Instead of turning homeward, she hastened in an opposite direction, toward a small brick church whose bell was ringing, and whose afternoon service she had several times attended with Mrs. Mason. Walking more slowly as she approached the building, she had not yet reached it, when steps which she had heard behind her for several minutes, paused at her side.
"Regina, is this the way home?"
"Good-evening, Mr. Palma. I am going to church."
Although he had been absent a week he did not even offer his hand, and it never occurred to her to remind him of the omission.
"Are you in the habit of coming here alone? If so, your visits to this neighbourhood cease."
"Mrs. Mason has always accompanied me until this after noon, and as she could not leave home I came alone."
"I prefer you should not attend strange churches without a companion, and now I will see you safely home."
She looked up, saw a few persons ascending the broad steps, and her soul rose in rebellion;
"What possible harm can overtake me in God's house? Don't try to stand between me and my duty."
"Do you not consider obedience to my wishes part of your duty?"