She did not reply; and bending toward her, he said in a low, winning voice entirely unlike his usual tone:
"Lily, trust your guardian."
Looking into his brilliant eyes, she felt tempted to tell him all, to repose implicitly upon his wisdom and guidance, but the image of Peleg Peterson rose like a hideous warning spectre.
Readily interpreting the varying expression of a countenance which he had so long and carefully studied, he continued:
"You wish to tell me frankly, yet you shrink from the ordeal. Lily, what have you done that you blush to confess to me?"
"Nothing, sir."
"Why then do you hesitate?"
"Because other persons are involved. Oh, Mr. Palma! I am very unhappy."
She clasped her hands, and bowed her chin upon them, a peculiar position into which sorrow always drove her.
"I inferred as much, from your manner while at the organ. I am very sorry that my house is not a happy home for my ward. Have you been subjected to any annoyances from the members of my household?"