A STRANGE DRAMA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 250, 21 October 1891, Page 6

A STRANGE DRAMA.

; By AUGUSTA J. EVANS WILSON, 4Athor of " Maoaria," " Beulab," MSh Elmo," Etc

CHAPTER XXVI.

For some daya subsequent to Mrs Carew's deparbure 9 Regina saw lifeble of her guardian, whose manner was unusually preoccupied, and entirely devoid of the earnest interest and sympathy he had displayed at their last interview. Ascribing the change to regret at the absence of the guest whose presence had co enlivened the house, the girl avoided all unnecessary opportunities of meeting him, and devoted herself assiduously to . her music and studies.

The marriage of a friend residing in Albany had called Olga thither, and in the confusion and hurried preparation incident feo the journey she had found, or at least improved, no leisure to refer to the subject of the remarks made by Mrs Carew and Mr Chesley relative to Mr Eggleston.

Mr Congreve aud Mrs Palma had accompanied Olga to the railroad depot, and she departed in unusually hi?b spirits. Several days elapsed, in'ring which Mr Palma'a abstraction in ?ad, and by degrees Regin a learned fr.-..? his stepmother that a long pending sail, involving several millions of dollars was drawing to a close. As counsel for the plaintiff, he was summing up and preparing his final speech. An entire day was con&umed in its delivery, and on the following afternoon, as Rsgina sat at the library table writing her German exercise, she heard his footsteps ascending with unwonted rapidity fche hall stairs. Outside the door he paused, and accosted Mrs Palma, who hastened to meet him. * Madam, I have won. 5 ' Indeed, Brie, I congratulate you. I believe it involves a very large foe ?' ' Yes, twenty thousand dollars ; bub the victory yields other fruit quite as valuable to me. Judges M.cLemore and Mayfield were on the defence, and it cost mo a very hard fight literally —" JPalmci nou sine pulvere." The jury deliberated only twenty minutes, and of course I am much gratified.'

' I am heartily glad, but it really is no more than I expected ; for when did you ever fail in anything of importance ?'

' Mosb signally in one grave matter, which deeply concerns me. Despite my efforts, Olga's animosity grows daily more intense, and it annoys, wounds m&4 for you are aware that I have a very earnest interest in her welfare. I question vary much the propriety of your course in urging this match upon her, and you know that from the beginning I have discouraged the whole scheme. She is vastly Congreve's superior, and I confess I do not relish the idea of seeing her sacrifice herself so completely. I attempted to tell her so about a fortnight since, bub sho sbormily forbade me menbioning Congreve'a name in her presence, and looked so like an enraged leopardess that I desisted.'

'It will prove for the best, I hope ; and nothing less binding, less decisive than thi3 marriage will cure her of her obstinate folly. Time will heal all, and some day, Erie, she will understand and appreciate what you have done.'

' My dear madam, I merely meant thab I desiro she should regard me as a brother, anxious to promote her true interests; whereas she now considers me her worst enemy. Just now we will adjourn the subject, as I must trouble you to pack my valise. lam obliged to start immediately to Washington, and cannot wait for dinner. Will you direct Olga to prepare a cup of coffee?' "'How long will you be absent?' • I cannob say positively, as my business Is of a character which may be transacted in three hours, or may detain me as many days. I must leave here in half an hour.' The door was open, and, hearing what passed, Regina beat lower over her exorcise book when her guardian came forward. Although toil-worn and paler than usual, his eyes were of a proud glad light, that indexed gratification at his success. Leaning againsb the table, ho said carelessly : ' I am going to Washington, and will safely deliver any message you feel disposed to send to your admiror, Mr Chealey.' She glanced inquiringly at him. ' I hope you reciprocate his regard, for he expresses great interest in your welfare.' ' I like him exceedingly ; better than any gentleman I ever met, except dear Mr Har-

