among prominent French families and cosmopolitan notables domiciled at
this Mecca of migratory moneyed aristocracy.

Sir Donald's intellectual acumen and rare versatility could not fail to
impress all with whom he came in contact. His elegance of manner and
diction, easy grace, with air of accustomed self-poise suggested
habitual luxurious environment.

Esther's finely molded, expressive features, faultless form, pensive
grace, and rare feminine accomplishments seemed natural paternal dower.
Doors flew open as if by magic; desired entree smiled eager beckoning;
refined circles gave freedom of their domain. Many arts of indirection
were employed by eligible madames, monsieurs, and visiting notables of
both sexes to remove that invisible yet formidable barrier of reserve.
Courteous evasion or mild indifference or other countercraft parried
every assault. In some few instances, vague or more positive-mannered
"cuts" silenced curious inquiry, but these were rare. After one
successful evasion, he remarked to Esther: "Refined, resolute reserve
has many arts for warding off both vulgar and cultured impertinence."

Esther found time to learn much about the condition of Paris poor. Sir
Donald encouraged this whim as tending to divert her mind from the past
and to exert a wholesome influence. Many little helpful ministries among
this class could be credited to her brief sojourn in this European
capital. Esther frequently visited at the hospitals. Her calls were so
ordered that notoriety was avoided. Naturally timid, she now shrank
from publicity as contagion, but would take necessary hazards.

Esther's zeal grows with knowledge of human want. Service becomes high
privilege. Ward of want is now sanctuary. She sometimes has glimpses of
angelic competition.

Smiling at his daughter's helpful infatuation, Sir Donald often
accompanied her in these calls. He soon feels symptoms of mild interest.
The contagion is pleasing. These visits grow in length and frequency.
Sir Donald is losing zeal for man-capture. He is in danger of yielding
to the delusive heresy which sees more of interest in human suffering
than in crime.

One stormy day father and daughter are at a hospital. They had thought
of staying away until after the rain was over, but Esther seemed lonely,
and Sir Donald proposed an immediate call. They rode in a closed
carriage, taking some delicacies to those who had learned to watch for
their coming.

A piteous moan attra