' You have resolved to withhold your confidence. Very well, I shall never again solicit ib. It is nob my habib bo petition for thab which I have a right to command. You merely force me to draw tho reins where I preferred you should ab least imagine you were unbridled.'

He dropped her hands, looked aft his watch, and took up his gloves ; adding in an entirely altered and indifferent voice : «What have you lost to-day ?' Ib was with difficulty that she restrained the words :

' My youth, my peace of mind, my hope and faith in my future.' Raising her hands wearily, she rested her chin upon them, and answered slowly : • Many things, I fear.' ' Valuable articles ' Faded flowers, per fumed wibh choice Oriental reminiscences ?'

■ Yes, sir, I lost my purse, and my Agra violets.'

' Whab reward will you offer for the re covery of such precious relics of fraternal affection ? A promise of implicit obedience to your guardian ? Certainly they are worth bhab brifle V ' They ate very precious indeed. Where did you find my purse ?' ' On tho desk ab my office.' He held up the ivory toy, then laid ib on the table. 'Thank you, sir. Mr Palma, will you grant mo a great favour ?' 'Aa I never forfeib my word, I avoid en tangling myself rashly in tho meshes of promise. Jusb now lam in no mood to granb your unreasonable petitions : still I will be glad to hear what my ward desiros of her guardian.' Her lip quivered, and his hearb smote him aa he observed her wounded expression. She was silont, still resting her drooped head on her folded hands. ' Regina, I am waiting to hear you.' *It Ib useless. You would refuse me.' «Probably I should; yeb I prefer that you should express your wishes and afford me an opportunity of judging of their pro priety.' She sighed and shook her head. ' I shall nob permib such childish trifling. Tell me ab once whab you wish me to do.' ' Will you be so kind as bo lend mo twenty-five dollars, until I receive my re mittance ?'

His eye 3 fell beneath her timidly plead ing gaze, and a deep flush of embarrass ment passed over his face. 