She started up and wrung her hands, as imagination pictured the noble friend ill, perhaps dying, and longing to see her.

“Regina, compose yourself.  That telegram has been delayed by an unprecedented fall of snow that interrupts the operation of the wires, and it is dated three days ago.  Last night I telegraphed to learn Mr. Lindsay’s condition, but up to the time of our leaving home, the wires were not working through to San Francisco; and the trains on the Union Pacific are completely snowbound.  The agent told me this morning that it was uncertain when the cars would run through, as the track is blocked up.  Until we ascertain something definite let me advise you to withhold your letter, enclosing his; for I ought to tell you that I am daily expecting a summons to send you to Europe.  Come, walk with me and try to be patient.”

He offered her his arm, and they walked for some time in profound silence.  At last she exclaimed passionately: 

“Please let me go home.  I want to be alone.”

They finally reached the carriage, and Mr. Palma gave the coachman directions to drive to the telegraph office.  During the ride Regina leaned back, with her face pressed against the silken curtain on the side, and her eyes closed.  Her companion could see the regular chiselled profile, so delicate and yet so firm, and as he studied the curves of her beautiful mouth, he realized that she had fully resolved to fulfil her promise; that at any cost of personal suffering she would grant the prayer of the devoted young minister.

Scientists tell us that “there are in the mineral world certain crystals, certain forms, for instance of fluor-spar, which have lain darkly in the earth for ages, but which nevertheless have a potency of light locked up within them.  In their case the potential has never become actual, the light is, in fact, held back by a molecular detent.  When these crystals are warmed, the detent is lifted, and an outflow of light immediately begins.”  How often subtle analogies in physical nature whisper interpretations of vexing psychological enigmas?

Was Erle Palma an animated, human fluor-spar?  Had the latent capacity, the potentiality of tenderness in his character been suddenly actualized, by the touch of that girl’s gentle hands, the violet splendour of her large soft eyes, which lifted for ever the detent of his cold isolating selfishness?

The long-hidden light had flashed at last, making his heart radiant with a supreme happiness which even the blaze of his towering and successful ambition had never kindled; and to-day he found it difficult indeed to stand aside, with folded arms and sealed lips, while she reeled upon the brink of an abyss, which was so wide and deep, that it threatened to bury all his hopes of that sacred home life—­which sooner or later sings its dangerous siren song in every man’s heart.