Studying the tableau, Mr. Palma saw the clergyman smile, and as if involuntarily 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 new guardian.  Weary from the long journey and rigid restraint imposed upon 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 you prefer to remain with Mr. Palma?” She put her hands up, and, clasping them 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, ever since I kissed the Sisters good-bye,—­and everything is so strange—­and my throat aches, and aches—­oh, don’t scold me!  Please let me cry!”

“As much as you please.  We know your poor little heart is almost breaking, and a good cry will help you.”

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

“Now, dear, try to compose yourself.  Come with me and bathe your face, and then you will feel better.”

“Don’t take me away.  I have stopped crying.  It rests me so, to feel somebody’s arms around me.”

“Well—­suppose you try my arms awhile?  I assure you they are quite ready to take you in, and hug you close.  Just let me show you how I put my arms around my own child, though he is a man.  Come, dear.”

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

They had scarcely disappeared when Mr. Palma said: 

“I find I was mistaken in supposing that you and your ward were strangers.”

“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 rejected mine with such chill politeness.  I presume you are aware of the fact that we have a joint guardianship over this child?”

“If you will walk into the library, where we can escape intrusion, I should like to have some confidential conversation with you.”

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