The Works of E. P. Roe

Volume Sixteen

A YOUNG GIRL'S WOOING

Illustrated

1884

[Illustration: "ARE YOU SO BENT UPON WINNING HER, GRAYDON?"]

CONTENTS

 CHAPTER I A Crescent of a Girl

 CHAPTER II Graydon Muir

 CHAPTER III The Parting

 CHAPTER IV Effort

 CHAPTER V Achievement

 CHAPTER VI The Secret of Beauty

 CHAPTER VII Not a Miracle

 CHAPTER VIII Rival Girls

 CHAPTER IX The Meeting

 CHAPTER X Old Ties Broken

 CHAPTER XI "I Fear I Shall Fail"

 CHAPTER XII The Promptings of Miss Wildmere's Heart

 CHAPTER XIII "You Will Be Disappointed"

 CHAPTER XIV Miss Wildmere's Strategy

 CHAPTER XV Perplexed and Beguiled

 CHAPTER XVI Declaration of Independence

 CHAPTER XVII Not Strong in Vain

 CHAPTER XVIII Make Your Terms

 CHAPTER XIX An Object for Sympathy

 CHAPTER XX "Veiled Wooing"

 CHAPTER XXI Suggestive Tones

 CHAPTER XXII Disheartening Confidences

 CHAPTER XXIII The Filial Martyr

 CHAPTER XXIV "I'll See How You Behave"

 CHAPTER XXV Gossamer Threads

 CHAPTER XXVI Mrs. Muir's Account

 CHAPTER XXVII Madge's Story

 CHAPTER XXVIII Dispassionate Lovers

 CHAPTER XXIX The Enemies' Plans

 CHAPTER XXX The Strong Man Unmanned

 CHAPTER XXXI Checkmate

 CHAPTER XXXII Madge is Matter-of-Fact

 CHAPTER XXXIII The End of Diplomacy

 CHAPTER XXXIV Broken Lights and Shadows

 CHAPTER XXXV A New Experiment

 CHAPTER XXXVI Madge Alden's Ride

 CHAPTER XXXVII "You are Very Blind"

 CHAPTER XXXVIII "Certainly I Refuse You"

 CHAPTER XXXIX "My True Friend"

 CHAPTER XL The End of the Wooing

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

 "_Are you so bent upon winning her, Graydon?_"

 _"There, now, be rational" cried the young girl_

 _Her lips were parted, her pose, grace itself_

 "_Promise me you will take a long rest_"

 "_So you imagine I shall soon be making love to another girl?_"

CHAPTER I

A CRESCENT OF A GIRL

When Madge Alden was seventeen years of age an event occurred whichpromised to be the misfortune of her life. At first she was almostoverwhelmed and knew not what to do. She was but a young andinexperienced girl, and for a year or more had been regarded as aninvalid. 

Madge Alden was an orphan. Four years prior to the opening of ourstory she had lost her mother, her surviving parent, and since hadresided with her elder sister Mary, who was several years hersenior, and had married Henry Muir, a merchant of New York City. Thisgentleman had cordially united with his wife in offering Madge a home, and his manner toward the young girl, as far as his absorbed and busylife permitted, had been almost paternal. He was a quiet, reticentman, who had apparently concentrated every faculty of soul and body onthe problem of commercial success. Trained to business from boyhood, he had allowed it to become his life, and he took it very seriously. It was to him an absorbing game--his vocation, and not a means to someulterior end. He had already accumulated enough to maintain his familyin affluence, but he no more thought of retiring from trade than woulda veteran whist-player wish to throw up a handful of winning cards. The events of the world, the fluctuations in prices, over which he hadno control, brought to his endeavor the elements of chance, and it washis mission to pit against these uncertainties untiring industry andsuch skill and foresight as he possessed. 

His domestic life was favorable to his ruling passion. Mary Alden, atthe time of her marriage, was a quiet girl, whose early life had beenshadowed by sorrow. She had seen her father pass away in his prime, and her mother become in consequence a sad and failing woman. The young girl rallied from these early years of depression intocheerfulness, and thoroughly enjoyed what some might regard as amonotonous life; but she never developed any taste for the diversionsof society. Thus it may be surmised that Mr. Muir encountered nodistractions after business hours. He ever found a good dinnerawaiting him, and his wife held herself in readiness to do whathe wished during the evening, so far as the claims of the childrenpermitted. Therefore there were few more contented men in the citythan he, and the name of Henry Muir had become a synonym among hisacquaintances for methodical business habits. 

In character and antecedents his younger brother, Graydon Muir, whowas also an inmate of his family, presented many marked contrasts tothe elder man. He had received a liberal education, and had graduatedat a city college. He had developed into one of the best productsof metropolitan life, and his defects were chiefly due to thecircumstances of his lot. During his academic course he had been knownas an athletic rather than a bookish man, and had left his Alma Materwith an Apollo-like physique. At the same time he had developed fineliterary tastes, and was well informed, even if he had not gone verydeeply into the classics and the sciences that were remote from thebusiness career which he had chosen. After a brief interval of foreigntravel he had entered his brother's office, and was schooling hisbuoyant, pleasure-loving temperament to the routine of trade. Whenbusiness hours were over, however, Graydon gave himself up to thegratification of his social tastes. His vitality and flow of spiritswere so immense that wherever he went he always caused a breezy rippleof excitement. Even veteran society girls found something exhilaratingin the mirthful flash of his blue eyes, and to be whirled througha waltz on his strong arm was a pleasure not declined by reigningbelles. Many looks that to other men might have been the arrows ofCupid were directed toward him, but they glanced harmlessly fromhis polished armor. Society was to him what business was to hisbrother, --an arena in which he easily manifested his power. Atthe same time he was a manly fellow, and had no taste for cornerflirtations or the excitement of drawing perilously near to acommittal with those who would have responded to marked attentions. The atmosphere he loved was that of general and social gayety. Thegirls that he singled out for his especial regard were noted for theirvivacity and intelligence, as well as their beauty. Meanwhile he hadwon a reputation for his good-natured attentions to "wall-flowers. "Such kindly efforts were rarely made at the promptings of conscience. The truth was, he enjoyed life so fully himself that he disliked tosee any one having a dismal time. It gave him genuine pleasure to cometo a plain-featured, neglected damsel, and set all her blood tinglingby a brief whirl in a dance or a breezy chat that did her good, bodyand soul, so devoid of satire or patronage was the attention. Hissuperb health and tireless strength, his perfect familiarity with theusages of society, and his graceful decision of action made everythinghe did appear as easy and natural as the beat of a bird's wing uponthe air, and in his large circle it was felt that no entertainment wascomplete without his presence. 

Graydon was still attending college when Madge Alden first becameassociated with him in her home-life. She was then but thirteen, andwas small and slight for her age. The first evening when she came downto dinner, shrinking in the shadow of her sister, lingered ever in hermemory. Even now it gave her pain to recall her embarrassment when shewas compelled to take her seat in the full blaze of the light andmeet the eyes of the one to whom she felt that she must appear sovery plain and unattractive. Clad in the deepest mourning, pallidfrom grief and watching at her mother's bedside, coming from a life ofseclusion and sorrow, sensitive in the extreme, she had barely reachedthat age when awkwardness is in the ascendant, and the quiet cityhome seemed the centre of a new and strange world. One other thing sheremembered in that initial chapter of her life, --the kindly glancesthat Graydon Muir bent on the pale crescent of a girl who sat oppositeto him. Even as a child she knew that the handsome young fellow wasnot secretly laughing at or criticising her, and before dinner wasover she had ventured upon a shy, grateful glance, in reward for hisgood-humored efforts to break the ice. 

There had, in truth, been no ice to break. The child was merely likea plant that had grown in the shade, and to her the strong, healthfulyouth was sunshine. His smile warmed and vivified her chilled nature, his hearty words and manner were bracing to her over-sensitive andtimid soul, and his unaffected, unforced kindness was so constant thatshe gradually came to regard it as one of the best certainties of herlife. She soon learned, however, that behind his sunny good-naturewas a fiery and impatient spirit, ready to manifest itself if he waschafed beyond a certain point, and so a slight element of fear wasmingled with her childlike affection. 

He had sufficient tact to understand Madge's diffidence, and he knewthat their family life would soon banish it. He welcomed this paleslip of a girl to their home circle because it gave him pleasure topet and rally such a wraith into something like genuine existence. Healso hoped that eventually she would become a source of amusement tohim. Nor was he disappointed. Madge's mind was not colorless, if herface was, and she gradually began to respond to his mirthfulness, andto take an interest, intelligent for a child, in what occupied histhoughts. Kindness creates an atmosphere in which the most sensitiveand diffident natures develop and reveal themselves, and Madge Alden, who might easily have been chilled into a reticent and dispiritedgirl, eventually manifested an unusual versatility of fancy andthought, acquiring also no slight power of expression. 

Thus Graydon obtained his reward. His brother was a grave and silentman, to whom few themes could be broached except those of businessand the events and politics of the day in their relation to trade. Hissister-in-law was absorbed in household and family cares, but Madge'sgreat black eyes responded with quick appreciation to all that hesaid, and their merry nonsense often provoked a smile upon even theface of Mr. Muir. The good-natured sympathy of the young man thereforepassed gradually into a genuine fraternal regard, and he rarely camehome of an evening without bringing flowers, bonbons, or some otherevidence that he had remembered her. Unconsciously to herself, hebecame more to her than her sister, who was indulgent in the extreme, but not very demonstrative. Her shyness disappeared, and his caressesseemed as natural as those of an elder brother, in which light sheregarded him. 

Thus time passed on, and the girl rapidly approached the stature ofwomanhood. Apparently she grew too fast for her slight reserve ofphysical strength. She nominally attended a fashionable school, butwas often absent from ill health, and for this reason her sisterpermitted her to follow her own moods. Indolence and inanitionaccounted largely for her lack of strength. Exercise broughtweariness, and she would not take it. Nothing pleased her more than tocurl up on a lounge with a book; and her sister, seeing that she wasreading most of the time, felt that she was getting an education. Tothe busy lady a book was a book, a kind of general fertilizer ofthe mind, and as Madge usually took cold when she went out, and wasassuredly acquiring from the multitude of volumes she devoured allthe knowledge a woman needed, she was safer in the evenly heated cityhouse. The sisters had independent fortunes of their own, and thegreat point in Mrs. Muir's mind was that they should live and enjoythem. If Madge was only sufficiently coddled now while she wasgrowing, she would get strong eventually; and so the good lady, whohad as much knowledge of hygiene as of Sanscrit, tempted the invalidwith delicacies, permitted her to eat the confectionery that Graydonbrought so often, and generally indulged a nature that needed wise andfirm development. 

Thus Madge lived on, growing more pale and languid with eachsucceeding year. The absence in the mountains and at the seashorewhich Mr. Muir permitted to his family every summer brought changesfor the better, even though the young girl spent most of the time in ahammock or reclining in the stern of a sail-boat. She could not escapethe invigoration caused by the mere breathing of pure air, but duringthe winters in town she lost all and more than she had gained, andsunk back into her old apathetic life. 

This life, however, contained two elements which gave some color andzest to her existence. All through the day she would look forward toGraydon's return from business, and when she heard his latch-key thefaintest possible color would steal into her cheeks. Up-stairs, twosteps at a time, he would come, kiss her, waltz her about the roomwith a strength which scarcely permitted her feet to touch the floor, then toss her back on the lounge, where she would lie, laughing, breathless, and happy. With a man's ignorant tolerance he accepted hercharacter as an invalid, and felt that the least he could do wasto brighten a life which seemed so dismal to him. When he came downdressed for dinner or some evening engagement, she looked at him witha frank, admiring pride that amused him immensely. When he returnedearlier than usual he often found her still upon the lounge with herinevitable book, usually a novel, and then he would take her uponhis lap and call her his "dear little spook, the household ghost thatwould soon cease to cast a shadow;" and she, with a languid curiosity, would easily beguile from him a portrayal of the scenes through whichhe had just passed. She cared little for them, but from his storesof vitality and strength he imparted life to her, and withoutunderstanding why, she simply knew she was happy. 

Apart from her fondness for the unreal scenes presented by themiscellaneous books she read--scenes all the more unreal because shehad no experience by which to correct them--she had one other tastewhich promised well for the future--a sincere love of music. She wastaking lessons, but it was from a superficial teacher, who was contentto give her pretty and showy pieces; and she brought even to thisfavorite study the desultory habits which characterized all herefforts to obtain an education. When she sat down to her piano, however, nature was her strong ally. Her ear was fine and correct, andher sensitive, fanciful spirit gave delicacy and originality to hertouch. It scarcely seems possible for one to become a sympatheticmusician without a large degree of imagination and a nature easilymoved by thought and feeling. The young girl's thoughts and feelingswere as yet very vague, not concentrated on definite objects, and yetso good a connoisseur as Graydon often acknowledged her power, andwould listen with pleased attention to her girlish rendering of musicmade familiar to him by the great performers of the day. He enjoyed itall the more because it was her own interpretation, often incorrect, but never commonplace or slovenly; and when her fingers wandered amongthe keys in obedience to her own impulses he was even more charmed, although the melody was usually without much meaning. She was alsoendowed with the rudiments of a fine voice, and would often strikenotes of surpassing sweetness and power; but her tones would soonquaver and break, and she complained that it tired her to sing. Thatended the matter, for anything that wearied her was not to be thoughtof. 

Thus she had drifted on with time, unconscious of herself, unconsciousof the influences that would bring to pass the decisive events inthe future. She was like multitudes of others who are controlled bycircumstances of their lot until the time comes when a deep personalexperience applies the touchstone to character. 

CHAPTER II

GRAYDON MUIR

Madge Alden was almost seventeen, and yet she was in many respectsa child. Scenes portrayed in books had passed before her mind likepictures, having no definite significance. Mr. Muir was to her likesome of the forces in nature--quiet, unobtrusive, omnipotent--and sheaccepted him without thought. Her sister was one whom she couldlove easily as a matter of course. She was an indulgent householdprovidence, who cared for the young girl as she did for her own littlechildren. If anything was amiss in Madge's wardrobe the elder sistermade it right at once; if Madge had a real or imaginary ailment, Marywas always ready to prescribe a soothing remedy; and if there wasa cloud in the sky or the wind blew chill she said, "Madge, do beprudent; you know how easily you take cold. " Thus was provided thehot-house atmosphere in which the tender exotic existed. It could notbe said that she had thrived or bloomed. 

Graydon Muir was the one positive element with which she had come incontact, and thus far she had always accepted him in the spirit of achild. He had begun petting her and treating her like a sister whenshe was a child. His manner toward her had grown into a habit, whichhad its source in his kindly disposition. To him she was but a weak, sickly little girl, with a dismal present and a more dreary outlook. Sometimes he mentally compared her with the brilliant girls he met insociety, and especially with one but a little older than Madge, whoappeared a natural queen in the drawing-room. His life abounded inactivity, interests, and pleasures, and if it was his impulse to throwa little zest into the experiences of those in society who had noclaims upon him, he was still more disposed to cheer and amuse theinvalid in his own home. Moreover, he had become sincerely fond ofher. Madge was neither querulous nor stupid. Although not conceited, he had the natural vanity of a handsome and successful man, and whilethe evident fact that he was such a hero in her eyes amused him, italso predisposed him to kindly and sympathetic feeling toward her. He saw that she gave him not only a sisterly allegiance, but also aricher and fuller tribute, and that in her meagre and shadowed life hewas the brightest element. She tried to do more for him than for anyone else, while she made him feel that as an invalid she could not dovery much, and that he should not expect it. She would often playfor him an hour at a time, and again she would be so languid that nocoaxing could lure her from the sofa. Occasionally she would even readaloud a few pages with her musical and sympathetic voice, but wouldsoon throw down the book with an air of exhaustion, and plead that hewould read to her. In her weakness there was nothing repulsive, andwithout calculation she made many artless appeals to his strength. Hegenerously responded, saying to himself, "Poor little thing! she hasa hard time of it. With her great black eyes she might be a beauty ifshe only had health and was like other girls; but as it is, she is solight and pale and limp that I sometimes feel as if I were petting awraith. "

Of late she had begun to go out with him a little, he choosingsmall and quiet companies among people well known to the Muirs, andoccasionally her sister also went. Her rôle of invalid was carefullymaintained and recognized. Graydon had always prided himself on hisloyalty as an escort; and as long as he was devoted, the neglect ofother young men was welcomed rather than regretted; for, except towardhim, all her old shyness still existed. With the consciousness that hewas caring for her she was well content with some half-secluded nookof observation, from which she looked out upon scenes that were likean animated story. She wove fanciful imaginings around those whoattracted her attention, and on her return laughingly discussedthe people who had passed, like players, before her eyes. Graydonencouraged her to do this, for her ignorance of society made herremarks original and amusing. He knew the conventional status of everyone they met as accurately as his brother recognized the commercialvalue of the securities that passed under his eye, and Madge'sestimates often seemed absurd to the last degree. 

