Very soon a peculiarly measured step, slow and firm, rung on the pavement beneath her, and ere the muffled figure paused at the door, she recognized her guardian.  He entered by means of a latch-key, and closing the window Regina sat down and listened.  Her heart beat like a drum, drowning other sounds, and all else was so still that after a little while she supposed no message had been received, and that Mr. Palma had gone to sleep.

She dreaded to lie down, knowing that her pillow would prove one not of roses, but thorns.  She prayed long and fervently that God would help her to do right under all circumstances, would enable her to conquer and govern her wilful, riotous heart, subduing it to the dictates of duty; and in conclusion she begged that the heavenly Father would spare and strengthen His feeble, suffering, consecrated minister, spare a life she would strive to brighten.

Rising from her knees she opened a little illustrated Testament Mr. Lindsay had given her on her thirteenth birthday, and which she was accustomed to read every night.  The fourteenth chapter of St. John happened to meet her eye.

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid; ye believe in God, believe also in Me.”  Just then she heard a low, cautious tap upon her door.  Her heart stood still, she felt paralyzed, but found voice to say hoarsely: 

“Come in.”

The door was partly opened but no one entered, and she went forward to the threshold.  Mr. Palma was standing outside, with his face averted, and in his outstretched hand she saw the well-known telegraphic envelope, which always arouses a thrill of dread, bearing so frequently the bolt of destruction into tranquil households.  Shaking like aspens when the west wind blows, she took it.

“Tell me, is he better?”

Mr. Palma turned, gave one swift pitying glance at her agonized face, and as if unable to endure the sight, walked quickly away.  She shut the door, stood a moment, spellbound by dread, then held the sheet to the light.

“SAN FRANCISCO.

“MR. ERLE PALMA,—­My Douglass died last night.

“ELISE LINDSAY.”

“Though Duty’s face is stern, her path is best;
They sweetly sleep who die upon her breast.”

CHAPTER XXIX.

“Your bed is untouched, you did not undress!  Why did you sit up all night, and alone?”

“Because I knew it was folly to attempt to sleep; and to watch the bay and the beauty of the night was less wearying than to toss on a pillow staring at the ceiling.  Mrs. Waul, what brings you here so early?”

“A package of letters which must have arrived yesterday, but William only received them a few minutes since.  Mrs. Orme, will you have your coffee now?”

“After a little while.  Have everything in order to leave at a moment’s notice, for I may not return here from Paestum.  Give me the letters.”