Accustomed to compel compliance with his wishes, it was difficult for him to patiently endure defiance and defeat from that fair young creature, whom he began to perceive he could neither overawe nor persuade. For several minutes he seemed lost in thought, still holding her hands firmly; then he suddenly laughed, and stooped toward her. "Brave, true little heart! I wonder if some day you will be as steadfast and faithful in your devotion to your husband, as you have been in your loving defence of your mother? You need not tell me your secret, I know everything; and, Lily, I can scarcely forgive you for venturing within the reach and power of that wretched vagabond." He felt her start and shiver, and pitying the terrified expression that drifted into her countenance, he continued: "Unconsciously, you were giving alms to your own and to your mother's worst enemy. Peleg Peterson has for years stood between you and your lawful name." She reeled, and her fingers closed spasmodically over his, as white and faint, she gasped: "Then he is not--my----" The words died on her quivering lips. "He is the man who has slandered and traduced your mother, even to her own husband." "Oh! then, he is not, he cannot be my--father!" "No more your father than I am! At last I have succeeded in obtaining----" She was beyond the reach even of his voice, and as she drooped he caught her in his arms. Since Monday the terrible strain had known no relaxation, and the sudden release from the horrible incubus of Peleg Peterson was overpowering. Mr. Palma held her for some seconds clasped to his heart, and placing the head on his bosom, turned the white face to his. How hungrily the haughty man hung over those wan features, and what a wealth of passionate tenderness thrilled in the low trembling voice that whispered: "My Lily. My darling; my own." He kissed her softly, as if the cold lips were too sacred even for his loving touch, and gently placed her on the sofa, holding her with his encircling arm. Since his boyhood no woman's lips had ever pressed his, and the last kiss he had bestowed was upon his mother's brow, as she lay in her coffin. To-night the freshness of youth came back, and the cold, politic, non-committal lawyer found himself for the first time an ardent trembling lover. He watched the faint quiver of her blue-veined lids, and heard the shuddering sigh that assured him consciousness was returning. Softly stroking her hand, he saw the eyes at last unclose. "You certainly have been down among your uncanny Undine caves; for you quite resemble a drenched lily. Now sit up." He lifted her back into the easy chair, as if she had been an infant, and stood before her. As her mind cleared, she recalled what had passed, and said almost in a whisper: "Did I dream, or did you tell me that horrible man is not my father?" "I told you so. He is a black-hearted, vindictive miscreant, who successfully blackmailed you, by practising a vile imposture."