He had already hinted to her of business troubles which were crushing him.

But this was a matter of no moment in her sight.

There was something more terrible, and she could not force her tongue to speak of it.
"You fear for her ?" Paul went on.

"You have noticed her strangeness ?" He lowered his voice.

"What can I do, Maud ?" "You are so much away," she said hurriedly, laying her hand on his arm.
"Her visitors--she has so many temptations--" "Temptations ?" "Father, help her against herself!" "My help is vain.