ndifferent without
causing sensitive pain.

Though Esther had concluded that her life's purpose never would permit
anything more than Platonic regard for Oswald Langdon, yet she often
wished that duty's path might be less narrow and exacting. The cost of
living with sole reference to a high spiritual ideal never seemed so
great as when she saw this fascinating, manly suitor, evidently seeking
her hand, but failing of proper encouragement, turning his attention to
another. Beyond this suppressed pain, evidenced by slightly quivering
lips, there was little to disturb Esther's fixed resolve.

When Oswald had despaired of again seeing Esther except in company of
Alice, and was thinking of going home to await further plans, all were
surprised by the appearance of a young man from London.

That evening Sir Donald told Oswald the following story:

"For many years Paul Lanier has known Alice, and they are quite
friendly. He was a frequent caller at her London home. Though Alice
never felt toward him much of interest and doubted his sincerity of
purpose, yet this tireless suitor persistently continued his attentions.

"Paul is the son of a rich broker, who until recently has been the
guardian of Alice Webster.

"Alice's father, William Webster, acquired wealth in India. Pierre
Lanier was his partner.

"Reverses came. In a fit of insane madness over his losses, resort was
had to the suicide's refuge. Pierre Lanier settled the complicated
affairs of his dead partner. All was absorbed but a small estate in
England, yielding an annual rental of one hundred pounds. This income
has been devoted to the care and education of the orphan daughter, Alice
Webster, who at the time of her father's death was four years old. Her
mother died when Alice was a babe, and was buried at Calcutta.

"Paul is the only son of Pierre Lanier, and until he reached the age of
sixteen lived with his father in India. Nine years ago his father
brought Paul to London, where he has since resided. Through his father's
finesse, Paul moved in select London circles. He attended the same
church as Alice Webster. The father being wealthy and of pleasant
address, Paul was regarded as a promising young man with good prospects,
but both, for some reason, seem interested in the future of this young
orphan girl with the moderate allowance.

"Alice and Paul were much together, and became quite good friends.
Paul's father still resided abroad, but made frequent visi