said brokenly:

"Minnie, I come merely to exonerate myself before God and man. Heavenis my witness, that I never knew I had a child in America untilto-night, that until to-night I believed you were in Californialiving as the wife of that base villain Peterson, who wroteannouncing himself your accepted lover. From the day I kissed yougood-bye at the cottage, I never received a line, a word, a messagefrom you. When I doubted my father's and Peterson's statementsconcerning you, and wrote two letters, one to the President of thecollege, one to a resident professor, seeking some information ofyour whereabouts, in order at least to visit you once more, when Ibecame twenty-one, both answered me that you had forfeited your fairname, had been forsaken by your grandmother, and had gone away fromthe village accompanied by Peterson, who was regarded as yourfavoured lover. I ceased to doubt, I believed you false. I knew nobetter until to-night. Father, my honour demands that the truth bespoken at last. Will you corroborate my statement?"

Pale and proud, he stood erect, and she saw that a consciousness ofrectitude at least in purpose, sustained him. 

"Mrs. Orme----" began General Laurance. 

"Away with such shams and masks! Mrs. Orme died on the theatricalboards to-night, and henceforth the world knows me as MinnieLaurance! Ah! by the grace of God! Minnie Laurance!"

She laughed derisively, and held up her fair slender hand, exhibitingthe black agate with its grinning skull lighted by the glow of thelarge radiant diamonds. 

"Minnie, I never dreamed you were his wife; oh, my God! how horribleit all is!"

He seemed bewildered, and his son exclaimed:

"Who is responsible for the separation from my wife? You, father, orI?"

"I did it, my son. I meant it for the best. I naturally believed youhad been entrapped into a shameful alliance, and as any other fatherwould have done, I was ready to credit the unfavourable estimatederived from the man Peterson. He told me that Minnie had belonged tohim until she and her grandmother conceived the scheme of inveiglingyou into a secret marriage; and afterward he informed me of the birthof his child. I did not pay him to claim it, but when he pronouncedit his, I gave him money to pay the expenses of the two whom heclaimed to California; and I supposed until to-night that both hadaccompanied him. I did not manufacture statements, I only gladlycredited them; and believing all that man told me, I felt justifiedin intercepting letters addressed to you by the woman whom he claimedas mother of his child. Madame, do not blame Cuthbert. I did it all. "

The abject wretchedness of his mien disconcerted her; robbed her ofhalf her anticipated triumph. How could she exult in trampling upon abruised worm which made no attempt to crawl from beneath her heel? Hesat, the image of hopeless dejection, his hands crossed on the goldhead of his cane. 

Mrs. Orme walked to the end of the room, lifted the curtain, and at asignal Regina joined her. Clasping the girl's fingers firmly she ledher forward, and when to front of the old man, she exclaimed:

"René Laurance, blood triumphs over malice, perjury, and bribery;whose is this child? Is she Merle, Peterson, or Laurance?"

Standing before them, in a dress of some soft snowy shining fabric, neither silk nor crape, with white starry jasmines in her raven hairand upon her bosom, Regina seemed some angelic visitant sent to stillthe strife of human passions, so lovely and pure was her colourlessface; and as General Laurance looked up at her, he rose suddenly. 

"Pauline Laurance, my sister; the exact, the wonderful image!Laurance, all Laurance, from head to foot. "

He dropped back into the chair, and smiled vacantly. 

Cuthbert sprang forward, his face all aglow, his eyes radiant, andeloquent. 

"Minnie, is this indeed _our child?_ Your daughter--and mine?"

He extended his arms, but she waved him back. 

"Do not touch her! How dare you? This is my baby, my darling, mytreasure. This is the helpless little one, whose wails echoed in ahospital ward; who came into the world cursed with the likeness ofher father. This is the child you disowned, persecuted; this is thebaby God gave to you and to me; but you forfeited your claim longyears ago, and she has no father, only his name henceforth. She iswholly, entirely her mother's blue-eyed baby. You have your Maud. "

As she spoke a wealth of proud tenderness shone in her eyes, whichrested on the lily face of her child, and at that moment how shegloried in her perfect loveliness. 

Her husband groaned, and clasped his hand over his face to concealthe agony that was intolerable, and in an instant, ere the mothercould suspect or frustrate her design, the girl broke from her hand, sprang forward and threw herself on Cuthbert's bosom, clasping herarms around his neck, and sobbing:

"My father! Take me just once to your heart! Call me daughter; letme once in my life hear the blessed words from my own father's lips!"

He strained her to his bosom, and kissed the pure face, while tearstrickled over his cheeks and dripped down on hers. Her mother made astep forward to snatch her back, but at sight of his tears, of theclose embrace in which he held her, the wife turned away, unable tolook upon the spectacle and preserve her composure. 

A heavy fall startled all present, and a glance showed them GeneralLaurance lying insensible on the carpet. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

In the clear, cold analytical light which the "_Juventui Mundi_"pours upon the nebulous realm of Hellenic lore and Heroic legend, welearn that Homer knew "no destiny fighting with the gods, or unlessin the shape of death, defying them, "--and that the "Nemesis ofteninaccurately rendered as revenge, was after all but self-judgment, orsense of moral law. " Even in the dim Homeric dawn, Conscience foundpersonification. 

Aroused suddenly to a realization of the wrongs and wretchedness towhich his inordinate pride and ambition had chiefly contributed, theNemesis of self-judgment had opened its grim assize in GeneralLaurance's soul, and he cowered before the phantoms that stood forthto testify. 

No father of ordinary prudence and affection could have failed tooppose the reckless folly of his son's ill-starred marriage, orhesitated to save him, if compatible with God's law and humanstatutes, from the misery and humiliation it threatened to entail. But when he made a football of marriage vows, and became auxiliaryto a second nuptial ceremony, striving by legal quibbles to cancelwhat only Death annuls, the hounds of Retribution leaped from theirleash. 

The deepest, strongest love of his life had bloomed in the sunsetlight, wearing the mellow glory of the aftermath; and his heart clungto the beautiful dream of his old age, with a fierce tenacity thatdestroyed it, when rudely torn away by the awful revelations of"Infelice. " To lose at once not only his lovely idol, but thatdarling fetich--Laurance _prestige_; to behold the total eclipse ofhis proud reputation and family name; to witness the ploughshare ofsocial degradation and financial ruin driven by avenging hands overall he held dearest, was a doom which the vanquished old man couldnot survive. 

Perhaps the vital forces had already begun to yield to the diseasethat so suddenly prostrated him at Naples, dashing the cup of joyfrom his thirsty lips; and perchance the grim Kata-clothes had handedthe worn tangled threads of existence to their faithful ministerParalysis, even before the severe shock that numbed him while sittingin the theatre _loge_. 

When his eyes closed upon the spectacle of his son, folding in hisarms his firstborn, they shut out for ever the things of time andsense, and consciousness that forsook him then never reoccupied itsthrone. He was carried from the brilliant salon of the popularactress to the home of his son; medical skill exhausted itsingenuity, and though forty-eight hours elapsed before the wearyheart ceased its slow feeble pulsations, General Laurance's soulpassed to its final assize, without even a shadowy farewellrecognition of the son, for whom he had hoped, suffered, dared somuch. 

"Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; andsome men they follow after. "

During the week that succeeded his temporary entombment in the sacredrepose of _Pčre La Chaise_, Mrs. Orme completed her brief engagementat the theatre where she had so dearly earned her freshest laurels;and though her tragic career closed in undimmed splendour, when shevoluntarily abdicated the throne she had justly won, bidding adieufor ever to the scene of former triumphs, she heard above theplaudits of the multitude the stern whisper, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay. "

The man whom she most intensely hated, and most ardently longed tohumiliate and abase in public estimation, had escaped the punishment;housed from reproach by the stony walls of the tomb, mocking herefforts to requite the suffering he had inflicted; and the keenestanticipations of her vindictive purpose were foiled, vanquished. 

One morning, ten days after the presentation of "Infelice, " Mrs. Ormesat listening to her daughter, who, observing her restless, dissatisfied manner, proposed to read aloud. Between the two hadfallen an utter silence with reference to the past, and not anallusion had been made to Cuthbert Laurance since the night he hadfirst held his daughter to his heart. Death had dropped like a sacredseal upon its memorable incidents, which all avoided; but mother andchild seemed hourly to cling more closely to each other. 

To-day sitting on a low ottoman, with her arm thrown across hermother's knee, while the white hand wearing the black agate wanderednow and then over her drooping head, Regina read the "_Madonna Mia_. "

She had not concluded the perusal, when a card was brought in, and aglance at her mother's countenance left her no room to doubt the nameit bore. 