grove.' 'A very comprehensive and eminently flattering to poor Elliott, and •' Brother" Douglass.' ' Mr Chesley is a very noble-looking old man, and seemed to mo worthy of admiration and confidence. He did nob impress me as a stranger, bub rather as a dear friend.' ' Doubtless I shall find the chances all apainsb me, when you are requested to decide between us.' A perplexed expression crossed the face ehe raised toward him, ' I am not as quick as Mrs Carew in solving enigmas.' *A propos ! what do you think of my charming fair client ?' Her heart quickened Iba pulsations, but the clear voice was quiet and steady. • I think her exceedingly beautiful and graceful.' •When I am as auccsesfulin hßr suit as in the great case I won to-day, I Jshall expect you to offer rae very sincere congratulations,' He.smiled pleasantly, as he looked at her pure faco, which had never seemed so surpassingly lovely .1? jusb then, with v/hifce hyacinths nestling in and perfuming her hair.

' I shall nob bo hexe then; but, Mr Palma, whersver I am, I shall always congratulate you upon whatever conduces to your happiness.' ' Then I raay consider that you have already decided in favour ot Mr Chesiey ?' 'Mr Palm?., I do nob quite understand your jest.' 'Pardon mo, it threatens to become serious. Mr Chesiey is immensely wealthy, and having no near relatives desires to adopt some pretty, well-bred, affectionatena'fcured eirl, who can take care of and cheer his old age ; and to whom he can bequeath his name and fortune. His covetous sye has fallen upon my ward, and he seriously contemplates making some grand proposals to your mother relative to transferring you to Washington, and thence to San Francisco. As Mr Chesley's heiress, your future will be very brilliant, and I presume that in a voluntary choice of rmardians, I am destined to lose my ward.' ° ' Very soon my mother will be my guardian, and Mr Chesiey is certainly a gentleman of too much good sense and discretion to entertain such a thought relative to a stranger, of whom ho knows absolutely nothing. A few polite, kindlyworded phrases bear no such serious interpretation.' She had benfc so persistently over her book, that he closed and removed it beyond her reach, forcing her to regard him ; for, after the toil, contention and brain wrestling of fche court-room, it was his reward just now to look into her deep, calm eyes, and watch the expressions vary in hot untutored, ingenious countenance. ' Men, especially confirmed old bachelors, are soaaofcimoa very capricious and fcolish ; and my friend Mr Chesiey appears to have fallen hopelessly into the dopth of your syce. In vain jTaß3ured him that Bamholfcz has demonetises that the deepest Wue eye

is after all only a turbid medium. In his infatuation he persists that science is, a learned bubble, and that your eyes are wells of truth and inspiration. Of course you desire that I shall presents your affectionate regards ta your future guardian ?'

'You can improvise anymessage you deem advisablej but I send none. .

A faint colour was stealing into her cheeks and the long lashes drooped before the bright black eyes that had borne down • many a brave face on the witness stand.

The clock struck, and Mr* Palma compared his watch with its record.

He was loath fco quit the charming quiet room, which held the fair innocent young queen of his love, and hasten away upon the impending journey ; but it waa important that he should not miss the railway train, and he smothered a sigh :

