forgotten nor explained.

Both Laniers are most intensely superstitious and fearful of intangible
attack. However, there is a more or less fixed resolve to abate no
strictness of disguises, while keeping advised of London happenings,
prepared for any desperate emergency.

Pierre never leaves the city, but Paul, thoroughly disguised, makes
occasional visits in the vicinity of Northfield.

Neither Sir Donald nor Esther has returned. By guarded questions Paul
learns nothing as to their present whereabouts.

That lake exerts a strange fascination upon Paul's fancy. Extended
strolls along the Thames are frequent. Hours are spent near that rustic
seat. Often bending over the bank, Paul peers up and down and across the
river. Sometimes he rows for miles, carefully examining each projecting
branch or shrub, furtively watching all intruders upon his strange
search. This occupation grows more absorbing. Moonlight strolls and
boat-rides are frequent. Paul insists on night shifts, and that his
father then shall remain at their room.

Pierre knows nothing of this growing infatuation. While noticing Paul's
reticence and abstraction, Pierre attributes these to the perplexities
of their situation. To his father's questions about night happenings
Paul becomes irresponsive, and when pressed, fiercely petulant. Pierre
is much suprised at this, but is gravely patient, hoping for tractable,
less capricious moods. There are occasional bursts of penitence,
followed by more irresponsive, resentful silences and replies.

Pierre becomes alarmed, fearing that Paul will bring on some crisis,
through these strained tempers. Refraining from further questioning, the
father humors his son's strange moods, determined to keep him under
careful watch. Pierre will follow Paul and note any indiscreet habits,
that there may be no serious mistakes at this stage. It will not do to
chide this now perverse boy, who has been so habitually and fearfully
filial in the past.

Pierre begins to feel a presentiment of some ominous crisis, wherein
Paul may fail him.

In degree and perverted sense Pierre Lanier loved his only son. Many
dark schemes had been suggested and pressed to success, prompted by
mixed motives of personal acquisition and fatherly providence. This man
is not a villain from mere criminal impulse. His tastes have an elegant
bent. Relentless tenacity, overpowering avarice, and dissembling craft
are his cardinal traits. To these all aesthetic