r some time before
missing their friends. Not doubting but that the absent ones soon would
appear, Esther enjoyed being alone with Oswald for the first time since
the arrival of Alice. There was something in the refined manner of this
earnest man that strongly appealed to Esther's womanly sentiments. But
for duty's requirements, she would have yielded to the evident wish of
Oswald Langdon. Her conduct seemed less restrained, and there was an
absence of that preoccupied air so puzzling to Oswald. Realizing that
their lives would drift apart, Esther felt a sense of loneliness. Her
smiles were wistful in anticipation of solemn adieus.

Oswald observed this change in Esther's manner, vigilantly noting each
significant sign. Would he ever have another such favorable opportunity
to learn Esther's mind concerning the subject which so engrossed all his
interest? The time would be too brief for him to know by the slow
processes of the last four weeks. Might not this mystery be solved and
his own fate be determined by frank avowal of his love?

There was to Oswald's thoughts a decisive directness which could not
brook the slow action of less positive minds. He resolved to know his
future in the hopeful present.

They sat down in an embowered spot, under a small tree, upon a grassy
knoll. Oswald's manner was nervously excited, despite strenuous effort
to appear circumspect. He began in low voice to express his sense of
pleasure since coming to Northfield.

"The happiest days of my life have been passed in your society. I have
often congratulated myself on the fortunate accident which detained me
at such a hospitable home, where the associations have been so pleasant.
Of my stay here I shall ever have most tender memories. It seems to me
that I have always known you, Miss Randolph. I never can tell you and
your father my appreciation of your kindnesses."

Here Esther interrupted his earnest talk by saying:

"Father and I are the debtors. We have been overpaid by the pleasure of
your stay at Northfield. Mr. Langdon, there will be a void in our home
when you have gone away."

Oswald eagerly replied:

"Why should I go away? Why not always be with you, Miss Randolph?"

Startled by these sudden questions, Esther was speechless. She saw the
drift, but the form was too dubious to admit of responsive reply.

Then, with impetuous frankness, Oswald avowed his love for Esther and
interest in her future plans.

"My love has grown