Whenever she went out with Graydon his course was eminentlysatisfactory; she never felt herself neglected, while at the same timeshe saw that his attentions were welcomed everywhere. She never losther serene sense of proprietorship, and only grew more fond of him asshe noted how readily he left the side of beautiful and gifted womento look after her. He had often laughingly asserted that he went intosociety only for amusement, and his course under her own observationconfirmed his words. 

Early in the winter during which our story opens, she had caught asuccession of colds, and one proved so severe and obstinate that herfriends were alarmed, fearing that she was going into a decline. Sheslowly rallied, however, but was more frail than ever. Before the gayseason closed, just preceding Lent, Madge received an invitation to avery large party. Graydon urged her to go, remarking that she hadnot yet seen society. "Don't be afraid, I'll take care of you, littleghost, " he said, and with this assurance she accompanied him, contraryto her sister's advice. It was indeed a brilliant occasion. The widerooms of a Madison Avenue palace were thronged, and she had never evenimagined such toilets as caught her eye on every side. There wereso many present that she could easily maintain her position of quietspectator, and her eyes dilated with pleasure as she saw that Graydonwas as much a leader as at other places where comparatively few werepresent. 

At last her attention was attracted by one who was evidently a latecomer, and whose presence appeared to fill the apartment. All theothers paled before her, as do the stars when the moon rises amongthem. She was evidently young, and yet she did not suggest youth. Onewould almost imagine that she had never had a childhood or a girlhood, but was rather a direct creation of metropolitan society. Herexquisitely turned shoulders and arms were bare, and the diamondsabout her neck were a circlet of fire. The complexion of her fair ovalface was singularly pure, and the color came and went so easily as toprove that it owed nothing to art. The expression of her gray eyes wasrather cold and haughty when at rest, and gave an impression of prideand the consciousness of power. The trait which to the observantMadge seemed most marked at first, however, was her perfect ease. Herslightest movement was grace itself. Her entire self-possession wasindicated by the manner in which she greeted the men who sought herattention, and many there were. She could be perfectly polite, yetas repellent as ice, or she could smile with a fascination that evenMadge felt would be hard to resist. This girl, who was such an immensecontrast to herself, wholly fixed her attention as she stood for a fewmoments, like a queen, surrounded by her courtiers. 

Graydon had gone for a glass of water, and meeting a friend had beendetained for a brief space. Madge saw him coming, saw his eye light upwith admiration as he caught sight of the beautiful stranger, but hecame directly to her, and asked, genially, if there was anything elseshe would like. 

"Yes. Who is that girl yonder?"

"Miss Wildmere. Isn't she lovely? She promised me, last week, herfirst dance for this evening. Will you excuse me for a little while?"

"Certainly;" and yet she was conscious of a sudden and odd littleprotest at heart. 

He approached the beauty. Miss Wildmere's face flushed with pleasureand softened into a welcoming smile, such as she had not yet bestowedupon any who had sought her favor. Then, in swift alternation, shebent upon Madge a brief, cold glance of scrutiny. So brief was it, andso complacent was the expression of the belle as she turned away, thatthe pallid, sensitive girl was told, as by words, "You are nothing. "

That glance was like a sharp, deep wound, and pierced where shewas most vulnerable. It said to her, "You are not capable of beinganything to Graydon Muir. I am not in the least afraid of you. "

What was she to him? What did she wish to be? To these questions Madgehad but one answer. Any and every girl, in her belief, would be onlytoo glad to win him. He had said that Miss Wildmere was lovely; hiseyes had expressed an admiration which he had never bestowed upon her;he had led the beauty away with a glad content in his face, and thecrowded room was made empty by their absence. 

She was no longer conscious of weakness, but, obeying her impulse, sprang up and followed them to the ballroom. Concealed by a littlegroup she stood, unwearied, and watched them as they glided hither andthither with a grace that attracted many eyes. The music appeared tocontrol and animate them, and their motion was harmony itself. Graydonevidently thought only of his fair partner; but her swift glances wereeverywhere, gathering the rich revenue of admiration which was freelyoffered. For a second she encountered Madge's large black eyes, fullof trouble, and a satirical smile proved that she enjoyed the poorgirl's solicitude. To deepen it she looked up at Graydon and saidsomething that caused his face to flush with pleasure. His responsewas more decisive, for the swift color came into her face, and hereyes drooped. The by-play was momentary, and would not have beenseen by a less vigilant observer than Madge; but to her it gave theundoubted impression that they were lovers. When Miss Wildmere lookedagain to see the result of her unkindly strategy, Madge was gone. 

In reaction she had grown almost faint, and reached her former retreatwith difficulty. But all her latent womanhood speedily rallied tomeet this strange and but half-comprehended emergency. The impulse nowuppermost was to retain her self-control and reach the seclusion ofher own room. How she was to endure the long hours she scarcely knew. She did not dare to think. Indeed, the effort was scarcely possible, for her mind was at first in tumult, with only one thing clear, apoignant sense of loss and trouble. 

Graydon was a long time away, longer than he had ever been before whenacting as her escort. While she felt this neglect, and interpreted itnaturally, she was not sorry. She dreaded meeting him again. In onebrief hour her old ease and freedom with him had gone. She wondered atthe change in herself, yet knew that it was as definite and decided asif she had become another person. When be had brought her the glassof water she could look into his face with the frank directness of achild. Why could she not do so now? Why did she almost tremble at thethought of his glance, his touch, his presence? She knew that he wouldcome back with his old genial, kindly manner--that he would bethe same. But a change had occurred in her which made the fabledtransmutations of magic wands seem superficial indeed. Would he notethis change? Could he guess the cause? Oh, what _was_ the cause? Evenher pale face grew crimson, for there are truths that come to theconsciousness like the lightning from heaven. She did not need tothink, to weigh and reason. A woman's heart is often above and beyondher reason, and hers had been awakened at last by the all-powerfultouch of love. 

The time passed, and still Graydon did not come. He was not absentvery long, and yet it began to seem terribly long to her. She hadoverrated her powers, and found that even pride could not sustain her. She had no reserve of strength to draw upon. The heat of the room grewoppressive, and she was unaccustomed to throngs, confusion, and noise. The consciousness of her weakness was forced upon her most painfullyat last by the appearance of Miss Wildmere on Graydon's arm. Thebelle was smiling, radiant, her step elastic, her eyes shining withexcitement and pleasure. Her practiced scrutiny had assured her thatshe was the queen of the hour; the handsomest and most courtly manpresent was so devoted as to suggest that he might easily become alover; she had seen many glances of envy, and one, in the case of poorMadge, of positive pain. What more could her heart desire? Graydonconducted her to her chaperon, near whom half a dozen gentlemen werewaiting for a chance to be his successor; and, having obtainedher promise for another dance later in the evening, he turneddeprecatingly to Madge. His apologies ceased before they were halfspoken. She looked so white and ill that he was alarmed, and askedpermission to get her a glass of wine. 

"No, Graydon, " she said, then hesitated, for she felt the color cominginto her face, while a strange blur confused every object in the room. "I'm very, very sorry, " she added, hastily, after a moment. "I oughtnot to have come. I'm not equal to this. It wouldn't take you verylong to drive home with me, and then you could return. Please, Graydon. "

Her tone was so urgent, and she appeared so weak, that he complied atonce, saying, with much compunction, "I should not have left you aloneso long, but supposed you were amusing yourself by looking at thepeople. "

She did not trust herself to reply. Her one thought was to reach therefuge of her own apartment, and to this end she concentrated herfailing energies. The climb to the ladies' dressing-room was adesperate effort; but when she was once outside the house the cold, pure air revived her slightly. 

"You can excuse me to our hostess--she will not care, " she faltered, and it seemed to her then that nobody would care. Miss Wildmere'sglance had conveyed the estimate of society. If she could believeherself first in Graydon's thoughts she would not be cast down, butnow the truth was overwhelming. 

She leaned away from him in the corner of the carriage, but he put hisstrong arm round her and drew her to his breast. She tried to resist, but was powerless. Then came the torturing thought, "If I repelhim--if I act differently--he will guess the reason, " and she waspassive; but he felt her slight form tremble. 

"My poor little ghost, you are ill in very truth! I'm indeed sorrythat I left you so long. "

"Believe me, Graydon, I am ill. Please let that excuse me and explain. Oh, that I--I were strong, like Miss Wildmere!"

"Isn't she a beauty?" exclaimed the unconscious Graydon. "The man whowins her might well be proud, for he would have competitors by thescore. "

"Your chances seem excellent, " said Madge, in a low tone. 

He laughed complacently, but added: "You don't know these societybelles. They can show a great deal of favor to more than one fellow, yet never permit themselves to be pinned by a definite promise. Theyare harder to catch and hold than a wild Bedouin; but such a girl asMiss Wildmere is worth the effort. Yes, Madge, I do wish you were likeher. It would be grand sport to champion you in society and see yourun amuck among the fellows. It's a thousand pities that you are suchan invalid. I've thought more than once that you were designed to be abeauty. With your eyes and Stella Wildmere's health you would be quiteas effective after your style as she is in hers. Never mind, littlesister, I shall stand by you, and as long as I live you shall alwayshave a luxurious sofa, with all the novels of the northern hemisphereat your command. Who knows? You may grow strong one of these days. When you do I'll pick out the nice fellows for you. "

At every kindly word her heart grew heavier, and when the carriagestopped at their door she could hardly mount the steps. In the hallshe faltered and caught the hat-rack for support. He lifted her inhis arms and bore her easily to her room, her sister following in muchsolicitude. "It's nothing, " said Madge; "the company was too large andexciting for me. There was no need of Graydon's carrying me upstairs, but he would do it. "

"You poor dear!" began her sister, broodingly. "I feared it would beso. Graydon is made of iron, and will never realize how delicate youare. "

"He's very kind, and more considerate than I deserve. As he says, " sheadded, bitterly, "I'm nothing but a ghost, and had better vanish. "

"Nonsense, Madge, " said the young man, with brusque kindness. "Youknow I want you to haunt me always. Good-by now, little sister. Ishall be _de trop_ if I stay any longer. You'll be better in themorning, and to-morrow evening I'll remain home and entertain you. "

CHAPTER III

THE PARTING

At last Madge was alone. Her sister had suggested everything she couldthink of, meanwhile bewailing the young girl's extreme imprudence. Madge entreated for quiet and rest, and at last was left alone. Hourafter hour she lay with wide, fixed gaze. Her mind and imaginationdid not partake of her physical weakness, and now they were abnormallyactive. As the bewilderment from the shock of her abrupt awakeningpassed, the truth hourly grew clearer. From the time she had firstcome under her sister's roof Graydon Muir had begun to make himselfessential to her. His uniform kindness had created trust, freedom, anda content akin to happiness. Now all was swept away. She understoodthat his love was an affection resulting from pity and the strong, genial forces of his nature. The girl who could kindle his spirit andinspire the best and most enthusiastic efforts of his manhood must belike Miss Wildmere--strong, beautiful, capable of keeping step withhim under society's critical eyes, and not a mere shadow of a womanlike herself. Her morbidly acute fancy recalled the ballroom. She sawhim again after his return, encircling the fair girl with his arm, andlooking down into her eyes with a meaning unmistakable. Oh, why hadshe gone to that fatal party! The past, in contrast to the present andthe promise of the future, seemed happiness itself. 

What could she do? What should she do? The more she thought of itthe more unendurable her position appeared. In her vividself-consciousness the old relations could not continue. Heretoforehis caresses had been a matter of course, of habit. They could be sono longer. She shrank from them with inexpressible fear, knowing theywould bring what little blood she possessed to her face and very browin tell-tale floods. The one event from which her sensitive womanhooddrew back in deepest dread was his knowledge of her love. To preventthis she would rather die, and she felt so weak and despairing thatshe thought and almost hoped she would die. If she could only go away, where she would not see him, and hide her wound! But how could she, chained near his daily presence by weakness and helplessness?

Thus through the long night her despairing thoughts went to and fro, and found no rest. Miss Wildmere's cold glance met her everywhere withthe assurance that such a creature as she could never be anything tohim, and, alas! his own words confirmed the verdict. Love that givesall demands all, and such pitiful affection as he now gave was only amockery. The morning found her too weak to leave her room, and forthe few following days she made illness her excuse for remaining inseclusion. As Graydon looked ruefully at her vacant chair the fourthevening after the company, Mrs. Muir remarked, reproachfully, "I hopeyou now realize how delicate Madge is. You never should have coaxedher to go to that party. "

He was filled with compunction, and brought her flowers, boxes ofcandy, books, and everything which he imagined would amuse her. At thesame time he was growing a little impatient and provoked. He knewthat he had taken her from the kindest motives. Now that she gave uputterly to her invalidism, he was inclined to question its necessity. He found that he missed her more than he would have imagined, and hisbrief hours at home were dreary by reason of her seclusion. 

"Why don't you call in a first-class physician and put Madge undera thorough course of treatment?" he asked, irritably. "She has nodisease now that I know anything about, and I don't believe it'snecessary that she should remain so weak and lackadaisical. "

"We did have our doctor call often, and he said she would outgrow hertroubles if she would take plenty of fresh of fresh air and exercise. And now she positively refuses to see a physician. "

"I wouldn't humor a sick girl's fancies. She needs tonics and ageneral building up. With your permission I'll stop on my way downtownto-morrow and tell Dr. Anderson to call. "

Mrs. Muir repeated the conversation to her sister, with theliteralness of which only unimaginative women are capable. Madgeturned her face to the wall, and said, coldly and decisively, "Irefuse to see a physician. I am no longer a child, and my wishes mustbe respected. " After a moment she added, apologetically: "A doctorcould do me no good. I shall soon be stronger. You understand mebetter than Dr. Anderson can. You are the best and kindest nurse thatever breathed, and I've had enough of doctors. I'll take anything yougive me. "

These politic words appealed to Mrs. Muir's weak point. Nothingpleased her better than to believe that she could act the part ofphysician in the family, and prescribing for Madge was a source ofunflagging interest. When she informed Graydon of their decision inthe morning, he muttered something not very complimentary to either ofthe ladies; but his good-nature prevailed, and instead of the doctorhe ordered a superb bouquet of Jacqueminot roses. 

Meanwhile events were taking place of which Madge had no knowledge, but which would favor the plan slowly maturing in her mind. Mr. Muir'sbusiness affairs had been taking a turn which made it probable thathe would soon have to send his brother abroad. As long as there wasuncertainty the reticent man said nothing, but at last he receivedadvices which brought him to a prompt decision, and Graydon was toldthat he must go at once. The young fellow submitted with fairlygood grace. A brief foreign residence had its attractions, but itinterfered with his incipient suit to Miss Wildmere. He felt that hehad not gone far enough for a definite proposal, but he showed, duringthe brief call that his time permitted, an interest which the younglady well understood. Since he was to be absent for an indefiniteperiod, and would have no chance to observe her other little affairs, she permitted herself to be gracious and regretful up to the point ofinspiring much hope for the future. With a nicety of tact--the resultof experience--she confirmed his view that they had made favorableimpressions on each other, and that for the present they must becontent with this. 

He had but a day in which to make his preparations in order to catcha fast steamer that sailed at daylight the following morning. Madge'sfirst sensation when she learned of his near departure was one ofimmense relief. The possibility which she had so dreaded could notnow be realized, and her plan could be carried out with far lessembarrassment. But as time passed, and she knew that their separationwas so near, her heart relented toward him with inexpressibletenderness. The roses that perfumed the room were a type of hisunstinted kindness and consideration. She was just enough toacknowledge that these were even more than she could naturally expectfrom him--that the majority of young men would have treated her witha half contemptuous pity which she was now beginning to admit wouldbe partially deserved. On the occasions when she had gone out with himshe had learned how unattractive in society her pale face and shy wayswere. Such attentions as she had received had been to her sensitivespirit like charity. Graydon had been animated by unaffected good-willand an affection that was, after its kind, genuine. While shefelt that it would be no longer possible to receive these mildmanifestations of regard while giving something so different, shestill knew, with a half despairing sinking of heart, how blank anddesolate her life would be without them. She must meet him once more, and word was sent that she would receive his good-by after dinner. Having safely passed this one interview, she hoped that she might beable to control the future, and either cease to be, or bring aboutchanges upon which she had resolved. 

Only a soft, dim light shone in her room when he came to say farewell. 

"Why, Madge, " he exclaimed, "you are better! You actually have color. Perhaps it is fever, though, " he added, dubiously. "At any rate, it'svery becoming. "

"I think it must be the reflection from your roses there, youextravagant fellow, " she replied, laughing. 

