tocratic manhood now
is interesting only as father of a unique daughter.

While pleased at Oswald's manly refinement and evident interest, the
girl feels no warmer thrill.

Esther's education had progressed under her father's care. Competent
teachers of high character were employed for so important work. The
mental culture, social training, and refined accomplishments of Esther
Randolph to such a father were matters of import. Nor were the subtle
interwoven relations of the intellectual and ethical with bodily
conditions, disregarded. She learned much by study wisely directed;
became proficient in the languages, vocal and instrumental music;
absorbed valuable general information from frequent talks with her
father; read with discrimination some of the best works of poetry,
romance, and literature; was familiar with the amenities of polite
society; yet this girl of twenty seemed totally unconscious of her rare
accomplishments, or bewitching perfections of face and form.

When she first met Oswald Langdon, Esther had not felt any symptoms of
the tender sentiment. Was not this handsome, refined, enthusiastic,
cultured young fellow, so strangely placed in her path, almost an ideal
of manly perfection?

In Oswald's life there had been little social sentiment. The formal
courtesies of polite society were hollow and tiresome. Though thought by
friends and acquaintances to be a young man of strong mind, fascinating,
magnetic manners, and high aspirations, with a brilliant prospective
career, he seemed careless of that dubious prestige whose uncertain
tenure is subject to the whims of the alleged "select."

Oswald had met many well-connected, eligible young ladies. Their manners
had been kindly gracious. Most courteously and with instinctive chivalry
he had responded, but never felt any lasting interest. Now,
providentially, he has met Esther Randolph. Oswald Langdon and
providence cannot fail.

Sir Donald listened with pleasure to the animated talk of Esther and
Oswald.

Though fascinated with the girl, Oswald's manner toward the father was
respectfully considerate. Sir Donald was his kind benefactor, and had a
most charming daughter. Oswald Langdon had too much self-respect--and
tact--to ignore Sir Donald Randolph.

At ten o'clock the family and guest retired, the father to indulge his
soul's long habit of speculative conjecture, the daughter to sleep,
Oswald to think of Esther.

The stay of Oswald at Northfield wa