t.

Doubtless he owed much to this source, but his own chastened manners,
refined, brilliant conversation, suggestiveness of romantic interest,
and good looks, were the most potent factors.

Among male acquaintances then formed were some prominent in business and
politics. Oswald met young men who were social favorites in exclusive
circles. Some of these soon afterward won robust renown at Las Guasimas
and upon the slopes of San Juan.

Oswald's pensive reserve made him an interesting enigma to social
belles. Claude jokingly remarked:

"It is evident that this Englishman is not seeking matrimonial alliance
with any 'Gotham' heiress."

In explanation of his friend's occasional preoccupied, listless
irresponsiveness, Claude said:

"Perhaps there is a continuing infatuation across the Atlantic."

One day Claude proposed that Oswald, as his guest, accompany him on a
sight-seeing tour of the Western States. This was just what would have
most pleased Oswald but for that expected letter from Sir Donald
Randolph.

He every day looked for a reply. Oswald could not think of then leaving
on a prolonged trip.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation, he declined, assigning his
daily expectation of important news from England.

Claude excused Oswald, adding, in pleasant banter:

"I hope congratulations soon will be in order, but bring her to New
York!"

To this Oswald responded with a sadly suggestive smile.

Next day, at the Grand Central Station, these friends parted.

Oswald greatly missed Claude Leslie's congenial society and contagious
enthusiasm. That expressive face became familiar to general-delivery
mail-clerks, who could tell the non-arrival of expected letter, yet
carefully looked, for his better assurance.

In this extremity Oswald seeks the society of an Italian guide, who as
protege of Claude Leslie often piloted these friends through parts of
"darker" New York.

From the first Oswald felt an interest in Marco Salvini. This grew with
each meeting. Though much pleased, the guide often responded with looks
of blank wonder. Claude Leslie had noted this capricious favor, but
regarded it as an out-growth from Oswald's peculiar temperament,
influenced by self-inflicted social reserve. But these marked attentions
soon suggested to Claude a cause more significant. The guide's likeness
to that bandit who died in Himalaya camp was most striking. It seemed
that this sentimental Englishman yet felt compunction