"After five minutes, show him in. "

Mrs. Orme closed her eyes, and her lips trembled. 

"My daughter, do you desire to be present at this last earthlyinterview?"

"No, mother. My wrongs I freely forgive, I told him so, but yours Ican never forget; and I would prefer in future not to meet him. Godpity and comfort you both. "

She kissed her mother's cheek, lips, even her hands, and hastilyretreated. As she vanished, Mrs. Orme threw herself on her knees, andher lips moved rapidly while she wrung her fingers; but the petitionwas inaudible, known only to the Searcher of hearts. Was it forstrength to prosecute to the bitter end, or for grace to forgive?

She placed a strong metal box on the ormolu stand near her chair, andhad just resumed her seat when Mr. Laurance entered, and approachedher. He was in deep mourning, and his intensely pale but composedface bore the chastening lines of a profound and hopeless sorrow; butretained the proud unflinching regard peculiar to his family. 

Of the two, he was most calm and self-possessed. Bowing in answer tothe inclination of her head, he drew a chair in front of her, andwhen he sat down she saw a package of papers in his hand. 

"I am glad, Mrs. Laurance, that you grant me this opportunity ofsaying a few words, which after to-day I shall seek no occasion torepeat; for with this interview ends all intercourse between us, atleast in this world. These papers I found in poor father's privatedesk, and I have read them. They are your notes, and the marriagecontract, which only awaited the signature he intended to affix. "

She held out her hand, and a burning blush dyed her cheek, as shereflected on the loathsome purpose which had framed that carefullyworded instrument. 

"To-day I leave Paris for America, to front, as best I may, thechanged aspect of life. I have not yet told Abbie of the cloud ofsorrow and humiliation that will soon break over our family circle, for poor little Maud has been quite ill, and I deferred my bitterrevelation until her mother's mind is composed and clear enough tograsp the mournful truth. In the suit which I presume you willcommence, as soon as I land in America, you need apprehend no efforton my part to elude the consequences of my own criminal folly andrashness. I shall attempt no defence, beyond requiring my counsel tostate that no communication ever reached me from you; that I believedyou the wife of another; and I shall also insist upon the reading ofthe two letters in answer to those I wrote, requesting the Presidentand Professor to ascertain where you were. I was assured that amarriage contracted during my minority was invalid, and without dueinvestigation of the statutes of the State in which it was performedand which had unfortunately undergone a change, I believed it. Yourright as a wife is clear, indisputable, inalienable, and cannot bewithheld; and the divorce you desire will inevitably be granted. Icannot censure your resolution, it is due to yourself, doubly due toyour child--our child! My child! Oh! that I had known the truthseventeen years ago! How different your fate and mine!"

She leaned back, closing her eyes, against the eloquent pleading ofthat mesmeric countenance which was slowly robbing her of her sternpurposes; renewing the spell she had never been able to fully resist. 

He saw the spasm of pain that wrinkled her brow, blanched her lips;and gazing into the lovely face so dear to him, he exclaimed:

"Minnie! Minnie! Oh, my wife! My own wife!"

He sank on his knees before her, and his handsome head fell upon thearm of her chair. She covered her face with her hands, and asmothered sob broke from her tortured heart. 

"I have sinned, but not intentionally against you. God is my witnesshad I known all twenty oceans could not have kept me from my wife andmy baby. When you lived it all over again that night, when I saw youill, deserted, in a charity hospital, with the child you say is minecradled in your arms, oh! then indeed I suffered what all the pangsof perdition cannot surpass. When you and I married we were butchildren, but I loved you; afterward when I was a man, I madlyrenewed those vows to one, whom I was urged, persuaded, to wed. I amnot a villain, and I know my duties to the mother of my afflictedMaud, to the child of my loveless union, and I intend rigidly todischarge them. But, Minnie, God knows that you are my true, lawfulwife, and I want here upon my knees, before we part for ever, to tellyou that no other woman ever possessed my heart. I have tried to be apatient, kind, indulgent husband to Abbie, but when I look at you, and think of her, remembering that my own rash blindness shut me fromthe Eden that now seems so deliciously alluring, when I realize whatmight have been for you and me, my punishment indeed appearsunendurable. Ah, no language can describe my feelings, as I looked atthat noble, lovely girl. Oh the fond pride of knowing that she ismine as well as yours! My wife! my wife, let the holy blue eyes andpure lips of our baby, our daughter, plead her father'sforgiveness----"

His voice faltered. There was a deep silence. Although kneeling sonear, he made no attempt to touch her. For fifteen years she hadstruggled against all tender memories, and every softeningrecollection had been harshly banished. She had trained herself todespise and hate the man who had so blackened her life at its dewythreshold; but the mysterious workings of a woman's heart baffleexperience, analysis, and conjecture. 

Listening to the low cadence of the beloved voice that first wakedher from the magic realm of childhood, and unsealed the fountain ofaffection, the days of their courtship stole back; the blissful hoursof the brief honeymoon. He was her lover, her noble young husband;above all, he was the father of her baby; and yielding to the oldirresistible infatuation she suddenly laid her hand upon his head. Asyet she had not uttered a syllable since his entrance, but thefloodgates were lifted, and he heard the despairing cry of herfamished heart:

"Oh, my husband! My husband, my own husband!"

He threw his arms around her as she leaned toward him, and drew thehead to his shoulder. So in silence they rested, and he felt that onearm tightened around him, as he knelt holding her to his heart. 

"Minnie, your true heart forgives your unworthy husband. Tell me so, and it will enable me to bear all that the future may contain. Say, Cuthbert, I forgive you. "

She struggled up, gazed into his eyes, and exclaimed:

"No; I loved you too well, too insanely ever to forgive, had lovedyou less, I might have forgiven more. There is no meekness in mysoul, but an intolerable bitterness that mocks and maddens me. Iought to despise myself, and I certainly shall, for this unpardonableweakness. But very precious memories unnerved me just then, and Iclung, not to you, not to Abbie Ames' husband, but to the phantom ofthe Cuthbert whom long ago I loved so well, to the vision of theyoung bridegroom I worshipped so blindly. Let me go. Our interview isended. "

She withdrew from his arms, and rose. 

"Before I go, let me see our child once more. Let me tell her thather father is inexpressibly proud of the daughter who will honour hisunworthy name again. "

"She declines meeting you again. "

"Minnie, don't teach her to hate me. "

"I gave her the opportunity, and she made her own choice, saying shefreely forgave the wrongs committed against her, but her mother's shecould never forget. If I had asked of Heaven the keenest punishmentwithin the range of vengeance, it seems to me none could exceed thewretchedness of the man who, owning my darling for his child, is yetdebarred from her love, her reverence, her confidence, and theprecious charm of her continual presence. My sweet, tender, perfectdaughter! The one true heart in all the wide world that loves andclings to me. You forsook and disowned me, repudiated your vows, offered them elsewhere, making unto yourself strange new gods;profaning the altar, where other images should have stood. Thebanker's daughter, and the Laurance heiress she bore you, areentitled to what remains of your fickle selfish heart, and I trustthat the two who supplanted my baby and me will suffice for yourhappiness in the future as in the past. Into my own and my darling'slife you can enter no more. 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall hereap. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?' You deemme relentless and vindictive? Think of all the grey, sunless, woefulexistence I showed you behind the footlights not many nights since, and censure me if you can. There is no pious resignation in my proudsoul for indeed 'there are chastisements that do not chasten; thereare trials that do not purify, and sorrows that do not elevate; thereare pains and privations that harden the tender heart, withoutsoftening the stubborn will. ' Of such are the sombre wrap and woof ofmy ill-starred life. When you reach New York Mr. Erle Palma, who ismy counsel, will acquaint you with the course he deems it best topursue. "

She looked calm and stately as the Ludovisian Juno, and quite aslovely, in her pale pride. 

"Minnie, do not part from me in anger. Oh, my wife, let me fold youin my arms once more! And once, just once, I pray you, let me kissyou! Are you not my own?"

She recoiled a step, her brown eyes lightened, and her words fellcrisp as icicles:

"Since I was a bride, three weeks a wife, since you pressed themlast, no man's lips have touched mine. I hold them too sacred to thatdear buried past to be submitted to a pressure less holy--to beprofaned by those of another woman's husband. Only my daughter kissesmy lips. Yours are soiled with perjury, and belong to the wife andchild of your choice. Go, pay your vows, be true at last tosomething. Good-bye. "

He came closer, but her pitiless chill face repulsed him. Seizing herbeautiful hand, white and cold as marble, he lifted it, but the flashof the diamonds smote his heart like a heavy flail. 

