"Yes, for forty-eight hours I did not close my eyes, and of course the result gratifies me, for the counsel for the defence was the most stubbornly contestant I have dealt with for a long time. The Government influence was immense. Where have Mrs. Palma and Olga gone?" "To Manhattanville, I believe." "How long since Regina left the house?" "Only a few moments before you arrived. It seems to me singularly imprudent to allow her to wander about the city as she does." "Explain yourself." "I offered to accompany her as escort, but she rather curtly declined my attendance." "And in your estimation, that constitutes 'imprudence'?" "I certainly consider it imprudent for any young girl to stroll around alone in New York on Sunday afternoon; especially one so very attractive, so conspicuously beautiful as Regina." "During my absence has any one been kidnapped or garrotted in broad daylight?" "I do not study the police records." "Do you imagine that she perambulates about the sacred precincts of 'Five Points,' or the purlieus of Chatham Street?" "I imagine nothing, sir; but I know that she frequents a distant portion of this city, where I should think young ladies of her social status would find no attraction." "You have followed her then?" Mr. Palma raised himself and struck the ashes from his cigar. "I have not; but others certainly have, and commented upon the fact." "Will you oblige me with the remarks, and the name of the author?" "No, Cousin Erle, certainly not the last. But I will tell you that a couple of young gentlemen met her on Eighth Avenue, and were so impressed by her face that they turned round and followed her; saw her finally enter one of a row of poor tenement buildings in ---- Street. Soon after she came out and retraced her steps. They watched her till she entered your house, and next day one of them asked me if she were a sewing girl. No ward of mine should have such latitude." "Not Elliott Roscoe; but I happen to be her guardian. She visits by my permission the house you so vaguely designate, and the first time she entered it I accompanied her and pointed out the location, and the line of street cars that would carry her almost to the square. At present the house is occupied by Mrs. Mason, the widow of a minister who was related to Mr. Hargrove, Regina's former guardian; and the references furnished me by the lady give satisfactory assurance that the acquaintance is unobjectionable, although the widow is evidently in very reduced circumstances. I consented some weeks ago that my ward should occasionally spend Sunday afternoon with her." "I presume you are the best judge of the grave responsibility of your position," replied the young gentleman, stiffly.