' This morning I neglected to give you a letter which arrived yesterday, and of course I need expect no pardon when you ascertain that it is from "India's coral strand." If " Brother Douglass" is as indefatigable in the discharge of his missionary as his epistolary labours, he deserves a crown of numerous converts. Thia letter was enclosed in one addressed fco me, and I prefer that you should postpone your reply until my return. I intended to mention the matter this morning, but was absorbed in court proceedings, and now I am too much hurried.' She put the letter into her pocket, and at bhe same time drew oub a small envelope containing the amount of money she had borrowed. Rising, she handed it to him. ' Allow me to cancel my debt.' As he received it, their fingers met, and a hot flush ruehed oper the lawyer's weary face. He bit his lip, and recovered himself before she observed his emotion. ' That alms-giving episode is destined to yield an inestimable harvest of benefits. But I must hurry away. Pray do not take passage for the jungles at Oude before I return, for whenever you leave me I should at least like the ceremony of bidding my ward adieu. Good-bye.' She gave him her hand. ' Good-bye, Mr Palma. I hope you will have a pleasant trip.' As -she stood before him, the rich blue of her soft cashmere dress rendered her pearly complexion fairer still, and, though keen pain gnawed at her heart, no hint of her suffering marred the perfection of her face. ' Lily, where did you got those lovely white hyacinths ? Yesterday I ordered a bouquet of them, but could procure none. Would you mind giving me the two that smell so deliciously in your hair ? I want them—well---no matter why. Will you oblige me?' ' Certainly, sir ; but I have a handsomer, fresher spike of flowers in a glass in my room, which I will bring down to you,' She turned, but he detained her. ' No, these are sufficiently pretty for my purpose, and lam hurried. I trust I may be pardoned this robbery of your floral ornaments, since you will probably see neither Mr Roscoe, Mr Cheeley, nor yet Padre Sahib this evening.' She laid the snowy perfumed bells in his outstretched hand, and said : ' I am exceedingly glad that even in such a trifle I can contribute to your pleasure, and I assure you that you are perfectly welcome to my hyacinths.' The sweet downcast eyes and slightly waverfng voice appealed to all that was tender and loving in his cold undemonstrative nature, and he was strongly tempted to take her in his arms, and tell her the truth, which every day he found it more difficulb to conceal. 'Thank you. Some day, Lily,l will tell you their miesion and fate. Should I forget, remind me.' lie smiled, bowed, and hurried from the room, leaving her sadly porploxed. At dinner Mrs Palma said : ' I have promised to chaperone ths Bruce sisters to-night to the opera, and shall take tea at their house. Were I sure of a seat for you, I should insist upon taking you, for I dislike to leave you so much alone ; but the box might be full, and then things would be awkward.' ' You need have no concern on my account, for I have my books, and am accustomed to being alone. Moreover, I am not particularly partial to the niueic of "Martha " which will be played to-night. , ' Did your guardian tell you ho has just won that great " Migdol " case thsib created so much interest ?' 'He mentioned it. Mrs Palma, I thought he looked weary and jaded ; as if he needed a rest, rather than a journey.' • Brie is never weary. His nerves are ateel, and he will speedily forget his courthouse cares in Mrs Carew's charming conversation. , ' Bub fiho is not in Washington ?' • She told me yesterday she would go there this afternoon, and showed me the most superb maize-coloured satin just received from Worth, which she intends wearing to-morrow evening at the French Ambassador's ball, or reception. You know she is very fascinating, and though Erie thinks little about women, I really believe she will succeed in driving lawbooks, for a little while at least, out of his i cool clear head. My dear, lam going to i write a short note. ■ Will you please direct Hattie to bring my opera hat, cloak, aud With inexpressible relief, Regina heard the heavy silk rustle across the hall, when she took "her departure, and rejoiced in the assurance that there was no one to intrude upon her solitude. How ehe wished that she could fly to some desert, where undiscovered she might cry aloud, in the great agony that possessed her heart. The thought thab her guardian had hastened away to accompany that greyeyed, golden-haired witch of a woman to Washington was intolerably, bitter, and as she contemplated the possibility, nay the probability, of his speedy marriage, a wild longing seized her to make her escape, and avoid the sight of such a epecbacle. When she recalled his proud, handsome, composed face, and tried to imagine him the husband of Mrs Carew, bending over, caressing her, the girl threw her arms on his writing desk, and sank her face upon them, as if to shut out the torturing vision. She knew thab he was singularly reserved and undemonstrative; she had never seen him fondle or caress anything, and the bare thought that his stern marble i lips would soma day seek and press thab woman's ecarlet mouth made her shiver with a pang thab was almost maddening. How cruelly mocking that he should take her favourite snowy hyacinths to ofler them to Mrs Carew ! Did his keen insight ; penetrate the folly she had suffered to grow lup in her own heart, and had he coolly resorted to this method of teaching her its hopelessness ? If she could leave New York before his return and never see him again, would it not be best? His eyes were so piercing, he was so accustomed to reading people's emotions in their countenances, and ehe felt that she could not survive his discovery of her secret.