"The death's head that you gave me as a bridal token! Is there not afatality even in symbols? Upon my wedding ring stands the cineraryurn that soon sepulchred my peace, my hopes. A mockery so exquisitecould not have been accidental, and faithfully that grinning skeletonhas walked with me. The ghastly coat of arms of Laurance. "

She had thrown off his clasp, raised her hand, and turned the ringover, till the jewels glowed, then it fell back nerveless at herside. 

"Minnie. "

His voice was broken, but her lustrous eyes betrayed no hint of pity. 

"My wife has no pardon for her erring husband. I have merited none, still I hoped for one kind farewell word from lips that are strangelydear to me. So be it. Tell my daughter, if her unhappy father daredto pray, he would invoke Heaven's choicest blessings on her younginnocent head. And, Minnie love, let our baby's eyes and lipssuccessfully plead pardon for her father's unintentional sins againstthe wife he never ceased to love. "

He caught the hand once more, kissed the ring he had placed thereeighteen years before, and, feeling his hot trembling lips upon hericy fingers, she shut her eyes. When she opened them--she was alone. 

 "We twain have met like ships upon the sea, Who hold an hour's converse, so short, so sweet;-- One little hour! and then, away they speed, On lonely paths, through mist, and cloud and foam-- To meet no more!"

CHAPTER XXXV. 

From the window of one of those beautiful villas that encrust theshores of Como, nestling like white birds at the base of the laureland vine-clad hills that lave their verdant feet in the blue waters, Regina watched the sunshine falling across the placid bosom of thelake. Far away, on the sky-line opposite, and towering above theintervening mountains, glittered the white fire of the snowy Alps, asif they longed to quench their dazzling lustre in the peaceful bluesleeping beneath. 

Luxuriant vines clambered along the hillsides, and where the latterhad been cut in terraces, and seemed swinging like the gardens ofSemiramis, orange, lemon, myrtle, and olive trees showed all theirtender green and soft grey tints, and longhaired acacias waved in theevening air, that was redolent of the faint delicious vesper incenseswung from the pink chalices of climbing roses. 

 "No tree cumbered with creepers let the sunshine through, But it was caught in scarlet cups, and poured From these on amber tufts of bloom, and dropped Lower on azure stars. "

Never weary of studying the wonderful beauty of the surroundingscenery, Regina surrendered herself to an enjoyment that would havebeen unalloyed had not a lurking shadow cast its unwelcome chill onall. Mr. And Mrs. Waul had returned to America, and for a month Mrs. Laurance, accompanied by Mr. Chesley and Regina, had been quietlyensconced in this lovely villa, whose terraces and balconiesprojected almost into the water, and commanded some of the finestviews of the lake. 

But anxiety had followed, taking up its dreary watch in the midst ofthat witchery which might have exorcised the haunting grey ghost ofcare; and though shrouded by every imaginable veil and garland ofbeauty, its grim presence was as fully felt as that of thebyssus-clad mummy that played its allotted part at ancient Copticfeasts. 

The steamer in which Mr. Laurance embarked with his family forAmerica had been lost in mid Atlantic; and only one boat filled witha portion of the passengers and crew had been rescued by a WestIndian ship bound for Liverpool. Among the published names of the fewsurvivors that of Laurance did not appear. 

Had old ocean mercifully opened its crystal bosom and gathered tocoral caves and shrouding purple algae the unfortunate man, who hadquaffed all the rosy foam beading the goblet of life, and for whom itonly remained to drain the bitter lees of public humiliation andsocial disgrace?

When Mrs. Laurance received the first intimation that Cuthbert hadprobably perished, with his wife and child, she vehemently andstubbornly refused her credence. It seemed impossible that enviousdeath could have so utterly snatched from her grasp the triumph uponwhich her eager fingers were already closing. 

Causing advertisements to be inserted in various journals, andoffering therein a reward for information of the missing passengers, she forbade the topic broached in her presence, and quitting Parisretired for a season to Lake Como, vainly seeking that covetedtranquillity which everywhere her own harrowing thoughts andceaseless forebodings effectually murdered. 

As time wore on she grew gloomy, taciturn, almost morose, and arestlessness beyond the remedy of medicine robbed her of the power ofsleep. To-day she clung convulsively to her daughter, unwilling thatshe should leave her even for an instant; to-morrow she would lockherself in, and for hours refuse admittance to any human being. Therich bloom forsook her cheek, deep shadows underlined her largemelancholy eyes, and her dimpled hands became so diaphanous, sothin, that the black agate ring with difficulty held its place uponthe wasted fingers. 

With patient loving care, Regina anticipated her wishes, indulgedall her varying caprices, devoted herself assiduously to the task ofdiverting her mind, and comforting her heart by the tenderministrations of her own intense filial affection. By day she read, talked, sang to her. When in the tormenting still hours of night hermother refused the thorns of a sleepless pillow, the daughter drewher out upon the terrace against which the wavelets broke in asilvery monologue, and directed her thoughts to the glowing starsthat clustered in the blue dome above, and shimmered in the azurebeneath; or with an arm around the mother's waist, led her into theflowery garden, and up the winding walks that climbed the eminencebehind the villa, where oleanders whitened the gloom, and passionatejasmines broke their rich hearts upon the dewy air; so, pacing to andfro, until the moon went down behind myrtle groves, and the bald browof distant Alps flushed under the first kiss of day. 

For Mrs. Laurance, nepenthe was indeed a fable, and while sheabstained from even an indirect allusion to the subject that absorbedher, the nameless anxiety that seemed consuming her, Regina and heruncle watched her with increasing apprehension. 

This afternoon she had complained of headache, and, throwing herselfon a couch in the recess of the window that overlooked the lake, desired to be left alone, in the hope of falling asleep. 

Stooping to kiss her, Regina said:

"Mother, let me sit by you, and while I fan you gently read the'Lotos Eaters. ' The drowsy rhythm will lull you into that realm ofrest, --

 'In which it seemed always afternoon. '

May I?"

"No. To-day your blue eyes would stab my sleep. I will ring when Iwant you. "

Dropping the filmy lace curtains, in order to lessen the reflectionfrom the water, Regina softly stole away, and sat down at the windowof the salon, where satin-leaved arums and dainty pearly orchidsembellished the consoles, and fragrant heliotrope and geraniums wereblooming in pots clustered upon the stone balcony outside. 

Each day the favourite view of the lake and bending shore line, uponwhich she gazed from this spot, developed some new beauty, hiddenhitherto under leafy laurel shadows, or behind the snowy soil of somefishing-boat, rocking idly upon the azure waves. 

Now the burden of her reflections was:

"If we could only spend our lives in this marble haven, away from theturmoil and feverish confusion of the outside world--forgetting thepast, contented with the society of each other--and shut in with Godand nature, how peaceful the future would be! nay, how happy allmight yet become!"

Sympathy with her mother had forced her to put temporarily aside thecontemplation of her own sorrow, but in secret it preyed upon herheart; and whenever a letter arrived, she dreaded the announcement ofMr. Palma's marriage. 

His parting allusion to a brief European visit she had by the aid ofher fears interpreted to mean a bridal tour, curtailed by hisbusiness engagements; and though she never mentioned his name when itcould be avoided, she could not hear it casually pronounced by heruncle or mother, without feeling her heart bound suddenly. 

Once, soon after her arrival in Paris, her mother, in reading aletter from Mr. Palma, glanced at her, and said:

"Your guardian desires me to say, that in your undisguised devotionto Uncle Orme he presumes he is completely forgotten; but consoleshimself with the reflection, that from time immemorial wards havebeen like the Carthaginians--proverbially ungrateful. "

Regina made no response, and since then she had received no message. 

While she sat gazing over Como, a mirage rose glistening between hereyes, and the emerald shore beyond: the dear familiar outlines ofthat Fifth Avenue library, the frescoed walls, polished floor, mellowgas lamps; and above all, the stately form, massive head, high brow, so like a slab of marble, and blight black eyes of the dear master. 

She was glad when Mr. Chesley came in, with an open book in his hand, and stood near her. 

"Is your mother asleep?"

