“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 last week when you stayed so long at that floral establishment, he said he should forbid your going out alone.  Wait till to-morrow.”

“To-morrow I shall have no time, and all my studies are over for to-day.  Why should he care?  He allows me to go to Mrs. Mason’s in the carriage.”

“It is entirely your own affair, but my advice is to consult him.  At this hour he is probably in his office; drive down and see him, and if he consents, then go.  Here is Mrs. St. Clare’s.  Farley, take Miss Orme to Mr. Palma’s office, and be sure you are back here at half-past three.  Don’t keep me waiting.”

Never before had Regina gone to the law-office, and to-day she very reluctantly followed the unpalatable advice; but the urgency of Mrs. Palma’s manner constrained obedience.  When the carriage stopped, she went in, feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed, and secretly hoping that her guardian was absent.  At a large desk near the door sat a young 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 not time to wait.  Can you give me a pencil and piece of paper?  I wish to leave a note.”

There were two desks in the apartment, but glancing at their dusty appearance, and then at the dainty pearl-tinted gloves of the stranger, the young man answered hesitatingly: 

“You will find writing materials on the desk in the next room.  The door is not locked.”

She hurried in, sat down before the desk where a number of papers were loosely scattered, and took up a pen lying near a handsome bronze inkstand.

How should she commence?  She had never written him a line, and felt perplexed.  While debating whether she should say Dear Mr. Palma or My Dear Guardian, her eyes wandered half unconsciously about the apartment, until they were arrested by a large portrait hanging over the mantlepiece.  It was a copy of the picture her mother had directed to be painted by Mr. Harcourt, and which had been sent to Europe.

This copy differed in some respects from the original portrait; Hero had been entirely omitted, and in the hands of the painted girl were clusters of beautiful snowy lilies.

Surprised and gratified that he deemed her portrait worthy of a place in 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.”