"That's famous, Madge. If you will laugh again like that I'll sendyou a present from Paris. Dear Madge, do get well. Don't let us haveanything dismal in our parting. It's only for a little while, youknow. When I come back it will be summer, and I'll take you to theseashore or mountains or somewhere, and help you get well. "

"You are very kind, Graydon. You have been a true brother to me fromthe time you tried to cheer and encourage the pale, frightened littlegirl that sat opposite you at the dinner-table. Don't you remember?"

"Of course I do. It seemed so droll to me that you were afraid whenthere was nothing to be afraid of. "

"My fear was natural. Little as I know of the world, I know that--atleast for one like me. It may seem weak and silly to you, but, broughtup as I had been, I was morbidly sensitive. You might have meant tobe kind and sympathetic and all that, and yet have hurt me cruelly. I have been out with you enough to know how I am regarded. I don'tcomplain. I suppose it is the way of the world, but it has not beenyour way. You have brought sunshine from the first, not from a senseof duty, not out of sheer humiliating pity, but because it was theimpulse of your strength to help and cheer one who was so weak, andif--if--anything--Well, I want you to know before you go away that Iappreciate it all and shall never forget it. "

"Oh, come, Madge, don't talk so dismally. What do you mean by'if--if--anything'? You are going to get strong and well, and we willopen the campaign together next fall. "

She shook her head, but asked, lightly, "How will Miss Wildmere endureyour absence?"

"Easier than you, I imagine. She knows how to console herself. Still, as my little sister, I will tell you in confidence that she was verykind in our parting interview. How much her kindness meant only sheherself knows, and I've been in society long enough to know that itmay mean very little. "

"Are you so wholly bent upon winning her, Graydon?"

"Oh, you little Mother Eve! You are surely going to get well. There isno sign of longevity in a woman so certain as curiosity. I've not yetreached the point of breaking my heart about her, whatever she does. Wouldn't you like so beautiful a creature for your sister?"

"The contrast would be too great. I should indeed seem a ghostbeside her. Still, if she would make you happy--" But she could go nofurther. 

"Well, well, that's a very uncertain problem of the future. Don't sayanything about it at home. My brother don't like her father. They donot get on well in business. Let us talk about yourself. What are yougoing to do while I am gone?"

"What can such a shadow as I do? Tell me rather what you are goingto do, and where you'll be. You are real, and what you do amounts tosomething. "

"There's one thing I'm going to do, and that is, write you some jollyletters that will make you laugh in spite of yourself. They will bepart of the tonic treatment that I want you to promise me to begin atonce. "

"I have already entered upon it, Graydon, " she said, quietly, "and Idon't think any one will value your letters more than I, only I maynot get strong enough to write very much in reply. I've never hadoccasion to write many letters, you know. Tell me where you will beand what you are going to do, " and she leaned back upon her lounge andclosed her eyes. 

While he complied, he thought, "She has grown pale and thin even toghastliness, yet I was sure she had color when I first came in. Poorlittle thing! perhaps her fears are well founded, and I may neversee her again;" and the good-hearted fellow was full of tender andremorseful regret. He was quite as fond of her as if she had been hisown sister, perhaps even more so, for his affection was not merely theresult of a natural tie, but of something congenial to his nature inthe girl herself, and it cut him to the heart to see her so white andfrail. He stopped a moment, and she opened her eyes and looked at himinquiringly. 

"Oh, Madge, " he broke out, "I'm so sorry I took you to that confoundedparty. You seemed getting on hopefully until that blasted evening. You must get well enough to haunt me after your old fashion. You don'tknow what a dear little sister you have become, and I didn't know itmyself until you were secluded by illness, and all through my fault. You have barricaded yourself long enough with that stand and its vaseof roses. I'm not going to say good-by at this distance. " He removedthe stand, and seating himself by her side, he drew her head downupon his shoulder and kissed her again and again. "There now, " hecontinued, "you look perfectly lovely. Kisses are a part of the tonictreatment you need, and I wish I were going to be here to give them. Why, you queer little woman! I did not know you had so much blood inyour body. "

"It's--it's because I'm not strong, " she said, struggling for release. Suddenly she became still, her face took on almost the hue of death, and he saw that she was unconscious. 

In terrible alarm he laid her hastily on the lounge, and rushed forMrs. Muir. 

"She has merely fainted, " said that experienced woman, after amoment's examination. "You never will learn, Graydon, that Madge isnot as strong as yourself. Call one of the maids, and leave her tome. "

That was the last time he saw Madge Alden for more than two years. Shesoon rallied, but agreed with her sister that it would be best notto see him again. She sent him one of his own roses, with the simplemessage, "Good-by. "

Late at night he went down to the steamer, depressed and anxious, carrying with him the vivid memory of Madge lying white and death-likewhere he had laid her apparently lifeless form. 

"I shall never see her again, " he muttered. "Such weakness must bemortal. "

CHAPTER IV

EFFORT

The deep experience, the touchstone of character, of latent power, if such existed, had come to Madge Alden. For days she had driftedhelplessly on the rising tide of an apparently hopeless love. Withevery hour she comprehended more fully what Graydon Muir had becometo her and all that he might have been. It seemed that she had beencarried forward by a strong, quiet current, only to be wrecked atlast. A sense of utter helplessness overwhelmed her. She could notignore her love; it had become interwoven with every interest andfibre of her life. At first she contemplated it in wonder, in deeplytroubled and alarmed perplexity. It was a momentous truth, that hadsuddenly been made known as some irretrievable misfortune mighthave been revealed. She had read of love as children hear of mentalanxieties and conflicts of which they have no comprehension. As shegrew older it had been like poetry, music, romance--something thatkindled her imagination into vague, pleasant dreams. It had been asremote from the present and her own experience as lives of adventurein strange and foreign lands. She had awakened at last to find thatit was like her vital breath. By some law of her nature she had given, not merely her thoughts and affection, but her very self to another. To her dismay it made no difference that he had not sought the giftand was not even aware of it. Circumstances over which she had nocontrol had brought her into close companionship with Graydon Muir. She had seen him almost daily for years; she knew him with theintimacy of a sister, yet without the safeguard of a natural tie; andfrom his genial kindness she had drawn almost all the life she hadever possessed. With an unconsciousness akin to that of a plant whichtakes root and thrives upon finding a soil adapted to it, her love hadbeen developed by his strong, sunny nature. She soon recognized thatit was a love such as she had never known, unlike that for her motheror sister or any one else, and it seemed to her that it could passaway only with herself. It was not a vague sentiment, an indefinitelonging; it was the concentrated and imperious demand of her wholebeing, which, denied, left little indeed, even were the whole worldhers. Yet such were the cruel conditions of her lot that she couldnot speak of it even to one whose head had been pillowed on the samemother's breast, and the thought that it might be discovered byits object made her turn cold with dread. It was a holy thing--thespontaneous product of an unperverted heart--and yet she must hide itas if it were a crime. 

Above all the trouble and turmoil of her thoughts, clear and definiteamid the chaos brought into her old quiet, languid life, wasthe impulse--the necessity--to conceal that which had become themainspring of her existence. She had not the experience of one versedin the ways of the world. How could others--how could he--be kept inignorance of that of which she was so painfully and vividly conscious?Therefore, overwhelmed with dread and a sense of helplessness, sheyielded to her first impulse to hide, in order that what seemedinseparable from herself might be concealed. 

But she knew that this seclusion could not last--that she must meetthis first and great emergency of her life in some other way. From thestrong wish to obtain safety in separation, a plan to bring it aboutgradually took form in her mind. She must escape, either to live orto die, before her secret became known; and in casting about for themeans, she at last thought of a family who had been the kindest ofneighbors in the village where her mother had died. Mr. Wayland andhis wife had been the truest and most sympathetic of friends to thewidow and her orphan children, and Madge felt that she could be athome with them. Mrs. Wayland's prolonged ill-health had induced herhusband to try, in her behalf, the remedy of an entire change of airand climate. Therefore they had removed, some years before, to SantaBarbara, on the Pacific coast. The signal success of the experimentnow kindled a glimmer of hope in poor Madge. That remote citycertainly secured the first requisites--separation and distance--andthe fact that her friend found health and vigor in the semi-tropicalresort promised a little for her frail young life. She had few fearsthat her old friends would not welcome her, and she was in a positionto entail no burdens, even though she should remain an invalid. 

The practical question was, How should she get there? But the moreshe thought upon the plan the more attractive it grew. The situationseemed so desperate that she was ready for a desperate remedy. Toremain weak, helpless, and in perpetual dread was impossible. 

Her mind also was clear and strong enough for self-arraignment, andin bitterness she partially condemned herself that she had lost herchance for happiness. Her conscience had often troubled her that shehad given up so weakly to the habit of invalidism, but she had neverhad sufficient motive for the vigorous and sustained effort essentialto overcome it. Indeed, her frailty had seemed a claim upon Graydon, and made it more natural for him to pet her. Now that she was thinkingdeeply, she was compelled to admit that her ill health was to someextent her fault as well as her misfortune. Circumstances, naturalindolence, and her sister's extreme indulgence had brought about acondition of life that propagated itself. One languid day was theparent of another, it was so much easier to dawdle than to act. Thusshe had lost her opportunity. If he had won health, even Graydonsaid it would have brought her beauty. She might have secured hisadmiration, respect, and even love, instead of his pity. What could bemore absurd than to imagine that he could give aught else to one likeherself? "Oh, what a blind fool I have been!" she moaned--"blindto the wants of my own heart, blind to the truth that a man needs astrong, genial companion, and not a dependent shadow. "

Graydon's sudden departure took from her project many obstacles andembarrassments. She was not afraid of her sister or her remonstrances, and felt that she could convince Mr. Muir that the change gave thebest promise for the future. Graydon's objections would have been hardto meet. He might have been led to guess her motive or insist onbeing her escort. Now it was merely a question of gaining sufficientstrength for the journey and of being resolute. 

Mrs. Muir's opposition was not so great as Madge had feared, and Mr. Muir even approved of the plan. The shrewd merchant's judgment wasusually correct on all practical matters, and he believed that Madge'sbest chance was in a radical change. He saw that his wife's indulgencetended to confirm her sister's lack of energy, and that it would bebest for Madge to spend the next few years with one who had regainedher health by wise endeavor. Mrs. Muir soon saw everything as herhusband viewed it, and the young girl prepared for a new world and anew life. 

It was indeed a wise decision. There could be no more aimless driftingand brooding. A telegram to Mr. Wayland brought immediate acquiescencein the project, which was arranged more in detail by letters. Madgestrove in every possible way to fit herself for the journey, and wassurprised at her success. Better than all tonics was the diversion ofher thoughts, the prospect of change, the necessity for action. In herthoughtful prudence she even satisfied Mrs. Muir's solicitude, for theyoung girl realized more fully every day how much depended upon herplan. It seemed to her that there could be no greater misfortune thanto become so ill again that in helplessness she must await Graydon'sreturn. Therefore, every faculty of mind, every power of body, wasexerted to accomplish her purpose; and, while her farewell toher sister and Mr. Muir was tender and full of gratitude, theconsciousness of escape was uppermost in her mind. An elderly friendof Mr. Muir would be her escort to San Francisco, and in that city Mr. Wayland was to meet her. 

She arrived safely at her far-distant home, greatly worn and exhaustedindeed, but calm in mind from a sense of security. Mrs. Waylandgreeted her with her old-time cordiality, and gave herself heartily tothe task of rallying the frail girl into health. 

During the days of absolute rest which followed the journey, Madge'sthoughts were busy. The width of the continent would separate herfrom the past and those associated with it. Both the breadth of thecontinent and the ocean were between her and him from whom she hadfled; yet he was ever present to her imagination. In this respect theintervening miles counted for nothing. She had not hoped that theywould. She could conceive of no plan of life that left him out, yetshe felt that she must have some object to look forward to, somemotive for action. The spirit she had recently shown in taking sodecisive a step proved her to possess a latent force of character ofwhich she herself had not been conscious. She would not sit down todream and brood away the future. She could never hope for GraydonMuir's love. He would soon return to New York, and the idea thatMiss Wildmere or any other girl would remain cold to his suit waspreposterous. Yet if she lived she must meet Graydon again, and shenow felt that she would live. The decision she had manifested at thecrisis of her life was kindling her nature. She was conscious of agrowing inclination to prove to Graydon that she was neither "weaknor lackadaisical. " The reproach of these, his words, haunted her andrankled in her memory. If she could only make him respect her--if shecould only win such a look of admiration as she had seen upon his facewhen he first recognized Miss Wildmere at the party, it would be atriumph indeed. 

Thus a new plan, a new hope, was developed, and became the inspirationof effort. She listened unweariedly as Mrs. Wayland related how shehad turned the tide of her ebbing vitality. Thus Madge gained thebenefit of another's experience. Little by little she sought toincrease her slender resources of strength. The superb climate enabledher to live almost in the open air, and each day she exulted over anincrease of vigor. Almost everything favored her in her new home. When she was well enough to go out much the strangers had gone, andeverything in the town was restful, yet not enervating. The Waylands, while on the best terms with other permanent residents, were notsociety people. Mrs. Wayland had become satisfied with that phase oflife in her youth. Her husband was a reader, a student, and somethingof a naturalist. The domestic habits which had been formed while Mrs. Wayland was an invalid still clung to them. While never ceasing to bekind neighbors, they were more than content with books, nature, andeach other. Madge therefore had access to a very fine library, and thecompanionship of intellectual people who had known from contact thepresent world, and in whose cultivated minds dwelt the experiences ofthe past. Her friends were in the habit of discussing what theyread, and the basis of much of their enjoyment--as of all truecompanionship--was harmonious disagreement. Thus the young girl wasinsensibly taught to think for herself and to form her own opinions. They also proved admirable guides in directing her reading. She feltthat she had read enough for mere amusement, and now determined tobecome familiar with the great master-minds, so far as she was capableof following them, and to inform herself on those subjects which Mr. Wayland declared essential to an education. 

If circumstances within doors were conducive to mental growth, thosewithout were even more favorable to physical development. The salt airand softly tempered sunshine were perpetual tonics. The place was fullof exquisite flowers. She felt that she had never seen roses until shecame to Santa Barbara. To a wounded, sensitive spirit there is evena healing influence in the brightness and perfume of flowers. Theysmiled so sweetly at her that she could not help smiling back. Thesunny days passed, one so like another that they begot serenity. Theeven climate, with its sunny skies, tended to inspirit as well as toinvigorate. Almost every day she spent hours in driving and sailing, and as the season advanced she began to take ocean baths, which onthat genial coast are suitable almost all the year round. Going thusto nature for healing, she did not appeal in vain. Strength andgrace were bestowed imperceptibly, yet surely, as spring clothes theleafless tree. 

A love such as had grown unbidden and unconsciously in Madge's heartcould not be content with the meagre reward of a little admiration. Such an affection was softening and ennobling in its character, andthe mere desire to compel Graydon to glance at her as she had seen himlook at Miss Wildmere grew into the higher ambition to become such awoman as would approach in some degree his ideal. She knew his tastes, and as she thought over the past she believed she could gauge hischaracter as could no other. She soon recognized that he was not anexceptional man, that she was not worshipping a hero. He himselfwould be the last one to claim pre-eminence among his fellows. But hisgenial, open nature, his physical strength, and his generous, kindlyimpulses made him an eminently lovable man, and--well, she loved him, and believed she ever should. Frail and defective in almost everyrespect herself, she would have thought it absurd to cherish somelofty and impossible ideal. He was hearty, wholesome, honest, andshe soon began to see that it would be a better and a nobler thing--anearer approach to happiness--to become a woman whom he could trustand respect than merely to win a little admiration as a tribute toephemeral beauty. 

She would attain beauty if she could, but it should be the appendage, the ornament of mind and character. She, who had seemed to himweakness itself, would aim to suggest eventually that noblest phase ofstrength--woman's patience and fortitude. 

It must not be supposed that Madge reached these conclusions in days, weeks, or even months. Her final purposes were the result of slow, half-conscious growth. Right, brave action produced right feeling, andthere are few better moral tonics than developing health. With richer, better blood came truer, higher, and more unselfish thoughts. Shefound that she could not only live, but that vigorous, well-directedlife is in itself enjoyment. It was a pleasure to breathe the pure, balmy air, even when reclining in a carriage or a sail-boat, and asshe gained strength sufficient for exercise, she soon became aware ofthe rich physical rewards that wait upon it. Slowly at first, but withan increasing impetus, she advanced toward health, the conditionof all genuine life. She at last exchanged her carriage for asaddle-horse. 

