se.

CHAPTER IV

LAKE AND RIVER TRAGEDIES

The Northfield household was early astir upon the morning after the lake
ride. Neither Oswald nor Paul had any hint of the other's fate.

Oswald possessed too much gentlemanly instinct to abate his respectful
treatment of both father and daughter. Through craft, Paul was very
courteous. He announced his intention to return that afternoon. With
many expressions of regret, Paul left Northfield.

Pierre Lanier is in London. Paul and his father hold a conference, at
which present and future plans are discussed. The refusal of Alice
Webster to become Paul's wife and her apparent infatuation for Oswald
Langdon are talked over. Pierre says:

"We must bring about this marriage in some way, Paul. To fail would be
very serious. That other fellow shall not marry Alice. The man who came
with me from Calcutta will do as I say. He shall begin the suit now. The
income from this remnant of her father's fortune is Alice's sole
support. She does not know of the defect in her title to the property.
Alice will be frantic when the papers are served. Both of us will favor
her side of the case and pose as sympathetic friends. Gradually we can
show Alice our good intentions. When her helplessness and poverty become
clear, how easy to renew your proposal. She will have faith in your
sincerity then, Paul. To escape a life of want the girl will become the
wife of wealthy Paul Lanier. You would make Alice a fine husband, Paul."

Next day an action involving the title to the London property belonging
to Alice Webster, and for an accounting of accrued rents, was begun by
William Dodge. Soon afterward proper papers were duly served.

Upon learning of this Alice was distracted. Trembling with excitement,
she appealed to Sir Donald. This generous-hearted barrister felt much
sympathy for Alice. It was decided that Sir Donald would go to London.

To divert Alice's mind from these worries, Oswald and both girls take
frequent sails upon the lake. The interest of Alice in Oswald seems
growing, and she is cheerful only in his company.

One day he does not join them in their lake excursion, but Sir Donald
takes his place. A few hours later Oswald goes down to the shore. Not
finding his friends, he sets out in a small sail-boat, expecting to see
them somewhere on the lake.

Soon he sees another sail move out from the shore in the distance.
Lifting his field-glasses, he learns that there are but two