She started up, prompted by a sudden impulse to seek him and divulge everything; to ask how much was true, to demand that he would send her at once to her mother.

Perhaps he could authoritatively deny that man’s statements, and certainly he was far too prudent to assume guardianship of a girl whose real parentage was unknown to him.

Implicit confidence in his wisdom and friendship, and earnest gratitude for the grave kindness of his conduct toward her since she became an inmate of his house, had gradually displaced the fear and aversion that formerly influenced her against him; and just now the only comfort she could extract from any quarter arose from the reflection that in every emergency Mr. Palma would protect her from harm and insult, until he could place her under her mother’s care.

Two years of daily association had taught her to appreciate the sternness and tenacity of his purpose, and his stubborn iron will, so often dreaded before, now became a source of consolation, a tower of refuge to which in extremity she could retreat.

But if she were indeed the low-born girl that man had dared to assert, and Mr. Palma should learn that he had been deceived, how could she ever meet his coldly contemptuous eyes?

Some one tapped at the door, but she made no response, hoping she might 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 you know 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 be better to-morrow.”

“Erle desired me to say that he wishes to see you this evening, and you must come down to the library about nine o’clock.  He has gone to his office, and you know he will be displeased if you fail to obey him.”

“Please, Mrs. Palma, tell him I am not able.  Ask him to excuse me this evening.  Intercede for me, will you not?”

“Oh!  I never interfere when Erle gives an order.  Beside, I shall not see him again before midnight.  I am going with Olga to Mrs. Tarrant’s, and must leave home quite early because I promised to call for Melissa Gardner and chaperon her.  Of course she will not be ready, young ladies never are, and we shall have to wait.  It is only eight o’clock now, and an hour’s sleep will refresh you.  I will direct Hattie to call you, when your guardian comes in.  Do you require 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?”