What did his irony relative to India portend? Hitherto she had quite forgotten the letter from Mr Lindsay, and now, breaking the seal, sought an explanation. A few faded flowers fell out as she unfolded it, and ere she completed the perusal a cry escaped her. Mr Lindsay wrote that his health had suffered so severely from the climate of India that he had been compelled to suriender his missionary work to stronger hands, and would return to his native land. Be believed that rest and America would restore him, and now he fully declared the nature of his affection, and the happiness with which he anticipated his reunion with her ; reminding her of her farewell promise that none should have his plaeo in feer heart. More than once she r?ed fete dosing worda of that long Ictser.

'I had intended deferring this declaration until you were eighteen, and restored to your mother's care ; but my unexpectedly early return, and the assurance contained, in your letters that your lovo has in no degree diminished, determine me to acquaint you at once with the precious hope that bo gladdens the thought o£ our approaching reunion. While your decision must, of course, be subject to and dependent on your mother's approval, I wish you to consult only the dictates of your heart, believing that all my future must be either brightened or clouded by your verdict. Open the package given to you in our last interview, and if you have faithfully kept your promise let me see upon yoisrhand the ring which I shall regard aa the pledge of our betrothal. Whether I live many or few years, God grant that your love may glorify and sanctify my earthly sojourn. In life or death, my darling Regina, believo me always,

' Your devoted " Douglass. ,

Below the signature, and dated a week later, were several linee. in Mrs Lindsay's handwriting, informing her that her son had again been quite ill, bub was improving, and that within bhe ensuing ten days they expected to sail for Japan, and thence to San Francisco, where Mrs Lindsay's only sister resided. In conclusion she earnestly appealed to Regina, as the daughter of her adoption, nob bo extinguish the hope thab formed so powerful an elemenb in bhe recovery 4 of her son Douglass.

Was it the mercy of God, or the grim decree of fatalism, or the merest accident thab provided this door of escape, when she was growing desperabe ? Numb with heart-ache, and strangely bewildered, llegina could recognise ib only as a providential harbour, into which she could safely retreat from bhe storm of suffering thab was beginning bo roar around her. Recalling the peaceful happy 'year spenb at the parsonage, and the noble character of the man who loved her so devotedly, who had so tenderly cared for her through the season of her childhood, a gush of grateful emotion pleaded that she owed him all that he now asked.

When she contrasted the image of the pale student, so affectionate, so unselfishly considerate in all things, with the commanding figure and cold, guarded, noncommittal face of Mr Palma, she shivered and groaned, but the comparison only goaded her to find safety in the sheltering love that must at least give her peace.

If she were Douglass Lindsay's wife, would she nob find ib far easier bo forgeb her guardian ? Would ib be sinful to promise her hand to one while her hearb sbubbornly enshrined the other? She loved Mr Lindsay very much ; he semed holy in his supremely unselfish and deeply religious life ; and after awhile perhaps other foelinga would grow up toward him. In re-reading the letter she saw that Mr Lindsay had informed Mr Palma of the proposal which ib contained, as he deemed ib due to her guardian to acquaint him with the sentiments they entertained for each other.

Should she reject the priestly hand and loyal heart of the young missionary, would not Mr Palma suspect the truth ?

She realised that the love in her hearb was of bhab deep exhaustive nature which comes but once to women, andsin.ee she must bury it for ever, was it nob right that she should dedicate her life to promoting Mr Lindsay's happinose ? Next to her mother, did she not owe him more than any other human being ? As she sat leaning upon Mr Palma's desk she saw his handkerchief near the inkstand, where he had dropped it early that morning, and taking it up, she drew ib caresingly across her cheek and lips. Everything in thiaroom, where since her residence in New York she had been accustomed to see him, grew sacred from association with him, and all that he touched was strangely dear.

For two hours ehe sab there, very quiet, weighing th© past, considering the fulnre : and at last she slowly resolved upon her course.

She would write thab nighb bo her mother enclose Mr Lindsay's letter, and if her mother's permission could be obtained, she would givo her hand to Douglass, and in his love forgeb the brief madness that now made her so wretched.