"I hope so. She sent me away that she might get a nap. "

"Just now I stumbled upon a passage which reminded me so vividly ofthe imaginary home you last week painted for us, somewhere along thePacific shore, that I thought I would show it to you. That home, where you hope to indulge your bucolic tastes, your childish fondnessfor pets--doves, rabbits, pheasants--and similar rustic appendages toour cottage--in--the--air. Here, read it, aloud if you will. "

She glanced over the lines, smiled, and read:

 "'Mong the green lanes of Kent stood an antique home Within its orchard, rich with ruddy fruits; For the full year was laughing in his prime. Wealth of all flowers grew in that garden green, And the old porch with its great oaken door Was smothered in rose-blooms, while o'er the walls The honeysuckle clung deliciously. Before the door there lay a plot of grass Snowed o'er with daisies, --flower by all beloved, And famousest in song, --and in the midst A carved fountain stood, . . . On which a peacock perched and sunned itself; Beneath, two petted rabbits, snowy white, Squatted upon the sward. A row of poplars darkly rose behind, Around whose tops, and the old-fashioned vanes, White pigeons fluttered; and over all was bent The mighty sky, with sailing, sunny clouds. "

"Thank you, Uncle Orme. The picture is as sweet as its honeysuckleblooms, and some day we will frame it with California mountains, andcall it Home. I shall only want to add a gently sloping field, wherein pearly short-horns stand ankle deep in clover, while my dearold dog Hero basks upon the doorstep; and upon the lawn, --

 'An almond tree Pink with her blossom and alive with bees, Standing against the azure. '"

"Yonder come the letters. "

As he spoke, Mr. Chesley left the room, and soon after a servantentered with a letter addressed to Regina. 

It was from Olga, dated Baden-baden; and the vein of subdued yethopeless melancholy that wandered through its contents, now and thenintertwined strangely with a thread of her old grim humour. 

"Do you ever hear from that legal sphinx--Erle Palma? Mamma only nowand then receives epistles fashioned after those once in vogue inLaconia. (I wonder if even the old toothless gossips in Sparta wereever laconic?) I am truly sorry for Erle Palma. That beautifullycrystallized quartz heart of his is no doubt being ground between theupper and nether millstones of his love and his pride; and Hymenought to charge him heavy mill-toll. My dear, _have_ you seen ElliottRoscoe's little tinted-paper poem? Of course his apostrophe to'violet eyes, overlaced with jet!' will sound quite Tennysonian to acertain little shy girl, now hiding at Como, and who 'inspired thestrain. ' But aside from the pleasant association that links you withthe verses, they are--pardon me, dear--as thin and flavourlessas--well, as the soup dished out at pauper restaurants. You are atliberty to consider me consumed by envy, green with jealousy, when Ihere spitefully record that Elliott's ambitious poem reminds me of M. De Bonald's biting criticism on Madame de Krüdener: 'I make bold todeclare, with the Bible in my hand, that the poor we shall alwayshave with us, were it only the poor in intellect. ' Coke and Storywill befriend poor Elliott much more effectually than the Muses, whohave most ingloriously snubbed him. Are you really happy, littlesnowbird, nestling in the down of mother-love, which--like theveritable baby you are--you so pined for?

"Regina, I am going to tell you something. Bar the windows, lock thedoors, shut it up for ever, close in your own heart. A few nightsago, I went with an English friend to the _Conversationshaus_. Whenwe had leaned awhile against one of the columns, and watched thedancers in the magnificent saloon, he proposed to show me the grandgambling-room. 

"As we walked slowly along, listening to the click of the gold thatpattered down from trembling hands, I saw, sitting at a _Roulette_table, deeply immersed in the game (never tell it!) BelmontEggleston. Not the same classic, god-like face that I would once havefollowed straight to Hades--not the man upon whom I wasted all thelove that God gives a woman to glorify her life and home; but aflushed, bloated creature, as unlike the Belmont of my hopes anddreams as 'Hyperion to a Satyr!' I watched him till my very soulturned sick, and all Pandemonium seemed to have joined in a jeer atmy former infatuation. Next day, I saw him reel from a saloon to thesteps of his wife's carriage. Years ago, when Erle Palma told me thatmy darling drank and gambled, I denied it; and in return for thewarning, emptied more wrath upon my informer than all the Apocalypticvials held. Ah! for poor Belmont, I fought as fiercely as a tawnytigress, when her youngest cub is captured by the hunters. Ashes!Bitter ashes of love and trust! Truly 'there is no pardon fordesecrated ideals. ' I have lived to learn that--

 'Man trusts in God; He is eternal. Woman trusts in man, And he is shifting sand. '"

"Regina!"

The girl looked up, and saw her uncle with an open letter in hishand. 

"What is it? Some bad news!"

"Dear little girl, you are indeed fatherless now. "

She bent her head upon the ledge of the window, and after a momentMr. Chesley sighed, and smoothed her hair. 

"With all his faults, he was still your father; and having hadseveral interviews with him in Paris, I was convinced he was more'sinned against than sinning, ' though of course he knew that he couldnever have legally married again while Minnie lived. God help us toforgive, even as we need and hope to be forgiven. "

"He knows I forgave him. I told him so the night he held me to hisheart and kissed me; and you never can know how that thought comfortsme now. But mother! Uncle----"

She sprang up pale and tearful, but he detained her. 

"Mr. Palma writes me that there remains no longer a doubt thatLaurance perished in the wreck. He encloses a detailed account of thedisaster, from an American naval surgeon, who was returning home onfurlough, when the storm overtook them, and who was one of the fewpicked up by the West Indian vessel. Mr. Palma wrote to him, relativeto your father, and it appears from his reply--in my hand--that heknew the Laurances quite well. He says that during the gale, he wascalled to prescribe for Maud, who was really ill, and rendered worseby terror. When it was evident the steamer could not outlive thestorm, he saw Cuthbert Laurance place his wife in one of the boats, and return to the cabin for his sick child. Hastening back with thelittle cripple in his arms, he found the boats were beyond reach, andtoo crowded to admit another passenger. He shouted the nearest totake his child, only his child; but the violence of the gale renderedit impossible to do more than keep the boat from swamping, and withmany others, he was left upon the doomed vessel. There was noremaining boat; night came swiftly on, the storm increased, and nextday there was no vestige of boat or ship visible. Mrs. Laurance wasin the second boat, the largest and strongest, but it was overladen, and about twilight it capsized in the fury of the gale, and _all wentdown_. The surgeon who heard the wild screams of the women knows thatthe wife perished, and says he cannot indulge the faintest hope thatthe father and child escaped. Cuthbert was a remarkably skilfulswimmer; he had once contended for a wager off Brighton, with a partyof naval officers, and Laurance won it; but none could live in thesea that boiled and bellowed around that sinking ship, and encumberedas he was with the helpless child, it was impossible that he wouldhave survived. I would rather not tell Minnie now, but Mr. Palmawrites that the sister and nephew of General Laurance will force asuit to secure the remnants of the property, and he wishes toanticipate their action. Come with me, dear. Minnie is not asleep. AsI passed her door, I heard her walk across the floor. "

"Uncle Orme, can't you wait till to-morrow? I do not know how thisnews will affect her, and I dread it. "

"My dear child, her suspense is destroying her. After all, delay willdo no good. Poor Minnie! There is her bell. She knows the hour ourmail is due, and she will ask for letters. "

Opening the door, both paused at the threshold, and neither couldever forget the picture she represented. 

In a snowy _peignoir_, she sat on the side of the couch, with herlong waving hair falling in disorder to the marble floor, and seemedindeed like Japhet's "Amarant":

 "She in her locks is like the travelling sun, Setting, all clad in coifing clouds of gold. "

The wan Phidian face was turned toward them, and was breathless inits anxious eagerly questioning expression. Her brown eyes widened, searching theirs; and reading all, in her daughter's tearful pityinggaze, what a wild look crossed her face!

Regina pushed her uncle back, closed the door and sprang to thecouch, holding out the letters. 

Sitting as still as stone, Mrs. Laurance did not appear to noticethem. 

"Darling mother, God knows what is best for us all. "

Slowly the strained eyes turned to the appealing face of herkneeling child, and something there broke up the frozen deeps of herheart. 

"Are you sure? Is there no hope?"

"No hope; except to meet him in heaven. "

Throwing her hands above her head, the wretched woman wrung themdespairingly, and the pain of all the bitter past wailed in herpassionate cry:

"Lost for ever! And I would not forgive him! My husband! My ownhusband! When he begged for pardon I spurned, and derided, andtaunted him! Oh! I meant sometime to forgive him; after I hadaccomplished all I planned. After he was beggared, and humiliated inthe eyes of the world, and that woman occupied the position wherethey all sought to keep me, a mother and yet no lawful wife, after Ihad enjoyed my triumph a little while, I fully intended to listen tomy heart long enough to tell him that I forgave him because he wasyour father! And now, where is my revenge? Where is my triumph? Godhas turned His back upon me; has struck from my hands all that I havetoiled for fifteen years to accomplish. They all triumph over me now, in their quiet graves, resting in peace; and I live, only to regret!To regret!"

