again to other "friends" with a running commentary of their own, until
that little fraction of the feminine world acquainted with the Allens
had sighed, surmised, and perhaps gossiped over the "afflicted family"
so exhaustively that it was really time for something new. The men and
the papers downtown also had their say, and perhaps all tried, as far
as human nature would permit, to say nothing but good of the dead and
unfortunate.

Laura, after the stinging pain of each successive blow to her
happiness, sank into a dreary apathy, and did mechanically the few
things Edith asked of her.

Zell lived in varied moods and conditions, now weeping bitterly for
her father, again resenting with impotent passion the change in their
fortunes, but ending usually by comforting herself with the thought
that Mr. Van Dam was true to her. He was as true and faithful as an
insidious, incurable disease when once infused into the system. His
infernal policy now was to gradually alienate her interest from her
family and centre it in him. Though promising nothing in an open,
manly way, he adroitly made her believe that only through him, could
she now hope to reach brighter days again, and to Zell he seemed the
one means of escape from a detested life of poverty and privation. She
became more infatuated with him than ever, and cherished a secret
resentment against Edith because of her distrust and dislike of him.

The Allens had but few near relatives in the city at this time, and
with these they were not on very good terms, nor were they the people
to be helpful in adversity. Mr. Allen's partners were men of the world
like himself, and they were also incensed that he should have been
carrying on private speculations in Wall Street to the extent of