lt despondent over the outlook.
She appealed to Oswald for hopeful assurance, explaining fully what had
been said by Sir Donald.

Oswald saw the gravity of her trouble, and could say little to mitigate
it. Naturally he was frank, and would not indulge in flattery or deceit.
He longed to encourage Alice, but could find no truthful words of hope.

Alice saw his evident sympathy, and felt pleased despite her utter
helplessness.

Esther proposed that they take a stroll in some of the public grounds.
The three afterward were seated in Hyde Park. Esther moved away, as
Alice seemed anxious to talk with Oswald upon some confidential matter.

Alice related Paul Lanier's proposal, and dwelt at length upon the many
persecutions she had endured, culminating in the lake tragedy.

"I always felt an unaccountable dread of both Paul and his father. Can
it be that there is some conspiracy concerning my father's estate in
India? Is my existence in the way of their schemes? Would my death or
marriage with Paul help them? I feel that all my acts are known. How
suddenly Paul appeared at the lake! They now may be watching us!"

Looking around, Oswald was struck by the attitude of a plain-appearing
man, with heavy whiskers, seated about twenty feet distant, evidently
listening. Oswald said nothing about this, as he did not wish to
increase her fears, and the stranger's conduct seemed due to vulgar
curiosity.

Alice was so despondent over her financial stress, that she knew not
what to do.

"What will become of me, Mr. Langdon, if I fail in the case?"

Oswald spoke hopefully, and thought there would be some way out of her
trouble. Esther came up, and he then proposed a moonlight boat-ride on
the Thames. He would rent a rowboat, and was quite good with the oars.
They decided to take the ride. Soon after the three returned to the home
of Alice.

Sir Donald invited both the girls and Oswald to attend an opera that
evening. Esther explained that they had agreed upon a boat-ride. "But
perhaps Alice and Mr. Langdon would find the opera just as pleasant."

To please Alice, the matter was finally settled by Esther accompanying
her father to the opera and the others taking the ride. Oswald did not
approve of this arrangement, but offered no objection.

During the evening Alice seemed nervous. She would exert her most
bewitching arts to interest Oswald, and then remain silent. Many
pleasant complimentary remarks would be cut off abruptly,