“Stop the strain of course!” said Strong.  “I want to stop it almost as much as you do, but it looked to me this morning as though what you call strain were a steady drift which pays no sort of heed to our trying to stop it.”

“I feel sure it is only nervousness,” said Hazard earnestly.  “Give her time, quiet and rest!  She will come out right.”

“Then what is it that I can do?”

“Help me to get her out of New York.”

“I will ask my aunt to help you,” replied Strong; “but how are we to do it?  The earthly paradise is not to be found in this neighborhood in the middle of February.”

“Never mind!  If you and she will back me, we can do it, and it must be done instantly to be of use.  There is no end of parish gossip which must not come to Esther’s ears, or it will drive her wild.  Take her to Florida, California, or even to Europe if you can!  Give me time to smooth things down!  If she stays here we shall all be the worse for it.”

As usual, Hazard had his way.  George consented to do all he asked and even to take Esther away himself if it were necessary.  The next morning he appeared soon after breakfast at his aunt’s to report Hazard’s wishes and to devise the means of satisfying them.  Much to his relief, and rather to his astonishment, he found Mrs. Murray disposed to look with favor on the idea.  She listened quietly to his story, and after a little reflection, asked: 

“Where do you think we had best go?”

“Do you mean to go too?” asked Strong in surprise.  “Why should you tear yourself up by the roots to please Hazard?”

“Those two girls can’t go alone,” said Mrs. Murray; “and as for me, I don’t go to please Mr. Hazard.  I don’t think he is going to be pleased.”

“Now what mischief are you brewing, Aunt Sarah?  I am Hazard’s friend, and bound to see him through.  Don’t make me a party to any scheme against him!”

“You are not very bright, George, and just now you are rather ridiculous, because you do not in the least know what you are about.”

“Go on!” said Strong with irrepressible good nature.  “Play out all your trumps and let my suit in!”

“Could you be ready to start for Niagara by to-morrow morning?” asked his aunt.

“To-morrow is Saturday.  Yes!  I could manage it.”

“Could you get some pleasant man to go with you?”

“Not much chance!” he replied.  “I might ask Wharton, but he is very busy.”

“Try for him!  I will send you a note to your club early this evening to say whether I shall want you or not.  If I make you go, I shall go too, and take Esther and Catherine.”

“I will do any thing you want,” said Strong, “on condition that you tell me what you are about.”

Mrs. Murray looked at her nephew with a pitying air, and said: 

“Any one with common sense might see that Esther’s engagement never could come to any thing.”