w the
worst make no protest, why should Alice feel scruples about the unhappy
past?

Esther's expressive face lights at all announcements of letters, but
grows pensive at each inspection of tell-tale postmarks. Sir Donald
looks over each mail's assortment, and his eyes seek Esther's. That
indulgent father remarks:

"Oswald Langdon may be away from New York a few days, and some time
could elapse between receipt of my letter and sailing of ship carrying
English mails."

From day to day that letter is looked for, and Esther seems as though
hourly expecting some interesting visitor at Northfield. Her pretty
dissembling is sure proof, but all concur in its bewitching seeming.

In the privacy of her room Esther consults maps of travel and
transatlantic ship schedules. Names, dates, and descriptive particulars
are confusing. Many very essential items of information seem lacking.
What ship will Oswald take from New York? Is it seaworthy? When will the
ship sail? Will the vessel be crowded or the cargo too heavy? Are there
severe storms at this season?

All these and many other items of general information about ocean travel
have been omitted.

Tremulously confiding in Brother Charles, now regarded as sufficiently
sentimental for a safe bureau agent of nautical information, all
Esther's puzzling queries are answered in clearest detail.

"Yes, there can be no doubt; Oswald took the very safest ship sailing
out of New York; that vessel is never crowded or overloaded; in fact,
only enough cargo is aboard for proper ballast; at this season the
Atlantic is very calm; the ship is now near Southampton."

This is sufficient for present assurance. As days pass without expected
letter or arrival, Esther grows skeptical as to Charles's marine lore,
and appeals to her father. Sir Donald smiles at her recital of Charles's
positive assurances, and tenderly toying with Esther's glossy tresses,
says:

"All will be well; I have no fears. Daughter mine, times and tides,
storms and calms, clouds and sunlight, come not amiss."

Next day Sir Donald received a second letter. Its contents accounted for
all delay and waiting. With certainty that Oswald will not leave New
York before two weeks from date of this letter, Esther feels a sense of
resignation. He has escaped death, and soon will start homeward. She
feels some fear of a possible relapse, but reasons that Oswald will take
proper precautions. Delaying sailing showed discretion. Est