After a few remarks, the uncle leaves Sir Donald and Alice alone.
Seeing Alice's embarrassment, Sir Donald kindly says:
"I have not the least criticism of your conduct, Alice. Tell me all, and I will be your friend. It has turned out gloriously!"
Thus encouraged, the girl begins her strange recital.
How years before, with Oswald Langdon, she took the night row on the Thames, strolled along the river-bank, and chatted at the rustic seat, is brokenly described. The assault and fall of both into swollen stream are shudderingly explained. Alice pauses.
"Must I tell the rest?"
Sir Donald speaks assuringly.
They hear suppressed murmurs at outside entrance to the hallway. Thomas Webster goes to the door. Three men are in sight. One inquires for Sir Donald Randolph.
"It is important that we see him at once."
Alice still pauses.