Her eyes were dry, and shone like jewels, and when her arms fell, herclenched hands rested unintentionally on her daughter's head. 

"Mother, he knows now that you forgive him. Remember that for him allgrief is ended; and try to be comforted. "

"And for me? What remains for me?"

Her voice was so deep, so sepulchral, so despairing, that Reginaclung closer to her. 

"Your child, who loves you so devotedly; and the hope of that blessedrest in heaven, where marriages are unknown, where at last we shallall dwell together in peace. "

For some time Mrs. Laurance remained motionless; then her lips movedinaudibly. At length she said:

"Yes, my child, our child is all that is left. When he asked to kissme once more, I denied him so harshly, so bitterly! When he tried todraw me for the last time to his bosom, I hurled away his arms, wouldnot let him touch me. Now I shall never see him again. My husband!The one only love of my miserable and accursed life! Oh, my beloved!do you know at last, that the Minnie of your youth, the bride of yourboyhood has never, never ceased to love her faithless, erringhusband?"

Her voice grew tremulous, husky, and suddenly bending back herdaughter's head, she looked long at the grieved countenance. 

"His last words were: 'Minnie love, let our baby's eyes and lipsplead pardon for her father's unintentional sins. ' They do; theyalways shall. Cuthbert's own wonderful eyes shining in hisdaughter's. My husband's own proud beautiful lips that kiss me sofondly every time I press his child's mouth! At last I can thank Godthat our baby is indeed her father's image; and because in deathCuthbert is my own again, I can cherish the memory, and pray for thesoul of my husband! Kiss me, kiss me--oh, my darling!"

She kissed the girl's eyes and lips, held her off, gazing into herface through gathering mist, then drew her again to her bosom, andthe long hoarded bitterness and agony found vent in a storm of sobsand tears. 

 "I must sit joyless in my place; bereft As trees that suddenly have dropped their leaves, And dark as nights that have no moon. "

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

"Uncle Orme, are you awake?"

"My dear girl, what is the matter? Is Minnie ill?"

"No, sir; but this is mother's birthday, and, if you please, I wantyou. There are a few late peaches hanging too high for my arms, andsuch grape-clusters! just beyond my finger tips. Will you be so kindas to gather them for me? I intended to ask you yesterday afternoon, but mother kept me on the terrace until it was too late. I have notheard you moving about? Do get up; the morning air is so delicious, and the lake lies like a huge rose with crimped petals. "

"You are a tormentingly early lark, chanting your hymns to sunrise, when you should be sound asleep. You waked me in the midst of alovelier rose-coloured dream than your tiresome, stupid lake, and Ishall not excuse you for disturbing me. Where is that worthless, black-eyed chattering monkey Giulio? Am I a boy to climb peach treesthis time of the day, for your amusement? Oh, the irreverence ofAmerican youth!"

"Giulio has gone on a different errand, and I never should insultyour venerable years by asking you to climb trees, even in honour ofmother's birthday breakfast. You can easily reach all I want, andthen you may come back and finish your dream, and I will keepbreakfast waiting until you declare yourself ready. Here is thebasket, I am going out to the garden. "

Regina ran down into the flower-plot at the rear of the house, andafter a little while she saw her uncle unencumbered by his coat, bearing the basket on his arm and ascending one of the winding walksthat terraced the hill. 

To her lifelong custom of early rising she still adhered, and in thedewy hours spent alone in watching the sun rise over Como sheindulged precious recollections that found audience and favour at noother season. 

It was her habit to place each morning a fresh bouquet upon hermother's plate, and also to arrange the flower stand, that sincetheir residence at the villa had never failed to grace the centre ofthe breakfast-table. 

It was a parsonage custom, and had always been associated in her mindwith the pastor's solemn benediction at each meal. 

To-day, while filling her basket with blossoms, some stray waft ofperfume, or perhaps the rich scarlet lips of a geranium glowingagainst the grey stone of the wall, prattled of Fifth Avenue, andrecalled a gay _boutonničre_ she once saw Mrs. Carew fasten in Mr. Palma's coat. 

Like a serpent this thought trailed over all, and the beauty of themorning suddenly vanished. Was that grey-eyed Cleopatra withburnished hair, low smooth brow, and lips like Lamia's, resting inher guardian's arms--his wife?

Three months had elapsed since the day on which Mr. Chesley receivedhis last letter, containing tidings that bowed and broke the haughtyspirit of Mrs. Laurance; and if Mr. Palma had written again, Reginahad not been informed of the fact. 

Was he married, and in his happiness as a husband had he for a timeforgotten the existence of the friends in Europe?

A shadowy hopelessness settled in the girl's eyes when she reflectedthat this was probably the correct explanation of his long silence, and a deep yearning to see him once more rose in her sad heart. Sheknew that it was better so, with the Atlantic between them; and yetit seemed hard, bitter, to think of living out the coming years, andnever looking upon him again. 

A heavy sigh crossed her lips that were beginning to wear the patientlines of resignation, and turning from the red geranium which hadaroused the memory coiled in her heart she stepped upon the terrace, leaned over the marble balustrade, and looked out. 

The sun was up, and in the verdant setting of its shore the lakeseemed a huge sapphire, girdled with emerald. 

In the distance a fishing boat glided slowly, its taut sails gleamingas the sunlight smote them, like the snowy pinions of some vast birdbrooding over the quiet water; and high in the air, just beneath astrip of orange cloud as filmy as lace, a couple of happy pigeonscircled round and round, each time nearing the sun, that was rapidlypaving the lake with quivering gold. 

Solemn and serene the distant Alps lifted their glittering domes, which cut sharply like crystal against the sky that was as deeply, darkly blue as lapis-lazuli; and behind the white villas dotting theshore, vineyards bowed in amber and purple fruitage, plentiful asEshcol, luscious as Schiraz. 

The cool air was burdened with mysterious hints of acacias and roses, which the dew had stolen from drowsy gardens, and over the gentlyrippling waters floated the holy sound of the sweet-tongued bell, from

 . . . "Where yonder church Stands up to heaven, as if to intercede For sinful hamlets scattered at its feet. "

Into the house Regina passed slowly, a trifle paler from her matinreverie; and when she entered the pretty breakfast-room, Mr. Chesleyhad just deposited his fruity burden upon the floor. 

"Thank you, dear Uncle Orme. Mother will enjoy her peaches when sheknows you gathered them with the dew still upon their down. Go, finish your dream; Heaven grant it be sweet! No one shall even passyour door for the next hour, unless shod with velvet, or withsilence. This is the first of mother's birthdays I have had anopportunity to celebrate, and I wish to surprise her pleasantly. Goback to sleep. "

She stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed his swarthy cheek. 

"Unfortunately my brain is not sufficiently vassal to my will, toimplicitly obey its mandates; and dropping on my pillow and fallinginto slumber are quite different things. Beside (you need not archyour eyebrows any higher, when I assure you that), despite myhonourable years, my hearing is as painfully acute as that of thegiant fabled to watch 'Bifrost, ' and who 'heard the grass growing inthe fields, and the wool on the backs of young lambs. ' Last night, just as I was lapsing into a preliminary doze, two vagrantnightingales undertook an opera that brought them to the large myrtleunder my window, where I hoped they had reached the _finale_. But oneof them--the female, I warrant you, from the clatter of her smalltongue (if female nightingales can sing)--audaciously perched on thestone balcony in front of my open window, and such a tirade ofhemi-demi-semi-quavers never before insulted a sleepy man. I clappedmy hands, but they trilled as if all Persia had sent them achallenge. Now I am going to take a bath, and since you persisted inmaking me get up, I intend to punish you with my society, just assoon as I finish my toilette. If you see a brace of birds smotheredin truffles on the dinner-table, you may suspect the fate of all whoviolate my dreams. Even feathered lovers are a pest. My little girl, before you begin your reign in my California home, I shall remind youof your promise, that no lover of yours will ever dare to darken mydoors. "

With a smile lingering about her lip, after her uncle's departure, Regina filled the _epergne_ on the table with a mass of rose-colouredoleanders--her mother's favourite flowers, and fringed the edge withgeraniums and fuchsias. On her plate she laid a cluster of tuberoses, grouped and tied in the shape of a heart, with spicy apple geraniumleaves girdling the waxen petals. The breath of the oleandersperfumed the room, and when quite satisfied with the arrangement ofthe flowers, Regina piled the crimson peaches and golden grapes in apyramid on the silver stand in the centre. 

