“God forbid that I should!  But oh, uncle! it seems to me something dreadful, sacrilegious, to act over before a multitude of strangers those mournful miserable events that ought to be kept sacred.  The thought of being present is very painful to me.”

“None but General Laurance and his son will dream that it is more than a mere romance.  None but they can possibly recognize the scenes, and the audience cannot suspect that Minnie is acting her own history.  When a suit is instituted, it will probably result in a recognition of the marriage, and thereupon a large alimony will be granted to your mother, who will at once apply for a divorce.  In the present condition of their financial affairs this cannot fail to beggar the Laurances, for I had a cable despatch this morning from Mr. Palma, intimating that the stock panic had grievously crippled several of General Laurance’s best investments.  This news will be delightful to Minnie, but I see it distresses you.  Now, Regina, regnant, listen to me.  Have no controversy with your mother; she is just now in no mood to bear it, and I want no distrust to grow up between you.  Whether you wish it or not, she will establish her claim, and she is right in doing so.  Now I wish to make a contract with you.  Keep quiet, and if we find that the Laurances will really be reduced to want, I will supply you with the funds necessary to provide a comfortable home for them, and you shall give it to your father and little Maud.  Minnie must not know of the matter, she would never forgive us, and neither can I consent that your father should consider me as his friend.  But all that I have, my sweet girl, is yours, and Laurance may feel indebted to his own repudiated child for the gift.  It is a bargain?”

“Oh, Uncle Orme! how good and generous you are!  No wonder my heart warmed to you the first time I ever saw you!  How I love and thank you, my own noble uncle!  You have no idea how earnestly I long for the time when you and mother and I can settle down together in a quiet home somewhere, shut out from the world that has used us all so hardly, and safe in our love, and confidence for and in each other.”

She had thrown her arms around his neck, and pressing her head against his shoulder, looked at him with eyes full of hope and happiness.

“I am afraid, my dear girl, that as soon as our imaginary Eden is arranged satisfactorily, the dove that gives it peace and purity will be enticed away, caged in a more brilliant mansion.  You will love Minnie and me very much I daresay until some lover steals between us and lures you away.”

She hid her countenance against his shoulder, and her words impressed him as singularly solemn and mournful.