"Looking into my eyes, Uncle Thomas soothingly said:
"'Take plenty of time to think about it, little girl. Uncle Tom always will be within call, and never let you be harmed. Be brave, and it will come out all right. What proper avenging of Brother William's death, your own wrongs, and of Oswald Langdon's murder!'
"With but faint hint of terrible after strain, nerved by these strong appeals, I entered into this fearful covenant.
"Soon after this conversation Sir Charles Chesterton and Agnes Randall received invitations to a ball given by a prominent Bombay resident. They there met Paul Lanier.
"Formally presented, Paul soon became very affable, paying marked attention to both niece and uncle. From the first, Paul appeared predisposed in favor of these new acquaintances.
"I was shocked, feeling a sense of fear mingled with utter aversion. The past so overwhelmed me as to render even common civilities loathsome, yet I endeavored to play the part assigned.
"Gayeties of the occasion helped to ease my emotional strain, but when all was over I felt much relieved.
"Uncle Thomas was greatly elated. He praised my acting, predicting success.
"That assistant had dropped suggestive hints concerning Chesterton wealth, and about a will bequeathing to favorite niece the bulk of a princely fortune.
"During the evening Uncle Thomas found opportunities for brief chats with Paul, and had been very pleasant.
"Paul appeared favorably impressed with Uncle Thomas. He hardly had deigned to notice any one except Agnes Randall and Sir Charles Chesterton.
"After this ball I often felt uneasy and presentiments of dread. In dreams appeared vivid reproductions of past scenes.
"Uncle Thomas startled me with the announcement that he had invited Paul Lanier to dine at our apartments. We were to royally entertain Paul, but would be 'duly reserved, as befitted our wealthy and aristocratic tastes.'
"This affair passed off without hitch. Within two days Paul called.
"Uncle Thomas and I treated him with apparent consideration. When Paul was leaving, uncle said:
"Paul seemed greatly pleased with uncle's cordiality, and left smiling.
"Seeing how frightened I was, Uncle Thomas said:
"'Uncle Tom always will be eavesdropping when that lover calls.'