Mr. Wayland had one taste in which his wife did not share--a lovefor horseback exercise, which, indeed, was one of the chiefcharacteristics of the community. Madge knew that Graydon wasextremely fond of a good horse, and that he rode superbly. To becomehis equal therefore in this respect was one of the chief dreams ofher ambition. It was with almost a sense of terror that she mounted atfirst, but Mr. Wayland was considerate. Her horse was only permittedto walk, and she was taken off as soon as she was weary. Confidenceincreased rapidly, and eventually she became fearless and almosttireless. The beach was like a smooth, hard road-bed, and before thesummer was over she thought little of a gallop of ten miles, with thebreath of the Pacific fanning her cheek. When Mr. Wayland drove withhis wife up through Mission and Hot Springs cañons, or eight milesaway to the exquisitely beautiful Bartlett Cañon and the fine adjacentranches, she accompanied them on horseback. As she flashed along pastdate-palms, and through lemon and orange groves, she began to appearsemi-tropical herself. She also became Mr. Wayland's companion on hisbotanizing expeditions, and her steps among the rocks of the foothillsand on the slopes of the mountains grew surer, lighter, and moreunwearied. Color stole into her face, and a soft fire into her darkeyes when animated. Mrs. Wayland looked on with increasing delight, and thought, "She is growing very beautiful. I wonder if she knowsit?"

Indeed she knew it well. What young girl does not? But Madge had amotive for knowledge of which Mrs. Wayland did not dream. In the mainthe girl was her own physician, and observed her symptoms closely. Sheknew well what beauty was. Her vivid fancy would at any time recallMiss Wildmere as a living presence; therefore her standard wasexceedingly high, and she watched her approach to it as to a distantand eagerly sought goal. Other eyes gave assurance that her ownwere not deceiving her. The invalid on whom at first but brief andcommiserating glances had been bestowed was beginning to be followedby admiring observation. Society recognized her claims, and shewas gaining even more attention than she desired. As her strengthincreased she accepted invitations, and permitted the circle of heracquaintance to widen. It was part of her plan to become as muchat home in the social world as Graydon himself. Nor was she long inovercoming a diffidence that had been almost painful. In one sensethese people were to her simply a means to an end. She cared so littlefor them that she was not afraid, and had merely to acquire the easewhich results from usage. Diffidence soon passed into a shy grace thatwas indefinable and yet became a recognized trait. The least approachto loudness and aggressiveness in manner was not only impossible toher, but she also possessed the refinement and tact of which onlyextremely sensitive natures are capable. A vain, selfish woman is sopreoccupied with herself that she does not see or care what othersare, or are thinking of, unless the facts are obtruded upon her;another, with the kindest intentions, may not be able to see, and soblunders lamentably; but Madge was so finely organized that each onewho approached her made a definite impression, and without consciouseffort she responded--not with a conventional and stereotypedpoliteness, but with an appreciative courtesy which, as she gainedconfidence and readiness of expression, gave an unfailing charm to hersociety. With few preconceived and arbitrary notions of her own sheaccepted people as they were, and made the most of them. Of coursethere were some in whom even the broadest charity could find little toapprove; but it was her purpose to study and understand them and loseforever the unsophisticated ignorance at which Graydon had used tolaugh. 

Santa Barbara was a winter resort, and she had the advantage ofmeeting many types. In Mrs. Wayland she had a useful mentor. Thislady in her younger days had been familiar with the best phases ofmetropolitan society, and she counteracted in Madge all tendenciestoward provincialism. Thus it gradually became recognized that the"shy, sickly little girl, " as she had been characterized at first, wasgrowing into a very attractive young woman. Indeed, after an absenceof only a year her own sister would scarcely have recognized her. 

CHAPTER V

ACHIEVEMENT

Mrs. Muir of course heard often from her sister, and was satisfiedwith the general assurance that she was better and steadily improving. Madge, however, was rather indefinite in her information. As timepassed, the idea of giving her friends in the East a surprise tookpossession of her fancy. She instinctively felt that she needed everyincentive to pursue the course she had resolved upon, since she oftensuffered from fits of depression hard to combat. The hope of appearinglike a new being to her relatives was another innocent motive for herlong-prolonged effort. Circumstances had never developed epistolarytastes in the sisters, and they were content with brief missivescontaining general assurances that all was well. Mrs. Muir was one ofthose ladies who become engrossed with the actual and the present. HadMadge been in her old room she would have been looked after with dailysolicitude; being absent, she was loved none the less, but was simplycrowded from thought and memory by swarms of little cares. She wasdoing well, and her sister was satisfied. "'It's a wonderful climate, 'Madge writes, " she would say, "so even and dry. Madge doesn't takecold as she did here, and can go out nearly every day. Perhaps weought to become reconciled to the fact that she will have to livethere always, since here, with our sudden changes, she could scarcelylive at all. "

With the kindliest intentions Graydon had sought to initiate avigorous correspondence. He had learned with immense relief of Madge'simprovement through change of residence, and he felt that a series ofjolly letters might bring aid and hopefulness. Her responses were notvery encouraging, however, and business cares, with the noveltyof foreign life, gradually absorbed his thoughts and time untilcorrespondence languished and died. 

"It's the old story, " he thought, with a shade of irritation. "Letterscost effort, and she is not equal to effort, or thinks she is not. "

If he could have seen Madge at that moment riding like the wind on aspirited horse he would have been more astonished than by any of thewonders of the old world. 

To Madge his letters were a source of mingled pain and pleasure, butthe former predominated. In every line they breathed an affectionwhich could never satisfy. Coldness or indifference could not haveso assured her that her love was hopeless; and when she sat down toreply, the language of her heart was so unlike that which she mustwrite as to make her feel almost guilty of deliberate deception. Correspondence made him too vividly present, and she was learning thatshe had the power, not of forgetting him, but of so occupying hermind with tasks for his sake as to attain serenity. The days weremade short by efforts of which he deemed her incapable, and wearinessbrought rest at night. But when she sat down with her pen, confrontinghim and not what she sought to do for him, her heart sank. He was toonear and dear, yet too remote, even for hope. 

This emotion is, however, the most hardy of plants, and although shehad often assured herself that she had never entertained it or had anyreason to do so, almost before she was aware she found it growing inher heart. Business still kept Graydon abroad, although a year hadpassed. There were no indications that he was pressing his suit withMiss Wildmere, and our heroine's mirror and the eyes of others beganto tell her that the confident belle would not now bestow a glance socold and indifferent as to mean, "You can be nothing to him or to anyone. " Moreover, Miss Wildmere's coveted beauty might prove an ally. One so attractive would be sought, perhaps won, before Graydonreturned, and absence might have taught him that his regard had beenlittle more than admiration. Naturally Madge would not be inclinedto think well of one who had brought so cruel an experience into herlife; but, prejudice apart, the society girl had given evidence of atype of womanhood not very high. Even Graydon, in his allusions, hadsuggested a character repulsive to Madge. A woman "as hard to captureand hold as a 'Bedouin'" was not at all her ideal. The words presentedto her one who was either calculating or capricious, either heartlessor fickle. 

"Truly, " she thought, "if there was ever a man who meritedwhole-hearted, lifelong constancy, it is Graydon Muir; and if he evenimagines Miss Wildmere incapable of this, why should he think furtherof her? Perhaps while beyond the spell of her beauty he has formed atruer estimate of her character, and has abandoned all thought of heras a mocking dream. Perhaps--"

Of what possibilities will not a young girl dream at the dictationof her heart? And as she saw the sharp lines of her profile softeninginto loveliness, the color fluctuating in her cheeks even at herthoughts, her thin, feeble arms growing white and firm, and therounded grace of womanhood appearing in all her form, she began tohope that she could endure comparison with Miss Wildmere, even onher lower plane of material beauty. But Madge had too much mind tobe content with Miss Wildmere's standard. She coveted outwardattractiveness chiefly that the casket might secure attention to itsgems. The days of languid, desultory reading and study were over, andshe determined to know at least a few things well. 

It was to music, however, that she gave her chief attention, since shebelieved that for this art she had some positive talent A German inthe pursuit of health had drifted to the remote southern city. He waspast middle age, but had retained through numberless disappointmentsand discouragements the one enthusiasm of his life; and in Madge hefound a pupil after his own heart. While his voice had lost much ofits freshness and power, his taste was pure and refined. He kindledin the young girl's mind something of his own love and reverence formusic on its own account. To Madge, however, it would always remaina method of expression rather than a science or an art, and the oldprofessor at last learned to recognize her limitations. She would beexcellent in only those phases of music which were in accord with herown feeling and thought. She would not, perhaps could not, study itas he had done, for her woman's nature and the growing purpose of herlife were ever in the ascendant; but under his guidance her taste grewpurer and her knowledge and power increased rapidly. What she didshe learned to do well. Even Herr Brachmann was often charmed by thedelicate originality of her touch, which proved that her own thoughtand feeling were infused into the music before her. 

But her voice delighted him most. With her increasing vigor was gainedthe ability to use her vocal organs in sustained effort. He guardedher carefully against over-exertion, and her advance was assuredand safe. Note after note, true, sweet, and strong, was added to thecompass of her voice, and this exercise reacted with increased benefiton her general health. One can scarcely become a vocalist withouttoning up the vital organs, and in learning to sing Madge providedan antidote against consumptive tendencies. Her gift of song atlast began to attract attention. Strangers loitered near the WaylandCottage during warm, quiet evenings, and in society she was importunedby those who had heard her before. She usually complied, for she wastraining herself to sing before an audience of one who was familiarwith the best musical talent of the world. Not that she wished toinvite comparisons with this kind of talent, but merely to sing withsuch simple sweetness and truth that Graydon would forget the trainedprofessional in the unaffected charm of the natural girl. 

The manner of those who listened stimulated her hope. At the firstnotes of her song all conversation ceased. Even the unappreciativewere impressed by a certain pathos, an appealing minor tone, whichtouched the heart while pleasing the ear. 

During the long summer that followed her first winter at Santa Barbarathe little town sank into a semi-torpid state. Strangers disappeared. With many of the permanent residents to kill time was the main objectof languid effort. To Madge the season brought varied opportunity. Theold professor gave her much of his time. While others slept she readand studied. The heat, tempered by the vast Pacific, was nevergreat, and the air had a vitality that proved a constant aid to hercontrolling motive. In the morning she rode or took some form ofskilled exercise in which she knew Graydon to be proficient, and sherarely missed her ocean bath. Such health was she acquiring that itwas becoming a joy in itself. As with all earnest, constant natures, however, her supreme motive grew stronger with time. 

In August she received tidings from the East that caused muchsolicitude and depression. Graydon had returned for a brief visit, and had joined Mr. And Mrs. Muir at a seaside inn. "A Miss Wildmereis staying here also, " her sister wrote, "and, somewhat to Mr. Muir'sdisapproval, Graydon seems not only well acquainted with her, butunusually friendly. Mr. Muir says that if she is like her father sheis a 'speculator'; and from the attention she receives and the way shereceives it one would think he was right. Graydon, however, seems tobe her favorite, and if he could remain long enough it is not hard tosee what might happen. But she is a great belle and a coquette too, I should imagine, and she has a large enough following to turn anygirl's head. I don't wonder at it either, for she is the most lovelycreature I ever saw, and yet she doesn't make a pleasant impressionon me. The men are just wild about her. Mr. Muir looks askance atGraydon's devotion, and mutters 'speculator' when Miss Wildmere's nameis mentioned. Graydon returns to Europe next week. He inquires oftenafter you, and his questions make me feel that I don't know as muchabout you and what you are doing as I should. You write often, butsomehow you seem remote in more senses than one. I suppose, however, you are reading as usual, and just floating along down stream withtime. Well, no matter, dear. You write that you are better andstronger, and have no more of your old dreadful colds. You must spendnext summer with us, even if you have to go back to Santa Barbara inthe winter. "

Neither the shortness of his visit nor the fascinations of MissWildmere prevented Graydon from writing Madge a cordial note fullof regret that he should not see her. "You have indeed, " he wrote, "vanished like a ghost, and become but a haunting memory. It is a yearand a half since I have seen you, and I did not succeed in beguilingyou into a correspondence. Like the good Indians, you have followedthe setting sun into some region as vague and distant as the 'happyhunting-ground. ' Mary says that you will come East next summer. Theidea! Is there anything of you to come that is corporate and real? IfI had the time I would go to you and see. I find Miss Wildmere justabout where I left her, only more beautiful and fascinating, andbesieged by a host. Absence makes my chance slight indeed, but I donot despair. She so evidently enjoys a defensive warfare, wherein itis the besiegers who capitulate, that she may maintain it untilmy exile abroad is over. This is to my mind a more rationalinterpretation of her freedom than that she is waiting for me; andthus I reveal to you that modesty is my most prominent trait. She maybe married before I see her again; and should this prove to be thecase I will show you what a model of heroic equanimity I can be. "

Madge read this letter with a sigh of intense relief, and was not longin resolving that when he came again she would enter the lists withMiss Wildmere and do what her nature permitted before her chanceof happiness passed irrevocably. Graydon's letter kindled her hopegreatly. It seemed to her that she was to have a chance--that herpatient effort might receive the highest reward after all. She thankedGod for the hope. Her love was a sacred thing. It was the natural, uncalculating outgrowth of her womanhood, and was inciting her towardall womanly grace. 

Madge did not believe her motive, her purpose, to be unwomanly. Shouldthe opportunity offer, she did not intend to win Graydon by anglingfor him, by arts, blandishments, or one unmaidenly advance. She wouldtry to be so admirable that he would admire her, so true that he wouldtrust her, and so fascinating that he would woo her with a devotionthat would leave no chance for "equanimity" were it possible forhim to fail. If in her desperate weakness, in the chaos of herfirst self-knowledge, she could hide her secret, she smiled at thepossibility of revealing it now that she had been schooled and trainedinto strength and self-control. 

In her brief letter of reply to Graydon she wrote:

"That I still exist and shall continue to live is proved by my onetrait which you regard as encouraging--curiosity. Please send me somebooks that will tell me about Europe, or, rather, will present Europeas nearly as possible in its real aspect. I may never travel, but amfoolish enough to imagine that I can see the world from the standpointof this sleepy old town. "

"Poor little wraith!" said Graydon, as he read the words. "Whata queer, shadowy world her fancy will create, even from the mostrealistic descriptions I can send her!" But he good-naturedly madeup a large bundle of books, in which fiction predominated, for hebelieved that she would read nothing else. 

The days gilded on, autumn merged into winter, and strangers cameagain. Madge was acquiring an experience of which at one time she hadnever dreamed. She found herself in Miss Wildmere's position. Everyday she was put more and more on the defensive. Gentlemen eagerlysought her society, and her situation was often truly embarrassing, for she had as little desire that the besiegers should capitulateas she had intention of surrendering herself. In this respect MissWildmere's tactics were easier to carry out. _She_ was not in theleast annoyed by any number of abject and committed slaves, and shewas approaching the period when she proposed to surrender with greatdiscretion, but to whom was not a settled point. 

Madge was beginning to make victims also, but she made them by beingsimply what she was, and those who suffered most had to admit tothemselves that she was almost as elusive as a spirit of the air. 

In the spring visitors to the health resort, returning to the East, brought to the Muirs rumors of Madge's beauty, fascination, andaccomplishments. They were a little puzzled, but concluded thatMadge had appeared well in a rendezvous of invalids, and were glad tobelieve that she was much better. Prudent Mrs. Muir wrote, however, "Do not think of returning till the last of May. Then we shall soongo to the mountains. This will be another change, and change in yourcase, you know, has proved so beneficial! We expect Graydon soon. Heis tired of residence abroad, and has so arranged the business that aconfidential clerk can take his place. "

Madge smiled and sighed. The test of her patient endeavor was about tocome. 

CHAPTER VI

THE SECRET OF BEAUTY

Mr. And Mrs. Wayland had become so attached to Madge that theywere the more ready to listen to her solicitation that they shouldaccompany her East and visit their old haunts. "Very likely I shallreturn with you, " said the young girl, "and make Santa Barbara myhome. "

This indeed was her plan should defeat await her. She had becomeattached to the seaside town, as we do to all places that witnessthe soul's deepest experiences and best achievements. She had learnedthere to hope for the highest of earth's gifts; she believed that shecould live there a serene, quiet, unselfish life, her secret stillunknown, should that be her fate. 

The old German professor was almost heartbroken at her departure. "Itvas alvays so, " he said; "ven mine heart vas settled on someding, den I lose it;" but she reassured him by saying that there was nocertainty that she would not return. 

Mary Muir was so overwhelmed with astonishment that at first shescarcely returned Madge's warm embrace. She expected to find hersister much stronger and better; but this radiant, beautiful girl, half a head taller than herself--was she the shadowy creature whohad gone away with what seemed a forlorn hope? She held Madge off andlooked at her, she drew her to a mirror and looked at her again, thenexclaimed, "This is a miracle! Why did you not tell me?"

"I wished to surprise you. I did write that I was better. "

"This is not better; it is best Oh, Madge, you have grown so prettyyou almost take away my breath--all travel-stained and weary, too, from your journey! What will not Henry say? I should scarcely haveknown you. Surely now you need not go back. You are the picture ofhealth. "

"We shall see, " said Madge, quietly. "It may be best if I find thatthe East does not agree with me. " She was fully determined to keepopen her line of retreat. 

