opinion is that Daly thinks Lawrence is
here, so to speak within his reach, which must be a strong
encouragement. If he learns the truth, he'll, no doubt, go back to
Canada and get on his track. I'd like to set him searching up and down
Great Britain. There would be something amusing in his wasting his
time and money, but at present I don't see how it could be done.
However, we have until to-morrow to think of a plan."

Featherstone left him soon afterwards and he stayed in the library
until dinner, which was a melancholy function. It was necessary to
appear undisturbed while the servants were about, and he envied his
friends' fine self-control. These people had courage and when they
talked carelessly about things of no importance he did his best to play
up. Still, although they sometimes laughed, their amusement sounded
forced, there was a curious feeling of tension, and he thought Mrs.
Featherstone once or twice showed signs of strain.

When the meal was over he made an excuse for leaving them alone, but
some time afterwards Alice came into the hall, where he sat quietly
thinking. She was calm, but he saw she had heard about the threatened
danger. He got up as she advanced, but she beckoned him to sit down.

"My father has told me about the letter, and I understand you know,"
she said.

"I wish I knew what ought to be done! It's an awkward matter. To tell
the truth, it bothers me."

Alice sat down, shielding her face from the fire with her hand.

"You mean you feel you ought to put it right?"

"Something of the kind," said Foster, forcing a smile, "In a sense, of
course, that's presumptuous; but then, you see, I'm in your brother's
debt."

"You like to pay your debts," Alice remarked, fixing a level glance on
him.

"When I can; but that's not all. I'm not in Lawrence's debt alone,"
Foster answered with some diffidence. "I came over here, a stranger,
ignorant of your ideas and customs, and you made me welcome. Of
course, if I had jarred you, you wouldn't have let me know; but there
are degrees of hospitality."

Alice smiled. "You needn't labor your excuses for wanting to help us,
and you are not a stranger now. You must have understood this when my
father showed you the letter."

"Thank you," Foster replied with feeling, and was silent for the next
few moments. Alice, who was proud and reserved, trusted him, and he
must somehow justify her confidence. He had a vague plan in his mind,
but