CHAPTER XXVIII.
A PECULIAR CONFIDANT--MORE DIFFICULTIES, AND VARIOUS PLANS TO OVERCOME THEM.
When Alice Mason was a little child, there was a certain tree near her father's house to which, in her hours of sorrow, she was wont to run and tell it all the grief of her overflowing heart.

She firmly believed that this tree heard and understood and sympathized with all that she said.
There was a hole in the stem into which she was wont to pour her complaints; and when she had thus unburdened her heart to her silent confidant, she felt comforted, as one feels when a human friend has shared one's sorrows.
When the child became older, and her sorrows were heavier, and, perhaps, more real, her well-nurtured mind began to rise to a higher source for comfort.

Habit and inclination led her indeed to the same tree; but when she kneeled upon its roots and leaned against its stem, she poured out her heart into the bosom of Him who is ever present, and who can be touched with a feeling of our infirmities.
Almost immediately after landing on the island, Alice sought the umbrageous shelter of her old friend and favorite, and on her knees thanked God for restoring her to her father and her home.
To the same place the missionary directed his steps; for he knew it well, and doubtless expected to find his daughter there.
"Alice, dear, I have good news to tell you," said the missionary, sitting down beside her.
"I know what it is!" cried Alice, eagerly.
"What do you think it is, my pet ?" "Gascoyne is to be forgiven! Am I right ?" Mr.Mason shook his head sadly.

"No, that is not what I have to tell you.

Poor fellow, I would that I had some good news to give you about him; but I fear there is no hope for him,--I mean as regards his being pardoned by man." Alice sighed, and her face expressed the deepest tenderness and sympathy.
"Why do you take so great an interest in this man, dear ?" said her father.
"Because Mary Stuart loves him, and I love Mary Stuart.