Mr. Muir, in his quiet way, enjoyed the transformation as greatlyas did his wife. He had foreseen changes for the better, but had nothoped for anything like this, he declared. 

"I just want to be near when Graydon first sees you!" exclaimedvoluble Mrs. Muir, at the dinner-table. 

The remark was unexpected, and Madge, to her dismay, found the bloodrushing to her face. Quick as thought she put her handkerchief toher mouth, and sought to escape notice under the ruse of a briefstrangulation. "This is not going to answer at all, " she thought. "Imust acquire a better self-control. " She at once began talking aboutGraydon in the most simple and natural manner possible, asking manyquestions. Mrs. Muir's intuition and powers of observation were notvery great, and she was without the faintest suspicion of what waspassing in Madge's mind. Keen-eyed, reticent Mr. Muir was not sounheeding, however. When Graydon's name was mentioned he happened toglance up from the dinner which usually absorbed his attention. Indealing with men he had acquired the habit of keen observation. Duringa business transaction his impassive face and quiet eyes gave noevidence of his searching scrutiny. He not only heard and weighedthe words to which he listened, but ever sought to follow the mentalprocesses behind them; and often men had been perplexed by the factthat the banker had apparently arrived at conclusions opposite to thetenor of their statements. When, therefore, he saw the color flyinginto Madge's face at the unexpected utterance of his brother's name, his attention was arrested and an impression made to which his mindwould revert in the future. It might mean nothing; it might mean agreat deal. Business and home life were everything to Mr. Muir, andGraydon's admiration of Miss Wildmere did not promise well for either. 

The power that Mr. Muir had acquired mainly by practice Madgepossessed by nature. As we have seen, she was quite free from thatmost unwomanly phase of stupidity which is often due to the heartrather than the head. Some women know what is told them if it is toldplainly; others look into the eyes of those around them and see whatis sought to be concealed. The selfish woman is self-blinded. Sheoften has great powers of discernment, but will not take the troubleto use them, unless prompted by her own interests. Selfishness is tooshort-sighted, however, to secure lasting benefits. Usually, nothing ismore fatal than the success of mere self-seeking. While Madge pressedunwaveringly toward the goal of her hopes, she did not do so inthoughtless or callous indifference toward those who had true claimsupon her. With her sister she soon saw that all was well--that shewas, as before, absorbed and content with the routine of her life. Shewas not so sure about her brother-in-law. During her absence linesof care had appeared in his face, and there was an abstracted andsometimes a troubled look in his eyes, as if he was pursued byquestions that were importunate and even threatening. The indicationsof perturbation were slight indeed, but from his nature they would beso in any case. Thus the young girl also received an impression whichawakened a faint solicitude. Mr. Muir, as her guardian and the managerof her property, had been a true friend and loyal to his trust. Sheentertained for him much respect and a strong, quiet affection. Hedid not dwell in her thoughts merely as one who was useful to her, butrather as one who had been true to her, and to whom she in her placeand way would be true and sympathetic were there occasion. 

Madge was wearied indeed by her long journey, but not exhausted. Insensations so different from those which had followed her journey tothe West she recognized her immeasurable gain. Then she had enteredMrs. Wayland's cottage helpless, hopeless, a fugitive from her ownweakness. By wise endeavor she had transformed that very weakness intoher strength, and had returned to the scenes from which she had fledearnest and resolute--one who had made her choice for life and wouldabide by it. Womanly to her very finger-tips, she was acting with theaggressive decision of a man. Sensitive and timid beyond most women, she would not lose her happiness when it might be won in paths notonly hedged about by all the proprieties of her lot, but also by areserve and pride with which her own fine nature was pre-eminentlyendowed. That she loved Graydon Muir was a truth for life. If he couldlearn to love her from what she had sought to be, from what she simplywas, he should have the chance. Her own deep experience had taught hermuch and given her the clew to many things. She had studied life, notonly in books, but in its actual manifestations. Mrs. Wayland was asocial mine in herself, and could recall from the past, volumes ofdispassionate gossip, free from malice. In two years Madge had learnedto know the world better than many who are in contact with it for longperiods, but who see all through the distorted medium of their ownprejudices or exceptional experiences. Although she was no longerunsophisticated she was neither cynical nor optimistic. Before herhope could be fulfilled she knew she must enter society, and shestudied it thoughtfully--its whims and meannesses as well as its lawsand refinements. If she ever reached Graydon's side she meant to standthere with a knowledge and confidence as assured as his own. She soonlearned that it is common enough for women to seek to win men by everyalluring and coquettish device. She would employ no devices whatever. She would merely reappear above his horizon among other luminaries, and shine with her own pure, unborrowed light. Then it must dependupon himself whether she ever became his own "bright particular star. "

So much she felt she had a right to do, and no conventional hesitationas to her course stood in her way. Her love had become the governingimpulse of her life, and its dictates were imperative until theytrenched upon her sensitive, womanly pride. Then they were met as therock meets the tide. She did not care what the world might think: itshould never have occasion to think at all. Her secret was betweenherself and God. Graydon himself should never know it unless his namebecame hers. 

How vividly her old haunts recalled him! There was the lounge on whichhe used to toss the "little wraith" after having carried her aroundin the semblance of a waltz. The sofa on which had taken place theirstrange parting still stood as of old in her room. There her headhad sunk in unconsciousness upon his breast, the result of her vain, feeble struggle to escape from caresses so natural to him, but nolonger to be received by her. 

What way-marks in life mute, commonplace things become in the lightof memory! To her vivid fancy Graydon was again present in all thepositions now made memorable by deep affection. The past unrolleditself again as it had so often done before. She saw the pallid, frightened child that scarcely dared to look deprecatingly at thehandsome young collegian. She saw again the kind yet mirthful eyesthat beamed encouragingly upon her. She remembered that in theunworthy past they had ever looked upon her with a large, gentle, affectionate tolerance, and she now took chiefly upon herself theblame for those years of weakness. Her present radiant health andbeauty proved how unnecessary they had been, and her heart sometimessunk at the thought of what they might cost her. 

Mary had accompanied her to her room, and was asked, in a carelesstone, what had become of Miss Wildmere. 

"I was told incidentally the other day that she was as great a belleas ever. I had hoped that she would be out of Graydon's way beforethis time. I have heard, however, that great belles are often slowerin marrying than the homeliest girls. If all is true that is said, this Miss Wildmere has made mischief enough; but I am not anxious thatour Graydon should cut short her career--that is, if marriage wouldcut it short. I imagine she will always be a gay society woman. Well, Madge, I suppose you must make up your mind to be a belle yourself. Why don't you cut out this 'speculator, ' as my husband calls her? IfGraydon had my eyes it wouldn't be a difficult task. "

"Graydon hasn't your eyes or mine either, " was the brusque reply. "Ipropose to use my own. They may see some one that I have never met. One thing at least is certain--I don't intend to cut out Miss Wildmereor any one else. The man who wins me will have to do the seeking mostemphatically; and I warn you beforehand, sister mine, that you mustnever let the idea of matchmaking enter your head. Since I have beenaway I have developed more will of my own than muscle. There is nonecessity for me ever to marry, and if I do it will be because I wishto, not because any one else wants me to. Nothing would set meagainst a man more certainly than to see that he had allies who weremanoeuvring in his behalf;" and she concluded with a kiss that robbedher words of a point too sharp, perhaps, for her sister's feelings. She knew Mrs. Muir's peculiarities well enough, however, to believethat such words were needed, and she had intended to speak them insome form at the earliest opportunity. Therefore she was glad that shecould utter the warning so early and naturally in their new relations. Nor was it uncalled for, since the thought of bringing Madge andGraydon together had already entered Mrs. Muir's mind. A scheme ofthis character would grow in fascination every hour. Poor Madge waswell aware that, with the best intentions, no one could more certainlyblast her hopes than her sister, whose efforts would be unaccompaniedby the nicest tact. Moreover, any such attempts might involve thedisclosure of her secret. 

"Well, you have changed in every respect, " said Mary, looking at herwonderingly. 

"For the better, I hope. My feeling in this respect, however, seemsto me perfectly natural. I don't see how a self-respecting girl couldendure anything except a straightforward, downright suit, with plentyof time to make up her own mind. I can do without the man who does notthink me worthy of this, and could probably do without him any way. Because a man wants to marry a girl is only one reason for assent, andthere may be a dozen reasons to the contrary. "

"Why, Madge, how you talk! When you left us it seemed as if any onemight pick you up and marry you and you would not have spirit enoughto say yes or no. Have you had to refuse any one at Santa Barbara?Perhaps you didn't refuse. You have told me so little of what wasgoing on!"

"That isn't fair to me, Mary. I explained to you that I wished togive you a pleasant surprise. To plan a pleasure for you wasnot unsisterly, was it? I haven't Miss Wildmere's ambition formiscellaneous conquests. Why should I write about men for whom I carednothing and toward whom my manner should have made my spoken negativeunnecessary?"

"Other girls would. Well, it seems that their suit was downrightenough to satisfy you. Good gracious! How many were there?"

Madge laughed, yawned, and her sister saw that her dark eyes were fullof the languor of sleep, which added to their beauty. 

"Oh, not many, " she drawled. "I'll gossip about them some time whennot so tired. I'll indicate them by numerals. Why should I babbletheir names in connection with what they called so sacred? I wonderhow many like sacred affairs had occurred before. If I tell you thestory of the wooing of Number One, Two, Three, and so on, that willanswer just as well, won't it?"

"No, indeed. I wish to know their names, family connection, andwhether they were well off or not. "

Madge again laughed, and began to disrobe, in order to indicate thattheir confidence must at least be adjourned for the present. Hersister came and felt her perfect arms and rounded, gleaming shoulders. "Why, Madge, " she exclaimed, "your flesh is as white and smoothas ivory, and almost as firm to the touch! It's a wonderfultransformation. I can scarcely believe, much less understand it. Youhave grown so beautiful that you almost turn even my head. "

"There is nothing so wonderful about it, Mary. Almost any girl may winhealth, and therefore more or less beauty, if she has the sense andwill to make the effort. You know what I was when I left home. Isuggested doctors' bills more than anything else, and it was chieflymy fault;" and she sighed deeply. "When I went to work in a rationalway to get strong, I succeeded. I believe this would be true with thegreat majority. Good-night, dear. When I am rested I'm going tohelp you in many ways, in return for all you did for that lazy, lackadaisical, limp little nonentity that you used to dose and coddlewhen you should have given her a good shaking. "

"It's all a miracle, " said Mrs. Muir to her husband, at the conclusionof lengthy remarks about Madge. 

"As much a miracle as my fortune, " was the quiet reply. "Madge has hadsense enough to know what she wanted and how to get it. "

CHAPTER VII

NOT A MIRACLE

Madge was simply fatigued from her long journey, and not oppressedwith want of sleep, for in passing through uninteresting portions ofthe country she had given herself up to repose. The sense of wearinesspassed with the hours of night, and she was among the earlieststirring in the morning. Long before breakfast was ready she hadher trunks partially unpacked, her mind meantime busy with plans forimmediate action. At last her healthful appetite so asserted itselfthat she went down to the dining-room. Mr. And Mrs. Muir had not yetappeared, and she strolled into the parlor, opened her piano, andplayed a few runs. She found it sadly out of tune from long disuse. As this was not true of her voice, she began singing a favorite Germansong. 

In a moment the house was full of melody. Clear, sweet, and powerful, her notes penetrated to the kitchen, where the maids were busy, andthey stopped in spellbound wonder, with dish or utensil in hand. Mrs. Muir listened with her hair-brush suspended, while methodical Mr. Muirlaid down his razor, and, going to the door, set it ajar. The songpoured into the room like an harmonic flood. Before the first stanzawas completed Mrs. Muir had on her dressing-gown and was stealingdownstairs into the back parlor, and as Madge was beginning again sherushed upon her. 

"Why, why, " she exclaimed, "I thought Nilsson or Patti had got lostand taken refuge here! Can it be you? You are nothing but a surprisefrom beginning to end. When will the wonders cease? Are you sure thatyou are Madge?"

"Yes, and equally sure that I am hungry. When _will_ you be ready forbreakfast? I've been up these two hours. "

"Well, well, well, what will Graydon say? He thinks you are stilllittle better than a ghost. "

"He will say that I have been very sensible, and he will find me verysubstantial and matter-of-fact. The question now uppermost is, When will breakfast be ready?" cried the young girl, laughing, ina childlike enjoyment of her sister's wonder, and a loving woman'santicipation of triumph over the man who had once called her "weak andlackadaisical. "

She responded warmly to the embrace of Mrs. Muir, who added, "You havecome back to us a princess. Why, even Henry, whom nothing moves out ofthe even tenor of his way, paused in his shaving, and with one side ofhis face all lathered opened the door to listen. "

"You tell him, " cried Madge, in merry vein, "that he has given methe greatest compliment I ever received. But compliments are notbreakfast. "

Mrs. Muir returned to complete her toilet, and her husband soonappeared. 

"Madge, " he said, greeting her kindly, "you have brought about greatchanges. How have you accomplished them all in so brief a time?"

"The time has not been so very brief, " she replied. "I have been awayover two years, remember. It's all very simple, Henry. I went to workto get well and to learn something, as you give your mind and time tobusiness. In the Waylands, my old German professor, and especiallyin the magnificent climate I had splendid allies. And you know Ihad nothing else to do. One can do a great deal in two years withsufficient motive and steady effort toward a few points. "

"What was your motive, Madge?"

A slow, deep color stole into her face, but she looked unflinchinglyinto his eyes as she asked, "Was not the hope of being what I amto-day, compared with what I was, sufficient motive?"

"Yes, " he replied, thoughtfully, "it was; but it appears strange tome that more girls do not show your sense. Nine-tenths of the pallidcreatures that I see continue half alive through their own fault. "

"If they knew the pleasure of being thoroughly alive, " said Madge, "they wouldn't dawdle another hour. I believe that I might haveregained health long before if I had set about it. "

"Well, Madge, as your guardian I wish to tell you that I am deeplygratified. You have done more for yourself than all the world coulddo for you. I am a plain man, you know, and not given to many words. There is only one thing that I detest more than a silly woman, andthat is a heartless, speculating one. Both are sure to make troublesooner or later. You certainly do not belong to the first type, and Idon't believe you will ever make a bad use of the beauty you have wonso honestly. Let me give you a bit of business experience, Madge. Ihave seen men falter and fail by the score downtown, and usually itwas because women were playing the mischief with them--too oftenwomen of their own households, who had no more idea of the worth of adollar, or how it is obtained, than a kitten. The one idea is to marryfor money, and then to spend it in parade. I believe you will be likeyour sister Mary, who has given me a home, quiet, and peace. " ("If Iever give a man anything I'll give him a great deal more than that, "Madge thought. ) "And now, " concluded Mr. Muir, "speaking of money, I wish to go over your accounts with you soon, that you may knoweverything and understand everything. It's absurd for women to behelpless and dependent in this respect. You should know all aboutyour property, and the time has come when you should learn whatare regarded as safe investments, and what are not. My life is asuncertain as any other man's, and I intend that you sisters shall notbe like two children, who must do blindly what some trustee tells youto do;" and Mr. Muir complacently led the way to the breakfast-room, feeling that as guardian he had done his duty both morally andfinancially. 

It was his way to speak plainly and promptly all he desired to say, and then, according to his creed, if people had sense they would dowhat was wise; if they had not, the less said the better. 

Mrs. Muir was voluble during the morning meal. Now that Madge had comeagain within the sphere of her domestic energy, she was fall of plansand projects. 

"Of course, " she said, "you have nothing to wear. The outlandishdresses that you had made at that jumping-off place in the West won'tanswer. As soon as the Waylands have made their call we must go outand begin ordering your summer outfit. Perhaps Mrs. Wayland will gowith us. "

"Patience, Mary. We are not ready to order outfits yet. "

"Why not?"

"Because we do not want to buy what interested shopmen and millinersmay choose to palm off on us. You live such a domestic life that youare scarcely better informed than I as to the latest modes. We willdrive in the park, use our eyes on the avenue, and visit severalfashionable establishments first. Then I wish to find a dressmaker whois not an idiotic slave of fashion, and who can modify the prevailingstyles by taste and appreciation of the person for whom she works. Theone whom I employ must make dresses for me and under my direction, andnot dresses in the abstract, as if they were for the iron-framed formon which she exhibits her wares. "

"Good!" cried Mr. Muir; "Madge's head is level. Let her have her ownway, Mary, and she will come out all right. "

"Well, " said Mrs. Muir, "I suppose it will take a little time for meto get used to all these changes. Before she went away I used todo everything for her. I'm going to have my own way in one thing, however. You must not write to Graydon a word beyond the fact thatMadge is here. You have both laughed at me and my wonder, andI'm going to have the compensation of seeing him transformed intoexclamation points. "

Madge now turned toward Mr. Muir, and he could detect not theslightest indication of embarrassment or overconsciousness, asshe said, "Certainly, Henry, you must not spoil this little bit ofprospective fun. "

Madge did have her own way, and made her preparations with the quietdecision and thoughtfulness which now characterized her actions. 

