Silent they rest, in solemn salvatory'? Go out, dear, into the sunshine; you look so weary. Leave me alone in the cold crypts of memory; you need not be afraid, I have no second vial of poison." She seemed so hopeless, and her voice was so indescribably mournful, that Regina's eyes filled with tears, but Mrs. Palma just then called her into the hall. "Erle says you must put on your hat, wrap up closely, and come downstairs. He is waiting to take you to ride." She had not seen her guardian since he left Olga's sofa the previous day, and answered without reflection. "Ask him to excuse me. I am not very well, and prefer remaining in my own room." From the foot of the stairs, Mr. Palma's voice responded: "Fresh air will benefit you. I insist upon your coming immediately." She leaned over the railing, and saw him buttoning his overcoat. "Please, Mr. Palma, excuse me to-day." "Pardon me, I cannot. The carriage is waiting." She was tempted to rebel outright, to absolutely refuse obedience to his authority, which threatened her with the dreaded interview, but a moment's reflection taught her that resistance to his stubborn will was useless, and she went reluctantly downstairs, forgetting her gloves in her trepidation. He handed her into the carriage, took a seat beside her, and directed Farley to drive to Central Park. The day though cold was very bright, and he partly lowered the silk curtains to shut out the glare of the sun. For a half-hour they rolled along the magnificent Avenue, and only casual observations upon weather, passing equipages, and similar trivial topics, afforded Regina time to compose her perturbed thoughts. With his overcoat buttoned tight across his broad chest, and hat drawn a little low on his brow, Mr. Palma sat, holding his gloved fingers interlaced; and his brilliant eyes rested now and then very searching upon the face at his side, which was almost as white as the snowy fur sack that enveloped her. "What is the matter with your cheek?" he said at length. "Why do you ask?" She instantly shielded it with her hand. "It has a slightly bluish, bruised appearance." "It is of no consequence, and will soon disappear." "Olga must indeed have struck you a heavy blow, to leave a mark that lingers so long. She told me how desperately you wrestled to stay her suicidal course, and as a family we owe you much for your firm brave resistance." "I am sorry she has betrayed what passed. I hoped you would never suspect the distressing facts."