From the date of the postscripb she discovered that the letter had been delayed en route, and computing the time from Yokohama to Sun Francisco, according to information given by Mr Chesley, she found thab unless soma unusual detention had occurred, the vessel in which Mr and Mrs Lindsay intended to sail should have already reached California. Mr Palma's jest relative to India wav explained ; and evidently he had not sufficient interest in her decision even to pause and ask it. Knowing the contents, be had with cold indifference carried the letter for two days in hia pocket, and handed ib to her jusb as he was departing. She imagined him sitting in the car, beside Mr 3 Carew, admiring her beauty, perhaps uttering in her ear tender vows, never breathed by hia lips to any other person ; while she —the waif, the fatherless, nameless,, obscure young girl—sat there alone desperately fighting the battle of destiny. Bitter as was this suggestion of her aclv ing heart, ib broughb strength ; and rising, she laid aside the handkerchief, and quitted the apartmenb that babbled ceaselessly of ibs absenb master.

Among some precious souvenirs of her mother she kept the package which had been given to her by Mr Lindsay with the request that it should remain unopened until her eighteenbh birbhday; and now sho unlocked bhe small ebony box thab contained her few treasures.

The parcel was sealed with red wax, and when she removed bhe enveloping pasteboard, she found a heavy gold ring, bearing a large beautifully-tinted opal, surrounded with small diamonds. On bho inside was engraved ' Douglass and Regina,' with the date of the day on which he had left the parsonage for India. Kneeling beside her bed, she prayed that God would help her to do right, ivould guide her into the proper path, would enable her to do her duty, first to her mother, then to Mr Lindsay.

When she rose, the ring shone on her left hand, and though her face was worn and pallid, her mournful eyes were undimmed, and she sab down to write hor mother frankly concerning the feelings of intense gratitude and perfect confidence which prompted her to accept Mr Lindsay's offer, provided Mrs Orme consented to bhe betrothal.

Ere she had concluded the task, her attention was attracted by a noise on the stairs that were situated near her door.

It was rather too early for Mrs Palma's return from the opera, and the servants were all in a different portion of the building. Regina laid down her pen, and listened. Slow heavy footsteps were ascending, and recognising nothing familiar in the sound, she walked quickly to the door which stood ajar, and looked out. A tall woman wrapped in a heavy shawl had reached the landing, and as the gaslight fell upon her, Regina started forward. ' Olga ! we did not expect you until tomorrow, but you are disguised ! Oh ! what is the matter ?'

Wan and haggard, apparently ten years older than when she ran down those steps a week previoue departing for Albany, Olga stood clinging to the mahogany rail of the balustrade. Her large straw bonnet had fallen back, the heavy hair was slipping low on nack and brow, and her sunken eyes had a dreary stare. ' Are you ill ? What has happened ? Dear Olsra, speak to me.' She threw her arms around the regal figure, and felt that she was shivering from head to foot. As she became aware of the close clinging embrace in which Regina held her, a ghastly smile parted Olga's colourless lips, and she said in a husky whisper : •Is it you ? True little hearb ; tho only $m Mb in ftU Ihe world,'

After a-few seconds, she added : ' Where is mamma ?' ' At the opera.' 'To see Beelzebub? All the world is singing and playing that now, and you may be sure that you and I shall be in at the final chorus. Regina ' She swept her hand feebly over her forahead, and seemed to forgeb herself. Then she rallied, and a sudden spark glowed in her dull eyes, as when a gust sbirs ah ash heap, and uncovers a dying ember. ' Erie Palraa ?' • Has gone bo Washingbon.' ' May he never come back ! 0 God ! a hundred deabhs would not sabisfy me! A hundred graves were nob sufficient bo hide him from my sight!' She groaned and clasped her hand across her eyes. 'What dreadful thing has occurred? Tell me, you know bhab you can trust me.' * Trust! no, no; not even the archangels that fan bhe throne of God. I have done wibh bfusb.' Take mo in your roem a little while. Hide me from mamma until tomorrow ; then it will make no difference who sees me.'

