"I have not a cent with me. I have lost my purse since I left home." She saw the gloomy scowl that lowered on his brow. "When can you give me some money? Mind, it must not be known that I am literally begging. I am as proud, my daughter, as you are, and if people find out that I am getting alms from you, I shall explain that it is from my own child I receive aid." A feeble gleam of hope stole across her soul, and rapidly she reflected on the best method of escape. "I have very little money, but to-morrow I will send you through the post office every cent I possess. How shall I address it?" He shook his head. "That would not satisfy me. I want to see you again, to look at your sweet face. Do you think I do not love my child? Meet me here this time to-morrow." Each word smote like pelting hailstones, and he saw all her loathing printed on her face. "I have an engagement that may detain me beyond this hour; but if I live, I will be as punctual as circumstances permit." "If you tell Palma you have seen me, he must know everything, for Minnie has hired him to help her deceive you and the world, and all the while she has kept the truth from him. Shrewd as he is, she has completely duped him. If he learns you have been with me, I shall unmask everything; and when he washes his hands of you and your mother, I will take you where you shall never lay your eyes again on the two who have taught you to hate me--Minnie and Palma. My child, do you understand me?" She shuddered as he leaned toward her, and stepping back, she answered resolutely: "That threat will prove very effectual. I will meet you here, bringing the little money I have, and will keep this awful day a secret from all but God, who never fails to protect the right." "You promise that?" "What else is left me? My guardian shall know nothing from me until I can hear from my mother, to whom I shall write this night. Do not detain me. My absence will excite suspicion." "Good-bye, my daughter." He held out his hand. She looked at him, and her lips writhed as she tried to contemplate for an instant the bare possibility that after all he might be her parent. She forced herself to hold out her left hand which was gloved, but he had scarcely grasped her fingers, when she snatched them back, turned and darted away, while he called after her: "This time to-morrow. Don't fail."