The Waylands were frequent guests at Mr. Muir's home for a time, andthen departed to visit friends in the country. 

Madge and her sister soon decided upon the Catskills as the place oftheir summer sojourn. The choice of this region, so accessible fromthe city, was pleasing to Mr. Muir. 

"What are you reading?" he said, one evening, as he found Madgesurrounded by books and pamphlets. 

"Reading up on the Catskills and their vicinity. A place is far moreinteresting if you have associations with it, and I intend to beversed in all the stories and legends of the region. In this I have alittle design upon you also. You look worn, Henry, and need rest andchange. You are too much devoted to business. I'm going to 'frivol, 'like the rest of the girls, in the evening--dance, and all that, youknow, but I shall try to keep you among the hills, and inveigle youinto long drives and walks by telling you exciting yarns that willtake the place of the dissipations of business. You needn't think youwill have to mope around the piazza, your body on a mountain and yourmind in Wall Street. You are getting old and rich, and you must beginto take an interest in other things besides business. "

"Now, that's thoughtful and kind of you, " he said, and then he lapsedinto a revery that the contraction of his brow showed to be notaltogether agreeable. 

At last he said, "Madge, I half believe you are right. I am and havebeen too devoted to business. It's all very well as long as you candrive it, but when it begins to drive you it is a hard task-master. The times are bad. Instead of making anything, one has to use all hisfaculties to keep from losing what he has made. It's getting to be agrind. I sometimes wish I was out of it, but suppose I shouldn't knowwhat to do with myself. "

"That's just it, Henry, you wouldn't. You must become interested inother things, and that's a process which requires time, and I'll helpyou. "

"Oh, you, " he said, laughing--"you will soon have all you can do tokeep your beaux at bay. "

"Beaux in this free and enlightened land have only certain rightswhich a girl is bound to respect. Should there be any, and theyunreasonable, you'll see, " she said, with a little decisive nod. Then she added, gravely: "I don't believe you would be content out ofbusiness, but I should think there was such a thing as trying to doso much business that it would become a burden, and, perhaps, a heavyone. You may think I'm a little goose, talking of what I know nothingabout; but I've read a great deal, and, of late, books worth reading. I don't believe it is a good thing to change one's habits and pursuitssuddenly; and what's more, Henry, I believe that when the times arebetter business will be as great a source of satisfaction to you asever. As I suggested before, you must gradually become interested inother things which can take the place of business as you grow old. "

"What a wise little woman we have become!" said Mr. Muir. "Here youare giving your guardian sound advice--you who, I imagined once, wouldtake no more thought for the morrow than a lily of the field, and avery pale one at that. This is a greater change than any that Maryexclaims about. "

"Perhaps you think me very presuming, " answered Madge, coloring. 

"No, I do not. I think you very sensible, and I think myself veryfortunate in having such women in my household as you and Mary. I wasblue when I came home to-night, but it inspirits a man to talk to sucha girl. You have a power of good common-sense, Madge. "

"Well, I have--I had--need of it. "

"The majority would say you could afford to be silly. You have asnug fortune of your own, of which not a penny can be lost unless thebottom falls out of everything. "

"I don't think any woman can afford to be silly. I know that's asweeping word with you, and covers all feminine folly. What I meantis this: Money and every good thing in life was a mockery. I couldn'tenjoy anything, and wasn't anything but a burden. I saw it all, andthat I should have to throw nonsense overboard if I wished to bedifferent. You will find that I have plenty left, however, before thesummer's over. Now, let me read to you Irving's legend of poor oldRip. What if you have read it often? A little infusion of the championsleeper's spirit is just what you need;" and with simple purity oftone and naturalness of accent she made the old story new to him. 

"Madge, " he said, as he kissed her good-night, "that is even betterthan your singing. I feel so freshened and heartened up that I'manother man, and in good trim for the fight to-morrow; for that isjust what business has become--a regular defensive fight. You didn'tthink two years ago that you would send me down to Wall Street with aclearer head and better courage. "

"No, indeed, I didn't dream of it, and I can scarcely believe it'strue now. You used to seem to me like gravitation, that would alwaysbe the same to the end of time. "

"Bah! A man is only a man, and he finds it out sooner or later. There's Jack crying again, and Mary hasn't had a chance to come down. I'll take the child, for his teeth make him so nervous that he won'tstay with the nurse. "

"I'll try my hand at him to-morrow, " said the young girl, and wasabsorbed in her reading again. 

The days passed quickly, and Madge filled them full, as before atSanta Barbara. As the time approached for Graydon's return, she felta quiet rising excitement akin to that which inspires a soldier whena campaign is about to open; but to her brother-in-law and sistershe gave only the impression of decision of character and youthful, healthful buoyancy. She was good-cheer itself in the household, andhelpful in every little domestic emergency. The servants and thechildren welcomed her like sunshine, and she made the evenings alltoo short by music and reading aloud. She blossomed out in her summercostumes like a flower, so becoming to her style had been her choiceof fabrics and the taste with which they had been fashioned. June waspassing. In a day or two more Graydon would arrive, and the fruitionor failure of her patient endeavor begin. 

CHAPTER VIII

RIVAL GIRLS

Instead of Graydon there came a letter saying that he would bedetained abroad another week. The heat was oppressive, and the familyphysician said that little Jack should be taken to the country atonce. Therefore they packed in haste, and started for a hotel in theCatskills at which rooms had been engaged. Graydon was to join themthere as soon after his return as possible. 

Madge looked wistfully at the mountains, as with shadowy grandeurthey loomed in the distance. There is ever a solemnity about mountainscenery, and she felt it as she passed under the lofty brows of woodedheights. To her spirit it was grateful and appropriate, for, while shewould lead among them apparently the existence of a young girl bentonly on enjoyment, she believed she would leave them, either a happywoman, or else facing the tragedy of a thwarted life. Their deepestshadows might, even when her laugh was gayest, typify the despondencyshe would hide from all. 

It was Saturday, and Mr. Muir accompanied his family. He and his wifelooked worn and weary, for at this time circumstances were bringingan excess of care to both. Mrs. Muir was a devoted mother, and littleJack had taxed her patience and strength to the utmost. A defensivewarfare is ever the severest test of manhood, and Mr. Muir had foundthe past week a trying one. He had been lured into an enterprise thatat the time had seemed certain of success, even to his conservativemind, but unforeseen elements had entered into the problem, and it nowrequired all his nerve, all his resources, to meet the strain. NeitherMadge nor his wife knew anything of this. Indeed, it was not his habitto speak of his affairs to any one, unless the exigencies of the caserequired explanation. In this emergency he was obliged to maintainamong his associates an air of absolute confidence. Now that he wasout of the arena he gave evidence of the strain. 

Madge saw this, and resolved that her large reserve of vitality shouldbe drawn upon. The tired mother should be relieved and the perplexedand wearied man beguiled into forgetfulness of the sources of anxiety. Jack would have indulged in a perpetual howl during the journey hadnot his attention been diverted by Madge's unexpected expedients, which often suspended an outcry with comical abruptness, while herremarks and questions made it impossible for Mr. Muir to toil onmentally in Wall Street. By reason of the heat the majority of thepassengers dozed or fretted. She heroically kept up the spirits of herlittle band, oblivious of the admiring eyes that often turned towardher flushed, animated face. 

There are few stronger tests than unflagging good-humor during adisagreeable journey with cross children. At last the ordeal came toan end, and in the late afternoon shadows they alighted at the widepiazza of the Under-Cliff House, and were shown to airy rooms, whichproved that the guests were not kept in pigeon-holes for the solebenefit of the proprietor. Our heroine employed the best magic theworld has known--thoughtful helpfulness. Mr. Muir was banished. "Youwould be as useful as a whale, " she said to him, when he offered toaid his wife in unpacking and getting settled. "Go down to the piazzaand smoke in peace. I shall be worth a dozen of you as soon as I takeoff my travelling-dress. "

She verified her words, and before they were aware of it Mrs. Muir, who was prone to fall into hopeless confusion at such times, and thenurse were acting under her direction. The elder little boy and girlwere coaxed, restrained, managed, and soon sent down to their father, redressed and serene. Jack was lulled to sleep in Madge's room. Thetrunks instead of disgorging chaos, were compelled to part with theircontents in an orderly way. In little more than an hour the two roomsallotted to Mr. And Mrs. Muir, and the nurse with the children, tookon a cosey, inhabitable aspect, and by supper-time the ladies, inevening costume and with unruffled brows, joined Mr. Muir. 

"The idea of my ever permitting Madge to go back to Santa Barbara!"exclaimed Mrs. Muir. "This day alone has proved that I can never geton without her. Just go and look at your room, sir. One would think wehad been settled here a week. You ought to pay Madge's bills, and giveher a handsome surplus. "

"If time is money, " said Madge, "Henry will have to pay me well. Hemust stay and help me explore these mountains in every direction. But now let us eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we shall go tochurch. "

"I've half a mind to take you down to Wall Street with me next week, "said Mr. Muir. "Perhaps you can straighten out things there. "

"No, sir. I'm a woman's-rights girl, and one of her rights is to getthings out of the way as soon as possible, so that people can have agood time. Thank heaven our affairs can be shut up in drawers and hungup in closets, and there we can leave them--in this case for a goodsupper first, and a long quiet rest on this piazza afterward. Don'tyou think you could find a drawer somewhere in which to tuck away yourWall Street matters, Henry? You won't need them till some time nextweek, for you must certainly spend two or three days with us. "

Mr. Muir laughed. "I've heard of managing women before, but you beatthem all. You have won, to-day, the right to manage for a while. I'lljoin you soon; then supper; and, as you suggest, I'll put the WallStreet matters somewhere and lock them up. "

Thus their mountain sojourn began auspiciously. The supper wasexcellent, and they were in a mood to enjoy it; they found the piazzadeliciously cool after the long hot day; and the faint initial pipingsof autumn insects only emphasized the peace and quiet of the evening. The mountains brooded around them like great shadows, their outlinesgemmed with stars, and the very genius of repose seemed to settle downupon the weary man and woman who were in the thick of their life'sbattle. 

They were among the earliest arrivals at the house, and had a widespace to themselves. Indeed, they could have been scarcely moresecluded at their own summer residence. For those seeking rest, anearly flight to summer resorts brings a rich reward. 

While her relatives dozed or merely revived sufficiently from time totime to make some desultory remark, Madge thought deeply. At first shehad been disappointed at the postponement of Graydon's return, butshe grew reconciled as she dwelt upon it. While hope was deferred, she enjoyed a longer lease of anticipation. When he did come she mightsoon learn that all hope was vain. Besides, the delay gave her time tofamiliarize herself with the region and its most beautiful walks anddrives. The mountains, woods, and rocks should all be pressed intoher service. They would not reveal her secret, and they might engenderthoughts and words with which Miss Wildmere would be out of harmony. 

"I've been thinking, " Mr. Muir at last remarked. 

"Nonsense! you've been asleep, " Madge replied. 

"No; I've thought profoundly. "

"Not even a penny for any thoughts of yours since supper. "

"They would be worth fortunes, life, health, happiness, to half theworld. "

"Then keep still till you have a patent, copyright, or something, "said his wife. 

"No. I rise simply to remark--also to retire--that a little oil keepsmachinery from wearing out and going to pieces. Come now, old lady"(pulling his wife to her feet), "you are the better to-night, as Iam, for the oil that Madge has slipped in here and there. I fear themachinery to-day would have run badly without it. "

The group that gathered at the breakfast-table next morning bore earlytestimony to the tonic of the hills. Jack only was not so well, andMrs. Muir remained with him, while Madge and Mr. Muir wended theirway to a little chapel whose spire was the only summons to worship. A short, genial, middle-aged man met them at the door, with suchhospitable cordiality as to suggest that he was receiving friends athis own home, and conducted them to seats. A venerable clergyman satin the pulpit with a face full of quiet benignity. Every one who cameappeared to receive an almost personal welcome; and Madge and Mr. Muirlooked enviously at the self-appointed usher. It was as evident thathe was not a professional sexton as that the little congregation couldnot afford such a luxury. No care clouded his brow. Evidently hisfuture did not depend on fluctuations in the maelstrom of commerce, nor had he one hope so predominant over all others that his life wasone of masked suspense, as was the case with poor Madge. He was ratherlike the rugged, sun-lighted mountains near, solid, stable, simple. Nomatter what happened, he would remain and appear much the same. 

Such was the tenor of Madge's thoughts as she waited for the openingof service. Fanciful and imaginative to a great degree, she found acertain mental enjoyment in observing the impressions made upon her bystrangers. 

The service was brief and simple; the good old clergyman preached thegospel of hope, and his words calmed and strengthened the young girl'smind. She was made to feel that there is something more and betterthan present happiness--that there are remedies for earthly ills. 

When she returned to the hotel she found that Mrs. Muir was worriedabout Jack, who was worse, and that a Dr. Sommers had been sent for. She could not help smiling when, a little later, the hospitable usherof the chapel came briskly in. She eventually learned that the doctorprovoked smiles wherever he went, as a breeze raises ripples on thesurface of a stream. He smiled himself when he met people, and everyone took the contagion. He examined the baby, said the case wouldrequire a little watching until certain teeth came through, andthen that there would be no further trouble. He spoke with the sameconfidence with which he would announce that July was near. 

"You watch the case, then, " said Mr. Muir, decisively. "I must be intown. If you can look after the child and save my wife from worry, mymind will be easy as regards this end of the line at least. "

"All right, sir. We'll manage it. Healthy boy. No trouble. "

"Have you lived long among the mountains, doctor?" Madge ventured toask. 

"I should think so. As long as I have lived. Was born and brought upamong 'em. "

"It must be dreary here in the winter, " Mrs. Muir remarked. 

"Not a bit of it. It's never dreary. "

"How far among the hills does your practice extend?" Madge pursued. 

"As far as I'll go, and I'm usually going. "

"Perhaps you can give us, then, some advice as to drives and walks. "

"Oh, lots, free gratis. I can tell Mr. Muir of a trout-stream or two, also. "

"Doctor, " said Madge, laughing, "I am very ill. I shall need muchadvice, and prescriptions of all the romantic walks and drives in thevicinity. "

"And like most of the advice from doctors, it won't be taken. A strollon the piaza is about all that most ladies are equal to. You look, however, as if you should not fear a steep path or a rough road. "

"You shall see, " cried Madge. 

"Yes, I will see, " said the doctor, laughing, and bowing himself out. "I've seen a great many ladies who could dance miles, but were asafraid of a mountain as of a bear. "

At the dinner-table Mrs. Muir said, laughingly, "In Dr. Sommers, Madgehas found a kindred spirit--another oiler of machinery. If between himand Madge things don't go smoothly, the fates are indeed against us. "

"When life does go smoothly, it is because of just such good, cheerycommon-sense, " Mr. Muir remarked, sententiously. "I'm in the financialcentre of this part of the world, and schemes involving millions andthe welfare of States--indeed of whole sections of the country--aredaily brought to my consideration, and I tell you again men are oftenin no condition to act wisely or well because the wear and tear oftheir life is greater after business hours than during them. Businessmaniac as Madge thinks me to be, little Jack is of more consequencethan a transcontinental railway. I must face the music--the discord, rather--of Wall Street to-morrow. There is no use in protesting orcoaxing; I must be there; but it's a great thing to be able to returnwith my nerves soothed, rested, and quieted. Heaven help the men who, after the strain of the day, must go home to be pricked half to deathwith pin-and-needle-like worries, if not worse. "

"Please imagine Madge and myself making a profound courtesy for theimplied compliment, " said Mrs. Muir. "But can you not spend part ofthe week with us?"

"No. Graydon will soon be here, and there is much to be seen to. Hewrites that he has worked very hard to get things in shape so thathe can leave them, and that he wishes to take a vacation. As far aspossible I shall gratify him. He can be with you here, and come totown occasionally as I need him. It's all turning out very well, and Iam better off than many in these troublous times. "

The remainder of his stay passed quietly in absolute rest, and on thefollowing morning he was evidently strengthened for the renewal of thestruggle. 

 * * * * *

"Stella!"

Miss Wildmere remained absorbed in her novel. 

"Stella!" repeated Mr. Wildmere, impatiently. 

"What is it?" she asked, fretfully. "I'm in an exciting scene. Can'tyou wait awhile?"

"Oh, throw down your confounded novel! You should be giving your mindto real life and exciting scenes of your own. No, I can't wait anddon't propose to, for I must go out. "

The words were spoken in a small but elegant house, furnished in anultra-fashionable style. Mr. Wildmere was a stout, florid man, wholooked as if he might be burning his candle at both ends. His daughterwas dressed to receive summer evening calls at her own home, for shewas rarely without them. If the door-bell had rung she would havedismissed her exciting scene without hesitation, but it was only herfather who asked her attention. 