Regina led her to the low rocking chair in her own roGtn, and book off the common shawl and bonnet which she had used as a disguise, then seized her cold nerveless hand. j " Do tell me your great sorrow.' ' Something rare nowaday. I had a hearb, and i& is broken ; dead — utterly dead. Regina, I was so happy yesterday. Oh ! I stood at the very gate of Heaven, so close thab all the glory and the sweetness blew upon me, like June breezes over a rose hedge; and the angels seemed to beckon me in. 1 went to meet Belmont, to join hiaa for ever, to burn my back on the world, and as his wife pass into the Eden of his love and presence. . . . Now, another

gate yawns, and the fiends call me to come down, and if there really be a liell, why then -'

For nearly a moment she remainod silenb.

• Olga, is he ill ? Is he dead ?' A cry as of one indeed broken-hearted came from her quivering lips, and she clasped her arms over her head. ' Oh, if he were indeed dead ! If I could have seen him and kissed him in his coffin, and known thab he was still mine, all mine, even in the grave " Her head sank upon her bosom, and after a brief pause she resumed in an unnaturally calm voice, 'My world co lovely yesterday has gone to pieces, and for me life is a black crumbling ruin. I hung all my hopes, my prayers, my fondest dreams on one shining silver thread of trust, and ib snapped and all fall together. We ask for fish, and are stung by scorpions ; we pray for bread — only bare bread,for famishing hearbs—and we are stoned. Ah !it appears only a hideous dream ; but I know it is awfully, horribly true.' ' Whab is true ? Don't keep me in suspense.' Olga bent forward, pub hor large hands on Regina's shoulders as the latter knelt in front of her, and answered drearily : 'He is married.' ' Not Mr Eggleston ?'> * Yes, my Belmont. For so many years he has been entirely mine, and oh, how I loved him ! Now ho is that woman's husband. Bought with her gold. I intended to run away and marry him ; go with him to Europe, whore I should never see Erie Palma's cold devilish black eyes again, where in some humble little room hid among the mountains, I could bo happy with my darling. Isold my jewellery, even my richest clothing, that I might have a little money to defray expenses. Then I wrobe Belmonb of my plans, told him I had forsaken everybhing for him, and appointed a place in this city where we could meet. 1 hastened down from Albany, disguised myself, and went to the place of rendezvous. Afber waiting a long time, hie cousin came ; brought mo a letter, showed me the marriage notice. Only two days ago they —Bolmont and that woman—were married, and they sailed for Europe ab noon to-day, in the steamer upon which I had expected to go as a bride. He wrote that with failing health, penury staring him in the face, and, despairing ab last of being able to win me, he had grown reckless, and sold himself to that wealthy widow who had long loved him, and who would provide generously for his helpless mother. He said he dared not trust himself to sco me again. And so, all is over for ever.' She dropped her head on her clenched hands, and shuddered. 'Dear Olga, he was nob worthy of you, or he would never have deserted you. If he truly loved you, he never could have married another, for ' She paused, for the shimmer of the diamonds on her hand accused her. Was she nob conbemplabing similar treachery ? Loving one man, liow dare she entertain the thought of listening to another's suit ? She was deeply and sincerely attached to Douglass, she reverenced him more than any living being ; but she knew thab ib was nob the same feeling her hearb had declared for her guardian, and she felt condemned by hor own words. Olga made an impatient motion, and answered : ' Hush—not a word against him ; none shall dishonour him. He was maddened, desperabe. My poor darling ! Erie Palma and mamma were too mu(fh for us, bub we shall conquer ab lasb. Belmonb will nob live many monbhs ; be had a hemorrhage from his lungs lasb week, and in a little while we shall be united. He will not long wait to join me.' She loaned back and smiled triumphantly, and Regina became uneasy as she noted the unnatural expression of her eyes. ' What do you mean, Olga ? You make me unhappy, and I am afraid you are ill.' 'No, dear ; bub.l am bired. So tired of everybhing in this hollow, heartless, shameful world, that I want to lie down and rest. For eighb years nearly I have leaned on one hope for comforb; now ib has crumbled under me, and I have no strength. Will you let me sleep here with you to-night ? I will not keep you awake.'

• Let me help you to undress. You know I shall be glad to have you here.'

