equally beautiful but matter-of-fact sister. Therefore he warily, so
as not to alarm the jealous father, but with all the subtle skill of
which he was master, sought to win her affections, knowing that she
would have her own way when she knew what way she wanted.

For Zell this unscrupulous man had a peculiar fascination. He petted
and flattered her to her heart's content, and thus made her the envy
of her young acquaintances, which was incense indeed to her vain
little soul. He never lectured or preached to her on account of her
follies and nonsense, as her elderly friends usually did, but gave to
her wild, impulsive moods free rein. Where a true friend would have
cautioned and curbed, he applauded and incited, causing Zell to
mistake extravagance in language and boldness in manner for spirit and
brilliancy. Laura and Edith often remonstrated with her, but she did
not heed them. Indeed, she feared no one save her father, and Mr. Van
Dam was propriety itself when he was present, which was but seldom.
What with his business, and club, and Mrs. Allen's nerves, the girls
were left mainly to themselves.

What wonder that there are so many shipwrecks, when young, heedless,
inexperienced hands must steer, unguided, through the most perilous
and treacherous of seas?

Mr. Allen's elegant, costly home was literally an unguarded fold, many
a laborer, living in a tenement house, doing more to shield his
daughters from the evil of the world.

To Mr. Van Dam, Zell was a perfect prize. Though he had sipped at the
cup of pleasure so leisurely and systematically, he was getting down
to the dregs. His taste was becoming palled, and satiety was burdening