Clifton and his mother want me to remain in his house until I finish my
studies, and I gratefully accept his kind offer. Nay, aunt! don't let it
trouble you so. I shall visit you very frequently."

"She has all of Robert's fierce obstinacy. I see it in her eyes, hear it
ringing in the tones of her voice. Take care, child; it ruined your
father," said Mrs. Young sorrowfully.

"You should remember, Electra, that an orphan girl needs a protector. Such
I would fain prove myself."

As Mr. Young spoke, he took one of her hands and drew her to him. She
turned quickly and laid the other on the artist's arm.

"I have one here, sir, a protector as true and kind as my own father could
be."

She understood the flash of his eyes and his proud smile as he assured her
relatives that he would guard her from harm and want so long as he lived,
or as she remained under his care. She knew he regarded this as a tacit
sealing of the old compact, and she had no inclination to undeceive him at
this juncture.

Urging her to visit them as often as possible, and extending the invitation
to Mr. Clifton, the Youngs withdrew, evidently much disappointed, and as
the door closed behind them, Electra felt that the circle of doom was
narrowing around her. Mr. Clifton approached her, but, averting her head,
she lifted the damask curtain that divided the parlour from the studio, and
effected her retreat, dreading to meet his glance--putting off the evil day
as long as possible--trying to trample the serpent that trailed after her
from that hour.

CHAPTER X

IRENE'S COUSIN

"You are better to-day, mother tells me."

"Yes, thank you, my foot is much better. You have not been up to see me for
two days."

Irene sat in an easy chair by the open window, and the minister took a seat
near her.

"I have not forgotten you in the interim, however."

As he spoke he laid a bouquet of choice flowers in her lap. She bent over
them with eager delight, and held out one hand, saying--

"Oh, thank you. How very kind you are! These remind me of the greenhouse at
home. They are the most beautiful I have seen in New York."

"Irene, you look sober to-day. Come, cheer up. I don't want to carry that
grave expression away with me. I want to remember your face as I first saw
it, unshadowed."

"What do you mean? Are you going to leave home?"

"Yes; to-morrow I bid farewell to New York for a long time, I am going to
the West to take charge of a church.