“Have you studied mythology at all?  Or was your pastor-guardian afraid 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 when adventurous girls grow rebellious and essay to lose themselves a hundred 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 genius which Mrs. Palma calls her parlours.”

“I saw all the pretty things downstairs, but nothing will compare with this lovely place.”  She glanced around with undisguised admiration.

“Pretty things! Objets de luxe! Oh, ye gods of fashionable bric-a-brac! verily ‘out of the mouths of babes,’ etc., etc.  Be very careful to suppress your heretical and treasonable preference in the presence of Mrs. Palma, who avoids this pet library of mine as if it were a magnified Pandora’s box.  Regina, I have reason to apprehend that 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 the management of her home and household.”

“Just here permit me to correct you.  My house, if you please, my household, over which at my request she presides.  Upon your arrival you 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 appeared quite 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 the particulars 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 that occurred to-day.”

“I thought you were in Philadelphia?  How could you know?’

“Roscoe told me everything, and I have questioned Farley, who has not taken your vow of silence.  Mrs. Palma has some prejudices, which, as far as is compatible with reason, a due sense of courtesy constrains me to respect; and as I have invited her to officiate as mistress of my establishment, it is eminently proper that I should consult her opinions, and encourage no rebellion against her domestic regulations.  One of her sternest mandates, inexorable as Mede and Persian 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.”