Drawing from her pocket a slender roll of sheet music fastened withrose ribbon, and a tiny envelope addressed to her mother, she placedthem upon Mrs. Laurance's plate, crowning all with the white heart oftuberoses. 

For some days she had been haunted by a musical idea, which graduallydeveloped as she improvised into a _Nocturne_, full of plaintiveminor passages; and this first complete musical composition, writtenout by her own hand, she had dedicated to her mother. It was called:"Dreams of my mother. "

Standing beside the table, her hands folded before her, and her headslightly drooped, she fell into a brief reverie, wondering how shecould endure to live without the society of this beloved mother, which imparted such a daily charm to her own existence, and as shereflected on the past an expression of quiet sadness stole over hercountenance, and into--

 "The eyes of passionless, peaceful blue Like twilight which faint stars gaze through. "

In the doorway fronting the east, Mr. Palma had stood for someseconds unobserved, studying the pretty room and its fair youngqueen. 

In honour of her mother's birthday, she wore a white India muslin, with a blue sash girding her slender waist, and only a knot of blueribbon at her throat, where the soft lace was gathered. Her silkyhair rolled in a heavy coil low at the back of her head, and wassecured by a gold comb; and close to one small ear she had fasteneda cluster of snowy velvet pansies, which contrasted daintily with theglossy blackness of her hair. 

To the man who had crossed the ocean solely to feast his hungry eyesupon that delicate cameo face, it seemed as pure as an angel's. Although continual heart-ache, and patient uncomplaining need ofsomething that she knew and felt God had removed for ever beyond herreach, had worn the cheek to a thinner oval, and left darker shadowsin her calm eyes, Mr. Palma who had so long and carefullyscrutinized her features, acknowledged now, that indeed--

 "She grew fairer than her peers; Still her gentle forehead wears Holy lights of infant years. "

Nearly eight years before, as he watched her asleep in the railwaycar, he had wondered whether it were possible that she could carryher tender loving heart, straightforward white soul, and saintlyyoung face untarnished and unbruised into the checkered and feverishrealm of womanhood?

To-day she stood as fair and pure as in her early childhood, a gentleimage of renunciation, "all unspotted from the world, " whosewithering breath he had so dreaded for his flower. 

Watching her, a sudden splendour of hope lighted his fine eyes, and aglow of intense happiness fired his usually pale cheek. 

Slowly she turned away from the table, and against the glory of thesunlight streaming through the open door, she saw her guardian's tallfigure outlined. 

Was it a mere blessed vision, born of her recent reverie on theterrace; or had he died, and his spirit, reading the secret of hersoul, had mercifully flown to comfort her by one farewell appearance?

He opened his arms and his whole face was radiant with passionate andtender love. She did not move, but her eyes gazed into his, like onein a happy dream, who fears to awake. 

He came swiftly forward, and holding out his arms, exclaimed in avoice that trembled with the excess of his joy:

"My Lily! My darling!"

But she did not spring to meet him, as he hoped and expected, andthrilled by the music of his tone she grew paler standing quitestill, with trembling lips and eyes that shone like stars when autumnmists begin to gather. 

"My Lily, come to me, of your own dear will. "

"Mr. Palma, I am glad, very glad, to see my guardian once more. "

She put out her hand, which shook, despite her efforts to keep itsteady, and her own voice sounded far, far off, like an echo lostamong strange hills. 

He came a step nearer, but did not take her hand, and when he leanedtoward her, she suddenly clasped her hands and rested her chin uponthem, in the old childish fashion he remembered so well. 

"Does my Lily know why I crossed the Atlantic?"

A spasm of pain quivered over her features, and though he saw howwhite her lips turned at that instant, her answer was clear, cold, and distinct. 

"Yes, sir. You came on your bridal tour. Is not your wife at Como?"

"I hope so. I believe so; I certainly expected to see her here. "

He was smiling very proudly just then, but beginning to suspect thathe had tortured her cruelly by the tacit imposture to which he hadassented, his eyes dimmed at the thought of her suffering. 

She misinterpreted the smile, and quickly rallied. 

"Mr. Palma, I hope you brought Llora also with you?"

"No. Why should I? She is much better off at home with her mother. "

"But, sir, I thought--I understood----"

She caught her breath, and a perplexed expression came into herwistful deep eyes, as she met those, fixed laughingly upon her. 

"You thought, you understood what? That after living single all theseyears, I am at last foolish enough to want a wife? One to kiss, tohold in my arms, to love even better than I love myself? Well, whatthen? I do not deny it. "

"And I hope, Mr. Palma, that she will make you very happy. "

She spoke with the startling energy of desperation. 

"Thank you, so do I. I believe, I know she will; I swear she shall!Can you tell me my darling's name?"

"Yes, sir, it is no secret. All the world knows it is Mrs. Carew. "

She was leaning heavily upon her womanly pride; how long would itsustain her? Would it snap presently, and let her down for ever intothe dust of humiliation?

Mr. Palma laughed, and putting his hand under her chin, lifted theface. 

"All the world is very wise, and my ward quite readily accepted itsteachings. None but Olga suspected the truth. I would not marryBrunella Carew, if she were the last woman left living on the wideearth. I do not want a fashion-moth. I would not have the residue ofwhat once belonged to another. I want a tender, pure, sweet, freshwhite flower that I know, and have long watched expanding from itspretty bud. I want my darling, whom no other man has kissed, whonever loved any one but me; who will come like the lily she is, andshelter herself in my strong arms, and bloom out all her fragrantloveliness in my heart only. Will she come?"

Once more he opened his arms, and in his brilliant eyes she read hismeaning. 

The revelation burst upon her like the unexpected blinding glow ofsunshine smiting one who approaches the mouth of a cavern, in whosechill gloom, after weary groping, all hope had died. She felt giddy, faint, and the world seemed dissolving in a rosy mist. 

"My Lily, my proud little flower! You will not come? Then Erle Palmamust take his own, and hold it, and wear it for ever!"

He folded his arms around her, strained her to his bosom, and laidhis warm trembling lips on hers. What a long passionate kiss, asthough the hunger of a lifetime could never be satisfied. 

After his stern self-control and patient waiting, the proud man whohad never loved any one but the fair young girl in his arms, abandoned himself to the ecstasy of possession. He kissed theeyebrows that were so lovely in his sight, the waving hair on herwhite temples, and again and again the soft sweet trembling lips thatglowed under his pressure. 

"My precious violet eyes, so tender and holy. My silver Lily, minefor ever. Erle Palma's first and last and only love!"

When, with his cheek resting on hers, he told her why his sense ofhonour had sealed his lips while she was a ward beneath his roof, entrusted by her mother to his guardianship, and dwelt upon thesuffering it had cost him to know that others were suing for herhand, trying to win away the love, which his regard for dutyprevented him from soliciting, she began to realize the strengthand fervour of the affection that was now shining so deliciouslyupon her heart. She learned the fate of the glove he had found onhis desk and locked up; of the two faded white hyacinths he hadbegged and worn in his breast pocket because they had rested on herhair; of the songs he wanted simply for the reason that he had heardthem on the night when she fainted and he had first kissed her coldunconscious lips. 

Would the brilliant New York Bar have recognized their cool, inflexible, haughty favourite in the man who was pouring such fervidpassionate declarations into the small pearly ear that felt his lipsmore than once?

Erle Palma had much to tell to the woman of his love, much to explainconcerning the events of the day when Elliott Roscoe witnessed herfirst interview with Peleg Peterson, and subsequently aided in hisarrest, but this morning long audience was denied him. 

In the midst of his happy whispers a step which he did not hear camedown the stairs, a form for whom he had no eyes, stood awhileperplexed, and amazed on the threshold. Then a very stately figureswept across the marble tiles, and laid a firm hand on Regina'sshoulder. 

"My daughter!"

The girl looked up, startled, confused; but the encircling arms wouldnot release her. 

"My dear madam, do not take her away. "

Mrs. Laurance did not heed him, her eyes were riveted on her child. 

"My little girl, have you too deceived and forsaken your unfortunatemother?"

She broke away from her lover's clasp, and threw her arms around hermother's neck. 

Pressing her tightly to her heart, Mrs. Laurance turned to Mr. Palma, and said sternly:

"Is there indeed no such thing as honour left among men? You who knewso well my loneliness and affliction--you, sir, to whom I trusted mylittle lamb--have tried to rob me of the only treasure I thought Ipossessed, the only comfort left to gladden my sunless life! You havetried to steal my child's heart, to win her from me. "

"No, mother, he never let me know, and I never dreamed that--that hecared at all for me until this morning. He did not betray your trust, even for----"

"Let Mr. Palma plead his own defence, if he can; look you to yours, "answered her mother, coldly. 