"Very well, " she said, absently, turning down a leaf. 

Her father observed her listless air and averted face for a momentwith contracted brow, then quietly remarked, "Graydon Muir may returnat any time now. "

Her apathy disappeared at once, and a faint color stole into her face. 

"Haven't you had enough of general attention and flirtation? I knowthat my wishes have little weight; you have refused not a few goodoffers and one on which I had set my heart; but let the past go. Theimmediate future may require careful and decisive action. I speak inview of your own interests, and to such considerations I know youwill not be indifferent. If you were taking a natural and intelligentinterest in my affairs you would have some comprehension of mydifficulties and dangers. The next few months will decide whether Ican keep up or not. In the meantime you have your opportunity. GraydonMuir will share in the fortunes of his brother, who has had thereputation of being very wealthy and eminently conservative. I havelearned, however, that he has invested largely in one enterprise thatnow appears to be very dubious--how largely no one but himself knows. If this affair goes through all right you couldn't do better thandevelop Graydon Muir into an impatient suitor; and you had better keephim well in hand for a time, anyway. He is a good business man and farmore to be depended upon than rich young fellows who have inheritedwealth, with no ability except in spending it. If the Muirs passthrough these times they will become one of the strongest and safesthouses in the country. Remember that the _if_ is to be considered. Mr. Arnault, too, is a member of a strong, wealthy house. I would adviseyou to make your choice between these two men speedily. You are notadapted to a life of poverty, and would not enjoy it. An alliance witheither of these men might also aid in sustaining me. "

Miss Wildmere listened attentively, but made no comment, and herfather evidently did not require any, for he went out immediately. He understood his daughter sufficiently to believe that she neededno further advice. He was right. The exciting crisis in her novelwas forgotten, and her fair face took on an expression that did notenhance its beauty. Calculation on the theme uppermost in her mindproduced a revery in which an artist would not have cared to painther. It was evident that the time had come when she must dispose ofherself, and the question was, how to do it to the best advantage. 

To Graydon she gave her preference. He was remarkably fine looking, and could easily be a leader in society if he so desired--"andcertainly shall be, " she thought, "if I take his name. " As far as herheart spoke in the matter it declared for him, also. Other men hadwooed and pleaded, but she had ever mentally compared them withGraydon, and they had appeared insignificant. She had felt sure for along time that he would eventually be at her feet, and she had neverdecided to refuse him. Now she was ready to accept but for thisominous "if, " which her father had emphasized. She could not think ofmarrying him should he become a poor man. 

She neither liked nor disliked Mr. Arnault. He was a man of the world, reported wealthy, established in a large but not very conservativebusiness. He had the name of being a little fast and speculative, butshe was accustomed to that style of man. He was an open suitor whowould take no rebuff, and had laughingly told her so. After hisrefusal, instead of going away in despondency or in a half-tragicmood, he had good-naturedly declared his intentions, and spent theremainder of the evening in such lively chat that she had been pleasedand amused by his tactics. Since that time he had made himself useful, was always ready to be an escort with a liberal purse, and neverannoyed her with sentiment. She understood him, and he was aware thatshe did. He took his chances for the future, and was always on handto avail himself of any mood or emergency which he could turn tohis advantage. In various unimportant ways he was of service to Mr. Wildmere, but hoped more from the broker's embarrassments than fromthe girl's heart. 

"I might do worse, " muttered the beauty--"I might do worse. If it werenot for Graydon Muir, I'd decide the question at once. "

The door-bell rang, and Graydon was announced. Even her experiencednerves had a glad tingle of excitement, she was so genuinely pleasedto see him. And well she might be, for he was a man to light anywoman's eyes with admiration. If something of his youth had passed, his face had gained a rich compensation in the strong lines ofmanhood, and his manner a courtly dignity from long contact with thebest elements of life. One saw that he knew the world, but had notbeen spoiled by it. That he had not become cynical was proved by hisgreeting of Miss Wildmere. He was capable of hoping that her continuedfreedom, in spite of her remarkable beauty, might be explained on theground of a latent regard for him, which had kept her ready for hissuit after an absence so unexpectedly prolonged. Through a friend hehad, from time to time, been informed about her; and there was no ringon her hand to forbid his ardent glances. 

Never before had she appeared so alluringly attractive. He was athorough American, and had not been fascinated by foreign types ofbeauty. In his fair countrywoman he believed that he saw his ideal. Her beauty was remarkable for a fullness, a perfection of outline, combined with a fairness and delicacy which suggested that she was notmade of ordinary clay. Miss Wildmere prided herself upon giving theimpression that she was remote from all that was common or homely inlife. She cultivated the characteristic of daintiness. In her dress, gloves, jewelry, and complexion she would be immaculate at any cost. Graydon's fastidious taste could never find a flaw in her, as regardedexternals, and she knew the immense advantage of pleasing his eye witha delicacy that even approached fragility in its exquisite fairness, while at the same time her elastic step in the dance or promenadeproved that she had abundance of vitality. 

Nothing could have been more auspicious than his coming to-night--thevery first evening after his arrival. It assured her of the place shestill held in his thoughts; it gave her the chance to renew, in theglad hours of his return, the impression she had made; and she saw inhis admiring eyes how favorable that impression was. She exulted thathe found her so well prepared. Her clinging summer costume revealednot a little of her beauty, and suggested more, while she permittedher eyes to give a welcome more cordial even than her words. 

He talked easily and vivaciously, complimented her openly, yet withsincerity, and rallied her on the wonder of wonders that she was stillMiss Wildmere. 

"Not so great a marvel as that you return a bachelor. Why did you notmarry a German princess or some reduced English countess?"

"I was not driven to that necessity, since there were American queensat home. I am delighted that you are still in town. What are yourplans for the summer?"

"We have not fully decided as yet. "

"Then go to the Catskills. Our ladies are there at the Under-CliffHouse, and I am told that it is a charming place. "

"I will speak to mamma of it. She must come to some decision soon. Papa says that he will be too busy to go out of town much. "

"Why, then, the Catskills is just the place--accessible to the city, you know. That is the reason we have chosen it. I propose to takesomething of a vacation, but find that I must go back and forth a gooddeal, and so shall escape the bore of a long journey. "

"You have given two good reasons for our going there. The place cannotbe stupid, since we may see you occasionally, and papa could comeoftener. "

"Persuade Mrs. Wildmere into the plan by all means, and promise meyour first waltz after your arrival;" and there was eagerness in histone. 

"Will you also promise me your first?"

"Yes, and last also, if you wish. "

"Oh, no! I do not propose to be selfish; Miss Alden will have herclaims. "

"What, Sister Madge? She must have changed greatly if she will danceat all. She is an invalid, you know. "

"I hear she has returned vastly improved in health--indeed, that sheis quite a beauty. "

"I hope so, " he said, cordially, "but fear that rumor has exaggerated. My brother said she was better, and added but little more. Have youseen her?"

"No. I only heard, a short time since, that she had returned. "

Madge had not gone into society, and had she met Miss Wildmere faceto face she would not have been recognized, so greatly was she changedfrom the pallid, troubled girl over whom the beauty had enjoyed herpetty triumph; but the report of Miss Alden's attractions had arousedin Miss Wildmere's mind apprehensions of a possible rival. 

Graydon's manner was completely reassuring. Whatever Miss Alden mighthave become, she evidently had no place in his thoughts beyondthat natural to their relations. No closer ties had been formed bycorrespondence during his long absence. 

Further tête-à-tête was interrupted by the appearance of Mr. Arnault. The young men were courteous and even cordial to each other, butbefore half an hour had passed they recognized that they were rivals. Graydon's lips grew firm, and his eyes sparkled with the spirit of onewho had not the faintest idea of yielding to another. Miss Wildmerewas delighted. The game was in her own hands. She could play these twomen off against each other, and take her choice. Mr. Arnault was madeto feel that he was not _de trop_, and, as usual, he was nonchalant, serene, and evidently meant to stay. Therefore Graydon took his leave, and was permitted to carry away the impression that his departure wasregretted. 

"Mr. Arnault, " said Miss Wildmere, quietly, "we have decided to spendsome time at the Under-Cliff House in the Catskills. So you perceivethat I shall be deprived of the pleasure of your calls for a while. "

"Not at all. I shall take part of my summering there also. When do yougo?"

"In a few days--sometime before the fourth. How fortunately it allhappens!" she added, laughing. "When did you decide on the Catskills?"

"That's immaterial. When did you?"

"That also is immaterial. Perhaps you would like to ask mamma?"

"I'd rather ask papa--both, I should say, " he replied, with asignificant shrug. 

"Do so by all means. Meanwhile I would suggest that a great manypeople go to the Catskills--thirty thousand, more or less, it issaid. "

"I had another question in mind. Is Graydon Muir going there in orderto follow the crowd?"

"If he is going I suppose he will follow his inclinations. "

"Or you?"

"Were that possible, I could not prevent it. Indeed, women rarelyresent such things. "

"No indeed. It is well you do not, for you would become the embodimentof resentment. How large is your train now, Stella?"

"You can dimmish it by one if you choose, " she replied, smilingarchly. 

"I should be little missed, no doubt. "

"I didn't say that. "

"I'm more afraid of Muir than of all the train together. "

"That's natural. The train has little chance collectively. "

"Don't pretend to misunderstand me. There was unmistakable meaning inMuir's eyes. "

"I should hope so. He means to help me have a good time. So do you, Itrust. "

"Certainly. You may judge of the future from the past, " he added, significantly, as he rose to take his leave. 

"Then the future promises well for me, " she said, giving him her handcordially; "for you have been one of the best of friends. "

"And a good deal more. Good-night. "

"Mamma, " said Miss Wildmere, stopping at the nursery on her way to herroom, "we must get ready to go to the Catskills at once. "

"Why, Stella! This is the first I've heard of this plan. Your fatherhas said that he doesn't see how we can go out of town at all thissummer. "

"Nonsense! I'll insure that papa agrees. "

"I don't see how I can get ready soon. The baby is fretful, and I'mall worn out between broken rest and worry. Won't you take Effie for alittle while?"

"Where's the nurse?"

"She's out. Of course she has to have some time to herself. "

"You just spoil the servants. It's her business to take care of thechild. What else is she paid for? Why can't one of the other maidstake her?"

"Effie is too nervous to go to strangers to-night. "

"Oh, well, give her to me, then. "

The sensitive little organization knew at once that it was in thehands not only of a comparative stranger, but also of one whose touchrevealed little sympathy, and its protest was so great that the tiredmother took it again, while the beautiful daughter, the cynosure ofall eyes in public, went to her room to finish the "exciting scene" ather leisure. 

But the scene had grown unreal. Its hero was but a shadow, and adistorted one at that. The book fell from her hand; she again sawGraydon Muir coming forward to greet her with an easy grace which noprince in story could surpass, and with an expression in his dark blueeyes which no woman fails to understand. It assured her that neitherin the old world nor in the new had he seen her equal. 

"I wish it could be, " she murmured; "I hope it can be; were it not forthat 'if' it should be soon. "

Thus, after her own fashion, another girl had designs upon Graydon. 

CHAPTER IX

THE MEETING

Graydon had completed his final transactions abroad with moreexpedition than he had anticipated, and, having been favored by aquick passage, had arrived several days sooner than he was expected. Therefore he decided to accompany his brother to the Catskillson Saturday, spending the intervening time in business and sucharrangements as would leave him free to remain in the country for aweek or two. The second evening after his arrival again found him inMiss Wildmere's parlor, and before he left he was given to understandthat Mrs. Wildmere had decided upon the Under-Cliff House also, andthat they would depart on Saturday. 

"Then you will be _compagnon de voyage_, " said Graydon, withundisguised pleasure. 

Somewhat to Mrs. Wildmere's surprise, her husband quietly acquiescedin his daughter's wishes, telegraphed for rooms, and desired his wifeto be ready. 

She was a quiet, meek little woman, whose life had somehow becomeentangled in a sphere which was not in harmony with her nature. Herbeauty had faded early, and she had little force of character withwhich to maintain her influence over her husband. His life was amid thefierce excitements of Wall Street; hers, as far as she had a life, was a weary effort to keep up appearances and meet the expenses of afashionable daughter, on an uncertain and greatly fluctuating income. 

Mr. Wildmere informed her that his affairs would keep him in townuntil late in the following week, but that, as the house to which shewas going was a quiet family hotel, she would have no trouble. 

Mr. Muir had telegraphed the arrival of his brother, and the latterhad written a few cordial but hasty lines to both his sister-in-lawand Madge. Where he spent his evenings was unknown to Mr. Muir, butthat gentleman had little trouble in guessing when he saw his brothergreet the Wildmeres as if he understood their plans, and laughinglypromise Mr. Wildmere that he would see the ladies and their belongingssafely established in the Under-Cliff House. Graydon observed theslight cloud on his brother's face, but ignored it, feeling thathis preference was an affair of his own. He believed that thelong-wished-for opportunity to press his suit with vigor had come, and had no hesitation as to his purpose. He did not intend to actprecipitately, however. He would first learn just how Mr. Arnaultstood, and become reasonably assured by Miss Wildmere's manner towardhimself that her preference was not a hope, but a reality. 

The enterprise in which Mr. Muir had engaged, and which now so taxedhis financial strength, was outside of his regular business, andGraydon knew nothing of it. The young man believed that his own meansand exceptionally good prospects were sufficient to warrant the stephe proposed to take. He assuredly had the right to please himself inhis choice, and he felt that he would be fortunate indeed could he winone whom so many had sought in vain. 

It never entered Mr. Muir's mind to interpose any authority or undueinfluence. He merely felt in regard to the matter a repugnance naturalto one so alien in disposition to Mr. Wildmere and his daughter, and it was a source of bitter mortification to him that he now foundhimself in a position not unlike that of the broker, in whatwould appear, in the present aspect of affairs, to be an outsidespeculation. During the ride to the mountains he mentally comparedMiss Wildmere's behavior with that of Madge a week before. WitnessingGraydon's evident infatuation, he would have been glad to recognizeany manifestation of traits that promised well for his future; but theyoung lady was evidently altogether occupied with the attentionsshe received, her own beauty, and the furtive admiration offellow-passengers. Poor Mrs. Wildmere and the nurse were left tomanage the cross baby as best they could. Graydon once or twice triedto do something, but his strange face and voice only frightened thechild. 

To Madge it had seemed an age since the telegram announcing Graydon'sarrival had thrilled every nerve with hope and fear. Then had come hishasty note, proving conclusively his affectionate indifference. Shewas simply Madge to him, as of old. He was the one man of all theworld to her, and no calculating "if" would be the source of herrestraint. 

True to her old tactics, however, she had spent no time in idledreaming. She had cultivated Dr. Sommers's acquaintance, and he hadalready accompanied her and her sister through a wild valley, on theoccasion of a visit to one of his patients. Little Jack had improvedunder his care, and Mrs. Muir was growing serene, rested, and eagerfor Saturday. Madge shared her impatience, and yet dreaded the hourduring which she felt that a glimpse of the future would be revealed. She had driven out daily with her sister, and familiarized herselfwith the topography of the region. Having formed the acquaintance ofsome pleasant and comparatively active people in the house, she hadjoined such walking expeditions as they would venture upon. In rowingthe children upon a small lake she also disposed of some of hersuperabundant vitality and the nervous excitement which anticipationcould not fail to produce. In the evening there was more or lessdancing, and her hand was eagerly sought by such of the young men ascould obtain the right to ask it. Mrs. Muir's remark that she wouldbecome a belle in spite of herself proved true; but while she affectedno exclusive or distant airs, the most callow and forward youthfelt at once the restraint of her fine reserve. Her sensitive natureenabled her, in a place of public resort, to know instinctively whomto keep at a distance, and who, like Dr. Sommers, not only invited butjustified a frank and friendly manner. 

As the time for the gentlemen to arrive approached, Mrs. Muir showedmore restless interest than Madge. The one anticipated a bit ofamusement over Graydon's surprise; the other looked forward to meetingher fate. Mrs. Muir was garrulous; Madge was comparatively silent, andmaintained the semblance of interest in a book so naturally that hersister exclaimed, "I expect you will die with a book in your hand! Icould no more read now than preach a sermon. Come, it's time tomake your toilet. Let me help you, and I want you to get yourself up'perfectly regardless. ' You must outshine them all at the hop thisevening. "

"Nonsense, Mary! They won't be here for an hour and a half. I'mgoing to lie down;" and she went to her room. When her sister soughtadmittance half an hour later the door was locked and all was quiet. At last, in her impatience, she knocked and cried, "Wake up. They willbe here soon. "

"I'm not asleep, and it will not take me long to dress. "

"Well, you are the coolest young woman I ever knew, " Mrs. Muir calledout, finding that admittance was denied her. 