Regina unbuttoned her shoos, and began to draw them off, whilo Olga mechanically took down and twisted her weighty hair. Once she pub her hand on her pocket, and her eyes glittered. ' I want a glass of wine, or anything that will quiefc me. Please go down to the dining-room and get me something to put me to sleep. My head feel 3asif it were on fire.' The tone was so unusually coaxing that Regina's suspicions were aroused. ' I don't know where to find the key of the wine closet. , ' Then wake Ocfcave and tell him to give you some wine. Ho keepa porb and madeira for soups and sauces. You must, I would do as much for you. I will go to Octave.' She attempted to rise, bub Regina feigned acquiescence, and left the room, closing the door, bub leaving a crevice. Outside she knelb down and peeped through the key-hole. Alarmed by the unnatural expression of the fiery hazel eyes, a horrible dread overshadowed her, and she trembled from head to foot. While she watched, Olga rose, turned her head and listened intently; then drew something from her pocket, and Regina saw that it waa a glass vial. ' I win at last. To-morrow, mamma and her stepson will nob exult over this victory. If I have an immortal soul, may God—my Maker and Judge—have mercy upon me !' She drew oub bho cork with her teebh, turned, and as she lifted the vial to her lips, Eegina ran in and seized her arm.

'Olga, are.you mad ? Would you murder yourself? , ~ They grappled. Olga was. much taller and.now desperately strong, but luckUy Kegina had her lingers also on the glass and"dragging down the hand that clenched it, the vial was inverted, and a portion of the contents fell upon the carpet. Feeling the liquid run through her fingers, Olga uttered a cry of baffled rage of despair, and struck tho girl a heavy blow in the face that made her stagger ; but almost frantic with terror Eegina improved the opportunity afforded by the withdrawal of one of the large hands, to tighten her own grasp, and in the renewed struggle succeeded in wrenching away the vial. The next instant, she hurled it against the marble mantelpiece, and saw it splintered into numberless fragments. As the wretched woman watched the Quid oozing over the hearth, she cried out and covered her face with her hands. i '. Dear Olga, you are delirious, and don't know what you are doing. Go to bed, and when you lie down, I will get the wine for you. Please, dear Olga! You wrong my heart.' .

'Oh, you call yourself my friend, and you have been most cruel of all! You keep me from going to a rest that would have no dreams, and no waking, and no to-morrow. Do you think I will live and let them taunt me with my folly, my failure? Let that iron fiend show his white teeth, and triumph over me? People will know 1 sold my clothes, and tried to runaway, and was forsaken. Oh !if you had only let me alone ! I should very soon have been quiet; out of evep Erie Palma's way ! Now ' She gave utterance to a low, distressing: wail, and rocked herself, murmuring some incoherent words.

' Olga, your mother has come, and unless you wish her to hear you and come in do try to compose yourself.' Shuddering at the mention of her mother, she grew silent, moody and suffered Regina to undrosa her. After a long while, during which ehe appeared absolutely deaf to all appeals, she rose, smiled strangely and threw herself across the bed ; but the eyes were beginning to sparkle, and now aad then ehe laughed almost hysterically. When an hour had passed and no sound came from fcbe prostrate figure, Regina leaned over to look at her and discovered that she was whispering rapidly some unintelligible wordo. Once she startled up, exclaiming : ' Don't have such a hot fire ! My head is scorching.'

Regina watched her anxiously, Roffcly stroking , one of her hands, trying to soothe her to sleep ; but after two o'clock, when she grew mors restless and incoherent in her muttering , , the young nurse felb assured she was sinking: into delirium, and decided to consult Mrs Palma.

Concealing the shawl and bonnet, and gathering up the most conspicuous fragments of glass on tho hearth, she put them out of sight, and hurried to Mrs Palma's room.

She was astonished to find her still awake, sitting before a table, and holding a note in her hand.

' What is the matter, Regina ?' * Olga has come home, and I fear sho is very ill. Certainly she is delirious. , • Oh! then she has heard it already ! She must have seen the paper. I knew nothing of it until to-night, when Erie's hasty note from Philadelphia reached mo, after I left the opera. I dreaded the effect upon my poor, unfortunate child. Where is she V

'In my room.'

To be continued next Wednesday.)