She knows her father's proud sense of propriety and abhorrence of every
sham profession cannot be reconciled to such step at this time. Has not
this field been interdicted by Providence? Are her faculties to find
employment in the more congenial ministries of home?

Esther feels a sort of vague responsibility for the tragic occurrences
of the past few weeks. True, she had acted from high moral sense of
duty, but conscience is often dogmatic.

Esther knows Oswald was sincere. That she loved this manly, refined,
courteous suitor she is most painfully certain. But for her acquiescence
in the infatuation of Alice Webster, Oswald never would have encouraged
the growing sentiment of this girl. Had Esther remained at Northfield,
Oswald would have stayed away from London. But for Esther's apparent
desire that Oswald and Alice take the boat-ride while she accompanied
Sir Donald to the opera, both now would be alive.

Esther charged herself with being the cause of all Sir Donald's sorrows,
and wished to bear his burdens.

For several months Sir Donald and Esther remained at Northfield.
Occasionally they went to London, Esther accompanying her father upon
these brief trips. Each felt sympathy for the other. Such generous
sentiments, while bringing additional solicitude, have their
compensations. Personal griefs gradually recede. Vain regrets are
merging in tender companionship and mutual sympathy. Each tries to bear
the other's load. Thereby selfish grief grows less acute.

Gradually Sir Donald's champing impatience for speedy retribution
sufficiently subsides for intelligent survey of the situation. From the
nature of the case, time, patience, and much discretion are required.
Isolated circumstances shall find coherent connections, chasms of time
and latitude are to be bridged.

Sir Donald keeps advised of what is being done by the agency.
Circumstances have been reported, but there are many missing links. One
report concluded thus: "Both Pierre and Paul Lanier are still in London.
It is sure that these are confederates of William Dodge. The tireless,
systematic camping of the detectives upon the Lanier trails found them
both in frequent conference with Dodge. All were disguised. When casual
reference to the Dodge suit was made in hearing of either father or son,
Lanier conduct had careful watchers. Their speech and silence were alike
significant. The fact that neither Dodge nor Lanier ever had met the
other was noted."