"It is much sweeter from her lips, and you, my dear madam, are verycruel to deny me the pleasure of hearing it. Lily, my darling, goaway a little while, not far, where I can easily find you, and let metalk to your mother. If I fail to satisfy her fully on all points, Ishall never ask at her hands the precious boon I came here solely tosolicit. "

He took her hand, drew her from the arms that reluctantly relaxed, and when they reached the threshold smiled down into her eyes. Lifting her fingers, he kissed them lightly, and closed the door. 

What ailed the birds that trilled their passionate strains sojoyously as she ran down the garden walk, and into the rose-arbour?Had clouds and shadows flown for ever from the world, leaving onlyheavenly sunshine and Mr. Palma?

"I wonder if there be indeed a quiet spot on earth where I can hide;a sacred refuge, where neither nightingale nor human lovers will vexmy soul, or again disturb my peace with their eternal madrigals?"

She had not seen her uncle, who was sitting in one corner, clumsilytying up some roses which he intended for a birthday offering to hisniece. 

At the sound of his quiet voice, Regina started up. 

"Oh, Uncle Orme! I did not see you. Pray excuse me. I will notdisturb you. "

She was hurrying away, but he caught her dress. 

"My dear, are you threatened with ophthalmia, that you cannot see aman three yards distant, who measures six feet two inches? CertainlyI excuse you. A man who is kept awake all night by one set of loveditties, dragged out of his bed before sunrise, and after takingexercise and a bath that render him as hungry as a Modoc cut off fromhis lava-beds, is expected and forced to hold his famished frame inpeace, while a pair of human lovers exhaust the vocabulary of cooingthat man can patiently excuse much. Sit down, my dear girl. Becausemy beard is grey, and crow-feet gather about my eyes, do you supposethe old man's heart cannot sympathize with the happiness that throbsin yours, and that renews very sacredly the one sweet love-dream ofhis own long-buried youth? I know, dear; you need not try to tell me, need not blush so painfully. Mr. Palma reached Como last evening; Iknew he was coming, and saw him early this morning. I can guess itall, and I am very glad. God bless you, dear child. Only be sure youtell Palma that we allow no lovers in our ideal home. "

He put his hand on her drooping head, and drawing it down, shesilently pressed it in her own. So they sat; how long, neither knew. She dreaming of that golden future that had opened so unexpectedlybefore her; he listening to memory's echoes of a beloved tone longsince hushed in the grave. 

When approaching voices were heard, he rose to steal away and tearsmoistened his mild brown eyes. 

"Stay with me, please, " she whispered, clinging to his sleeve. 

Through the arched doorway of the arbour, she saw two walking slowly. 

Mrs. Laurance leaned upon Mr. Palma's arm, and as he bent hisuncovered, head, in earnest conversation, his noble brow was placidand his haughty mouth relaxed in a half-smile. They reached thearbour, and paused. 

In her morning robe of delicate lilac tint, Mrs. Laurance's sadtear-stained face seemed in its glory of golden locks, almost asfair as her child's. But one was just preparing to launch her frailargosy of loving hopes upon the sunny sea that stretched in liquidsplendour before her dazzled eyes; the other had seen the wreck ofall her heart's most precious freight, in the storm of varied griefs, that none but Christ could hush with His divine "Be still. "

The repressed sorrow in the countenance of the mother was moretouching than any outbreak could have been, and after a strongeffort, she held out her hand, and said:

"My daughter. "

Regina sprang up, and hid her face on her mother's neck. 

"When I began to hope in a blind dumb way that nothing more couldhappen to wring my heart, because I had my daughter safe, owned herentire undivided love, and we were all in all to each other; justwhen I dared to pray that my sky might be blue for a little while, because my baby's eyes mirrored it, even then the last, the dearestis stolen away, and by my best friend too! Child of my love, I wouldalmost as soon see you in your shroud as under a bridal veil, for youwill love your husband best, and oh! I want all of your dear heartfor my own. How can I ever give you away, my one star-eyed angel ofcomfort!"

Her white hand caressed the head upon her bosom, and clasping hermother's waist, the girl said distinctly:

"Let it be as you wish. My mother's happiness is far dearer to methan my own. "

"Oh, my darling! Do you mean it? Would you give up your lover, forthe sake of your poor desolate mother?"

She bent back the fair face and gazed eagerly into the girl's eyes. 

"Mother, I should never cease to love him. Life would not be so sweetas it looked this morning, when I first learned he had given me hisheart; but duty is better than joy, and I owe more to my sufferingmother than to him, or to myself. If it adds to the cup of your manysorrows to give me even to him, I will try to take the bitter for myportion, and then sweeten as best I may the life that hitherto youhave devoted to me. Mother, do with your child as seems best to yourdear heart. "

She was very white, but her face was firm, and the fidelity of herpurpose was printed in her sad eyes. 

"God bless my sweet, faithful, trusting child!"

Mrs. Laurance could not restrain her tears, and Mr. Palma shaded hiseyes with his hand. 

"My little girl, make your choice. Decide between us. "

She moved a few steps, as if to free herself, but in rain; Regina'sarms tightened around her. 

"Between you? Oh no, I cannot. Both are too dear. "

"To whom does your heart cling most closely?"

"Mother, ask me no more. There is my hand. If you can consent to giveit to him. I shall be--oh, how happy! If it would grieve you toomuch, then, mother, hold it, keep it. I will never murmur orcomplain, for now, knowing that he loves me, I can bear almostanything. "

Tears were streaming down the mother's cheeks, and pressing her lipsto the white mournful face of her daughter she beckoned Mr. Palma toher side. For a moment she hesitated, held up the fair fingers andkissed them, then as if distrusting herself, quickly laid the littlehand in his. 

"Take my darling; and remember that she is the most precious gift amiserable mother ever yielded up. "

After a moment Mrs. Laurance whispered something, and very won thelovely face flushed a brilliant rose, the soft tender eyes werelifted timidly to Mr. Palma's face, and as he drew her to aim, sheglided from her mother's arms into his, feeling his lips rest like ablessing from God on her pure brow. 

"Does my Lily love me best?"

Only the white arms answered his whisper, clasping his neck; and Mrs. Laurance and Mr. Chesley left them, with the dewy roses overheadswinging like censers in the glorious autumn morning and the sacredchimes of church bells dying in silvery echoes, among the olive andmyrtle that clothed the distant hills. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

In consenting to bestow Regina's hand on Mr. Palma, Mrs. Laurance hadstipulated that the marriage should be deferred for one year, alleging that her daughter was yet very young, and having been solong separated she wished her to remain with her at least for somemonths. Mr. Palma reluctantly assented to conditions which compelledhim to return to America without Regina, and in November Mrs. Laurance removed to Milan, where she desired that her child's finevoice and musical talent should be trained and developed by the mostsuperior instruction. 

Swiftly the twelve months sped away, and in revisiting theMediterranean shores, linked by so many painful reminiscences withthe period of her former sojourn, Mrs. Laurance, despite the effortsof her faithful and fond companion, seemed to sink into a confirmedmelancholy. 

By tacit agreement no reference was ever made to her past life, but ashadow chill and unlifting brooded over her, and the sleeplessnessthat no opiate could conquer--a sleeplessness born of heart-achewhich no spell could narcotize--robbed her cheek of its bloom, andleft weary lines on her patient, hopeless face. 

Mr. Chesley had returned with Mr. Palma to the United States, andlate in the following autumn Mrs. Laurance and Regina sailed for NewYork. 

The associations of the voyage were peculiarly painful to the unhappywife, whose lips never unclosed upon the topic that engrossed herthoughts, and soon after their arrival her physician advised a tripto Florida or Cuba, until the rigour of the winter had ended, as anobstinate cough again aroused fears of consumption. 

To accompany her mother, Regina postponed her marriage until June, and notwithstanding Mr. Palma's avowed dissatisfaction and earnestprotest, spent the winter and spring in the West Indies. Mrs. Laurance gradually regained health, but not cheerfulness, and in May, when they returned to New York, preparations were made for thewedding, which in deference to her mother's feelings, Regina desiredshould be very quiet. 

Her husband's estate had long been in Mrs. Laurance's possession, andthe stately mansion had been repaired and refurnished, awaiting itsowner; but she shrank with a shiver from the mention of the place, announcing her intention to visit it no more, until she was laid torest in the proud family tomb, whither the remains of General RenéLaurance had already been removed. 

In accordance with her daughter's wishes, she had taken for thesummer a villa on the Hudson, only a short distance from the city, and a week before the day appointed for the marriage they tookpossession of their country home. 

As the time rapidly approached, Mrs. Laurance's depression of spiritsseemed to increase; she jealously counted the hours that remained, and her sad eyes rested with fateful foreboding on her daughter'shappy countenance. 

On the afternoon previous to the wedding, the mother sat on theverandah overlooking the velvet lawn that stretched between the houseand the river. The sun was setting, and the rich red glow rested uponthe crest of distant hills, and smote the sails of two vesselsgliding close to the opposite shore. 

On the stone step sat Regina, her head leaning against her mother'sknee, her hand half buried in the snowy locks of Hero, who crouchedat her side. 

"Mrs. Palma and Uncle Orme will not arrive until noon; but Olga comesearly to-morrow; and, mother, I know you will be glad to learn thatat last her brother has persuaded her to abandon her intention ofjoining the----"

She did not complete the sentence, for glancing up, she saw that Mrs. Laurance's melancholy eyes were fixed on the crimson sky and purplinghills far away, and she knew that her thoughts were haunting grey, ashy crypts of the Bygone. 

For some moments silence prevailed, and mother and child presented asingular contrast. The former was clad in some violet-colouredfabric, and her wealth of golden hair was brushed smoothly back andtwisted into a loose knot, where her daughter's fingers had inserteda moss rose with clustering buds and glossy leaves. 

The girl wore a simple white muslin, high in the throat, where aquilling of soft lace was secured by a bunch of lemon blooms andviolets; and around her coil of jet hair twined a long spray ofArabian jasmine that drooped almost to her shoulder. 

One face star-eyed and beaming as Hope, with rosy dreams lurkingabout the curves of her perfect mouth; the other pale, dejected, yetuncomplaining, a lovely statue of Regret. 

Very soon the white hand that wore the black agate, wandered acrossthe daughter's silky hair. 

"Yonder goes the train; and Mr. Palma will be here in a few minutes. How little I dreamed that cold, undemonstrative, selfish man wouldprove such a patient, tender lover! Truly--

 'Beauty hath made our greatest manhoods weak. '

Kiss me, my darling, before you go to meet him. My blue-eyed baby!after to-morrow you will be mine no longer. In the hearts of wiveshusbands supplant mothers, and reign supreme. Do not speak, my love. Only kiss me, and go. "

She bent over the face resting on her knee, and a moment afterRegina, followed by the noble old dog, went down the circuitous walkleading to the iron gate. On either side stood deodar cedars, andbehind one of these she sat down on a rustic seat. 

She had not waited long when footsteps approached, and Mr. Palma'stall, handsome figure passed through the gate, accompanied by one whofollowed slowly. 

"Lily!"

The lawyer passed his arm around her, drew her to his side, andwhispered:

"I bring you glad tidings. I bring my darling a very precious bridalpresent--her father. "

Turning quickly, he put her in Mr. Laurance's arms. 

"Can my daughter cordially welcome her unhappy and unworthy father?"

"Oh! how merciful God has been to me! My father alive andsafe--really folding me to his heart? Now my mother can rest, for nowshe can utter the forgiveness which her heart long ago pronounced;but which, having withheld at your painful parting interview, has sosorely weighed down her spirits. Oh, how bright the world looks!Thank God! at last mother can find peace. "

Looking fondly at her radiant face, Mr. Laurance asked in an unsteadyvoice:

"Will my Minnie's child plead with her, for the long-lost husband ofher youth?"

"Oh, father! there is no need. Her love must have triumphed long agoover the sense of cruel wrong and the memory of the past, for sincewe learned that you were among those who perished she has silentlymourned as only a wife can for the husband she loves. Because shesees in my face the reflex of yours, it has of late grown doubly dearto her; and sometimes at night when she believes me asleep, shetouches me softly, and whispers, 'My Cuthbert's baby. ' But why haveyou so long allowed us to believe you were lost on that vessel?"

Briefly Mr. Laurance outlined the facts of his escape upon a raft, which was hastily constructed by several of the crew when the boatswere beyond their reach. Upon this he had placed Maud, and on themorning after the wreck of the vessel they succeeded in getting intoone of the boats which was floating bottom upward, and providentiallydrifted quite near the raft. For several days they were tossedhelplessly from wave to wave, exposed to heavy rains, and on thethird evening, poor little Maud who had been unconscious for somehours, died in her father's arms. At midnight when the moon shonefull and bright, he had wrapped the little form in his coat, andconsigned her to a final resting-place beneath the blue billows, where her mother had already gone down amid the fury of the gale. Heknew from the colour and lettering of the boat, that it was the samein which he had placed his terrified wife, and when it floated totheir raft he could not doubt her melancholy fate. A few hours afterMaud's burial, a Danish brig bound for Valparaiso discovered theboat and its signals of distress, and taking on board the foursurvivors, sailed away on its destined track. Mr. Laurance bad madehis way to Rio Janeiro, and subsequently to Havana, but learning fromthe published accounts that his wife had indeed perished, and that healso was numbered among the lost, he determined not to reveal thefact of his existence to any one. Financially beggared, his ancestralhome covered by mortgages which Mrs. Laurance held, and utterlyhopeless of arousing her compassion or obtaining her pardon, he wastoo proud to endure the humiliation that would overwhelm him in thedivorce suit he knew she intended to institute; and resolved never toreturn to the United States, where he could expect only disgrace andsorrow. 

While in Liverpool, preparing to go to Melbourne, he accidentallyfound and read Mrs. Laurance's advertisement in the London _Times_, offering a reward for any definite information concerning CuthbertLaurance, reported lost on Steamer ----. Had she relented, would shepardon him now? He was lonely, desolate; his heart yearned for thesight of his fair young daughter, doubly dear since the loss of poorMaud, and he longed inexpressibly to see once more the love of hisearly and his later life. 

If still implacably vindictive, would she have continued theadvertisement, which so powerfully tempted him to reveal himself? Hewas fully conscious of his own unworthiness, and of the magnitude ofthe wrongs inflicted upon her, but after a long struggle with hispride, which bled sorely at thought of the scornful repulse thatmight await him, he had written confidentially to Mr. Palma, and inaccordance with his advice, returned to New York. 

Only the day previous he had arrived, and now came to test the powerof memory over his wife's heart. 

"Father, she is sitting alone on the verandah, with such a world ofsadness in her eyes, which have lost the blessed power of weeping. Goto her. I believe you need no ally to reach my mother's heart. "

Mr. Laurance kissed her fair forehead, and walked away; and passinghis arm around Regina, Mr. Palma drew her forward across the lawntill they reached a branching lilac near the verandah. 

Here he paused, took off his glasses, and looked proudly andtenderly down into the violet eyes that even now met his so shyly. 

"My Lily, to-morrow at this hour you will be my wife. "

His haughty lips were smiling as they sought hers, and with herlovely flushed face half hidden on his shoulder, and one small handclinging to his, she watched her father's figure approaching thesteps. 

Mrs. Laurance sat with her folded hands resting on the rail of thebalustrade, her head slightly drooped upon her bosom; and thebeautiful face was lighted by the dying sunset splendour, thatseemed to kindle a nimbus around the golden head, and rendered herin her violet drapery like some haloed _Mater Dolorosa_, treadingalone the _Via Crucis_. 

Dusky shadows under the melancholy brown eyes made them appeardarker, deeper, almost prophetic, and over her lips drifted afragment from "Regret"

 "Oh that word Regret! There have been nights and morns, when we have sighed, 'Let us alone Regret! We are content To throw thee all our past, so thou wilt sleep For aye. ' But it is patient, and it wakes; It hath not learned to cry itself to sleep, But plaineth on the bed that it is bard. ". . . 

"Ahyes. In the room of revenge reigns regret. Where is my revenge? Itgleamed like nectar, and when I drained it consuming poison clung tomy lips. To revenge is to regret--for ever! To-day how utterlywidowed; to-morrow--childless. Oh, stranded life! Infelice!Infelice!"

Upon the stone steps stood the man whom her eyes, turned toward thedistant hill-tops, had not yet seen, but when the passionate pathosof that voice which had so often charmed and swayed its audiencesdied away in a sob, a musical yet very tremulous tone fell on theevening air:

"Minnie, --my wife! After almost twenty years of neglect, injustice, and wrong, can the husband of your youth, and the father of yourchild, hope for pardon?"

 "There is no ruined life beyond the smile of heaven, And compensating grace for every loss is given, The Coliseum's shell is loved of flower and vine, And through its shattered rents the peaceful planets shine. "

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