Madge had determined to spend the final hour of her long separationalone. Her nature had become too deep and strong to seek trivialdiversion from the suspense that weighed upon her spirit. As shethought of the possibility of failure, and its results, her couragefaltered a little, and a few tears would come. At last, with a glanceheavenward which proved that there was nothing in her heart to keepher from looking thither for sanction, she left her room, serene andresolute. She had taken her woman's destiny into her own hand, to moldit in her own way, but in no arrogant and unbelieving spirit. 

Mrs. Muir uttered a disappointed protest. "Oh, Madge, how plainly youare dressed!"

"I knew you wouldn't like it at first, " was the quiet reply. By thetime they had reached the parlor door opposite the office, near whichthey proposed to wait for the travellers, now momentarily expected, Mrs. Muir was compelled to acknowledge the correctness of Madge'staste. Her costume no more distracted attention from herself thanwould the infolding calyx of a rosebud. In its exquisite proportionsher fine figure was outlined by close white drapery, which made herappear taller than she really was. A single half-open Jacqueminotrose, like the one she had sent to Graydon at their parting over twoyears since, was fastened on her bosom. Her dark eyes burned with asuppressed excitement. Her complexion, if not so white as that of MissWildmere, was pure, and had a richer hue of health. But she waspale now. Her red lips half destroyed their exquisite curves in firmcompression. The moment had not quite come for action, when those lipsmust be true to herself, true to her purpose, even while they spokewords which might be misleading to others. 

Mrs. Muir, with triumph, saw the glances of strong admiration turnedtoward her sister from every side. Madge saw them also, but only toread in them the verdict she hoped to obtain from the kind blue eyesfor whose coming she waited. 

Standing with Mrs. Muir, facing the long hall down which Graydon mustadvance, she knew she would see him before he could recognize her. How much of longing, of breathless interest, would be concentratedin those moments of waiting, she herself had never imagined till theywere passing. 

The stages began to arrive, with consequent bustle, and the hastyadvance toward the office of men seeking to register their namesearly, in order to secure a choice of rooms. At last she saw Graydon'stall form and laughing face, and for a second something approachingto faintness caused her to close her eyes. When she opened them againthey rested upon Miss Wildmere. 

This young lady understood the art of making an impressive and almosttriumphal entry on new scenes. Therefore she had been in no haste. Indeed, haste had no place among her attributes: it was ungraceful andusually not effective. When, therefore, the crowd had passed on, andthere was a comparatively clear space in the hall, she advanced downit at Graydon's side as if her mind was wholly engrossed with theirlively chat. Never for a second was she unconscious of the attentionthey attracted. Graydon was one at whom even men would turn and lookas he passed, and she believed that there was none other who couldkeep step with him like herself. So thought the self-appointedcommittee of reception who always regard curiously the new-comers at asummer resort, and there were whispered notes of admiration as the twopaused for a moment before the register and looked back. Then itwas seen that a meek-looking little lady and a nurse and child werestraggling after them, while Mr. Muir brought up the rear. Graydonhad some light wraps thrown gracefully over his arm, but the merchantcarried the less ornamental _impedimenta_ of the party, for theearlier guests had already overladened the office-boys. He now handedthe valise--a sort of tender upon the baby--to a porter, and rathergrimly acknowledged Mrs. Wildmere's mingled thanks and feebleprotestations. 

"Please register for us, " said Miss Wildmere, glancing carelessly yetobservantly around. An intervening group had partially hidden Madgeand her sister. It was also evident that Graydon was too much occupiedwith his fair companion to look far away. He complied, thinking, meantime, "Some day I may register for her again, and then my namewill suffice for us both. " The smile which followed the thoughtbrought out the best lines of his handsome profile to poor Madge, whopermitted no phase of expression on that face to escape her scrutiny. So true was the clairvoyance of her intense interest that she guessedthe thought which was so agreeable to him, and she grew paler still. 

Mr. Muir hastened to greet his wife, and then Graydon recognized her. He came at once and kissed her in his accustomed hearty way. Madgestood near, unnoted, unrecognized. 

"Where's Madge? Isn't she well enough to come down?" he asked, hiseyes following Miss Wildmere, who had entered the parlor, whichshe must cross to reach her room beyond. Mrs. Muir began to laughimmoderately, and Mr. Muir followed his brother's eyes with vexation. Graydon was on the _qui vive_ instantly, and Madge drew a step nearerand began to smile. For once the punctilious and elegant Graydonforgot his courtesy, and looked at Madge in utter astonishment--anexpression, however, which passed swiftly into admiration and delight. 

"Madge!" he exclaimed, seizing both her hands. "I couldn't havebelieved it. I wouldn't believe it now but for your eyes;" and beforeshe could prevent him he had placed a kiss upon her lips. 

Miss Wildmere had seen the unknown beauty as she passed, hadinventoried her with woman's instantaneous perception, had paused onthe distant threshold and seen the greeting, then had vanished with avindictive flash in her gray eyes. 

Graydon's impetuous words and salute had produced smiles and enviousglances, and the family party withdrew into a retired corner of theapartment, Madge's cheeks, meanwhile, vying, in spite of herself, withthe rose on her breast. Graydon would not relinquish her hand, and, as Mrs. Muir had predicted, indulged in little more than exclamationpoints. 

"There now, be rational, " cried the young girl, laughing, her heartfor the moment full of gladness and triumph. He was indeed bendingupon her looks of admiration, delight, and affection. 

"Why have I been kept in the dark about all this?" he at last asked, incoherently. 

"For the same reason that we were. Madge meant to give us a surprise, and succeeded. I couldn't get over it, and they were always laughingat me, so I determined that I should have my laugh at you. Oh, wasn'tit rich? To think of the elegant and travelled society man standingthere staring with his eyes and mouth wide open!"

"I don't think it was quite so bad as that, but if it was there's goodreason for it. Tell me, Madge, how this miracle was wrought!"

"There, that's just what I called it, " cried Mrs. Muir, "and it'snothing less than one, in spite of all that Madge and Henry can say. "

"When you are ready for supper I will show you one phase of themiracle, " said Madge, laughing, with glad music in her voice. "Come, I'm not an escaped member of a menagerie, and there's no occasion foryou to stare any longer. "

"Yes, come along, " added Mr. Muir; "I've had no roast beef to-day anda surfeit of sentiment. "

The young fellow colored slightly, but said brusquely: "Men's tasteschange with age. I suppose you did not find a little sentiment amissonce upon a time. Well, Madge, you are not a bit of a ghost now, yet Ifear you are an illusion. "

"Illusions will vanish when you come to help me at supper. We willwait for you on the piazza. "

As she paced its wide extent, her illusions also vanished. Graydon hadgreeted, her as a brother, and a brother only. When the tumult ather heart subsided, this truth stood out most clearly. His kiss stilltingled upon her lips. It must be the last, unless followed by a kissof love. Their brotherly and sisterly relations must be shattered atonce. No such relations existed for her, and only as she destroyedsuch regard on his part could a tenderer affection take its place. With her as his sister he would be content; he might not readily thinkof her in another light, and meantime might drift swiftly into anengagement with Miss Wildmere. 

CHAPTER X

OLD TIES BROKEN

"Madge, " said Graydon, rejoining her on the piazza, and giving herhis arm, while Mrs. Muir sat down to wait for her husband, "you weara rose like the one you sent me when we parted so long ago. Oh, but myheart was heavy then! Did you make this choice to-night by chance?"

"You have a good memory. "

"You have not answered me. "

"I shall admit nothing that will increase your vanity. "

"You will now of necessity make my pride overweening. "

"How is that? I hope to have a better influence over you. "

"As I look at you I regard my pride as most pardonable and natural. Myold thoughts and hopes are realized beyond even imagination, although, looking at your eyes, in old times, I always had a high ideal of yourcapabilities. I should be a clod indeed if I were not proud of such asister to champion in society. "

Madge's hearty laugh was a little forced as she said, "You have adelightfully cool way of taking things for granted. I'm no longer alittle sick girl, but, to vary Peggotty's exultant statement, a younglady 'growed. ' You forgot yourself, sir, in your greeting; but thatwas pardonable in your paroxysm of surprise. 

"What, Madge! Will you not permit me to be your brother?"

"What an absurd question!" she answered, still laughing. "You arenot my brother. Can I permit water to run up hill? You were likea brother, though, when I was a sick child in the queer oldtimes--kinder than most brothers, I think. But, Graydon, I am grownup. See, my head comes above your shoulder. "

"Well, you are changed. "

"For the better, in some respects, I hope you will find. "

"I don't at all like the change you suggest in our relations, and amnot sure I will submit to it. It seems absurd to me. "

"It will not seem so when you come to think of it, " she replied, gravely and gently. "You think of me still as little Madge; I am nolonger little Madge, even to myself. A woman's instincts are usuallyright, Graydon. "

"Oh, thank you! I am glad I am still 'Graydon. ' Why do you not call me'Mr. Muir?'"

"Because I am perfectly rational. Because I regard you as almost thebest friend I have. "

"Break up that confabulation, " cried Mr. Muir to the young people, whohad paused and were confronting each other at the further end of thepiazza. "If you think Madge can explain herself in a moment or a weekyou are mistaken. Come to supper. "

"My brother is right--you are indeed an enigma, " he said, discontentedly. 

"An enigma, am I?" she responded, smiling. "Please remember that mostof the world's enigmas were slowly found out because so simple. "

As they passed from the dusky piazza to the large, brilliantly lightedsupper-room, with nearly all its tables occupied, he was curious toobserve how she would meet the many critical eyes turned toward her. Again he was puzzled as well as surprised. She walked at his side asthough the room were empty. There was no affectation of indifference, no trace of embarrassed or of pleased self-consciousness. From thefriendly glances and smiles that she received it was also apparentthat she had already made acquaintances. She moved with the easy, graceful step of perfect good breeding and assured confidence, and wasas self-possessed as himself. Was this the little ghost who had oncebeen afraid of her own shadow, which was scarcely less substantialthan herself?

They had been seated but a moment when Miss Wildmere entered alone. ToGraydon this appeared pathetic. He did not know that her mother wasso worn out from the journey, and so embarrassed by unaided efforts toget settled while still caring for her half-sick child, that shehad decided to make a slight and hasty repast in her own room. MissWildmere cared little for what took place behind the scenes, but wasusually superb before the footlights. Nothing could have been morecharming or better calculated to win general good-will than heradvance down the long room. In external beauty she was more strikingat first than Madge. She did not in the least regret that she mustenter alone, for she was not proud of her mother, and nothing drewattention from herself. She assumed, however, a slight and charmingtrace of embarrassment and perplexity, which to Graydon was perfectlyirresistible, and he mentally resolved that she should not much longerwant a devoted escort. Madge saw his glance of sympathy and strongadmiration, his smile and low bow as she passed, ushered forward bythe obsequious headwaiter, and her heart sank. In spite of all shehad attempted and achieved, the old cynical assurance came back toher--"You are nothing to Graydon, and never can be anything to him. "She was pale enough now, but her eyes burned with the resolution notto yield until all hope was slain. She talked freely, and was mostfriendly toward Graydon, but there was a slight constraint in hismanner. The beautiful and self-possessed girl who sat opposite him wasnot little Madge whom it had been his pleasure to pet and humor. Sheevidently no longer regarded herself as his sister, but rather as acharming young woman abundantly able to take care of herself. She hadindeed changed marvellously in more respects than one, and he feltaggrieved that he had been kept in ignorance of her progress. Hebelieved that she had grown away from him and the past, as well asgrown up, according to her declaration. He recalled her apparentdisinclination for correspondence, and now thought it due toindifference, rather than an indolent shrinking from effort. Thesurprise she had given him seemed a little thing--an act due possiblyto vanity--compared with the sisterly accounts she might have writtenof her improvement. She had achieved the wonder without aid from him, and so of course had not felt the need of his help in any way. Inremembrance of the past he felt that he had not deserved to be soignored. Her profession of friendship was all well enough--there couldscarcely be less than that--but the Madge he had looked forward tomeeting again as of old no longer existed. Oh, yes, she should haveadmiration and exclamation points to her heart's content, but he hadcome from his long exile hungry for something more and betterthan young lady friends. He had long since had a surfeit of thesesemi-Platonic affinities. The girl who apparently had been refusingscores of men for his sake was more to his taste. His brother'srepugnance only irritated and incited him, and he thought, "I'll carryout his business policy to the utmost, but away from the office I ammy own man. "

As these thoughts passed through his mind, they began to impart to hismanner a tinge of gallantry, the beginning of a departure from his oldfraternal and affectionate ways. He was too well-bred to show piqueopenly, or to reveal a sense of injury during the first hours ofreunion, but he already felt absolved from being very attentive toa girl who not only had proved so conclusively that she could manageadmirably for herself, but who also had been so indifferent that shehad not needed his sympathy in her efforts or thought it worth whileto gladden him with a knowledge of her progress. He had loved her asa sister, and had given ample proof of this. He had maintained hisaffection for the Madge that he remembered. "But I have been told, " hethought, bitterly, "that the young lady before me is a 'friend. ' Shehas been a rather distant friend, if the logic of events counts foranything. Not satisfied with the thousands of miles that separated us, she has also withheld her confidence in regard to changes that wouldhave interested even a casual acquaintance. "

Madge soon detected the changing expression of his eyes, the lesseningof simple, loving truth in his words, and while she was pained shefeared that all this and more would necessarily result from thebreaking up of their old relations. Her task was a difficult oneat best--perhaps it was impossible--nor had she set about it incalculating policy. Their old relations could not be maintained on herpart. Even the touch of his hand had the mysterious power to send athrill to her very heart. Therefore she must surround herself at oncewith the viewless yet impassable barriers which a woman can interposeeven by a glance. 

As they rose, Graydon remarked, "I have helped you at supper, and yetone of my illusions has not vanished. The air at Santa Barbara musthave been very nourishing if your appetite was no better therethan here. Your strange 'sea-change' on that distant coast is stillmarvellous to me. "

"Mary can tell you how ravenous I usually am. I do not meet friendsevery day from whom I have been separated so long. "

"It is a very ordinary thing for me to meet 'friends, '" he replied, _sotto voce_, "for I have many. I had hopes that I should meet one whowould be far more than a friend. I'm half inclined to go out to SantaBarbara and see if my little sister Madge is not still there. "

"Do you think me a fraud?"

"Oh, no, only so changed that I scarcely know how to get acquaintedwith you. "

"Even if I granted so much, which I do not, I might suggest thatone must be uninteresting indeed if she inspires no desire foracquaintance. But such talk is absurd between us, Graydon. "

"Of course it is. You are so changed for the better that I canscarcely believe my eyes or ears, and my heart not at all. Of courseyour wishes shall be my law, and my wishes will lead me to seek youracquaintance with deep and undisguised interest. You see the troublewith me is that I have not changed, and it will require a little timefor me to adapt myself to the new order of things. I am now somewhatstunned and paralyzed. In this imbecile state I am both stupidand selfish. I ought to congratulate you, and so I do with all theshattered forces of my mind and reason. You have improved amazingly. You are destined to become a belle _par excellence_, and probably areone now--I know so little of what has occurred since we parted. "

"You are changed also, Graydon. You used to be kind in the old days;"and she spoke sadly. 

"In some respects I am changed, " he said, earnestly; "and my affectionfor you is of such long standing and so deep that it prompts me tomake another protest. " (They had strolled out upon the grounds andwere now alone. ) "I have changed in this respect; I am no longer soyoung as I was, and am losing my zest for general society. I was wearyof residence abroad, where I could have scarcely the semblance ofa home, and, while I had many acquaintances and friends, I had nokindred. I'm sorry to say that the word 'friend, ' in its referenceto young ladies, does not mean very much to me; or, rather, I havelearned from experience just what it does mean. A few years since Iwas proud of my host of young lady friends, and some I thought wouldcontinue to be such through life. Bah! They are nearly all married orengaged; their lives have drifted completely away from mine, as it wasnatural and inevitable that they should. We are good friends still, but what does it amount to? I rarely think of them; they never ofme, I imagine. We exert no influence on each other's lives, and addnothing to them. I never had a sister, but I had learned to love youas if you were one, and when I heard that you were to be of our familyagain, the resumption of our old relations was one of my dearestexpectations. It hurt me cruelly, Madge, when you laughed at theidea as preposterous, and told me that I had forgotten myself whenfollowing the most natural impulse of my heart. It seemed to me theresult of prudishness, rather than womanly delicacy, unless you havechanged in heart as greatly as in externals. You could be so muchto me as a sister. It is a relationship that I have always craved--asister not far removed from me in age; and such a tie, it appears tome, might form the basis of a sympathy and confidence that would beas frank as unselfish and helpful. That is what I looked forward to inyou, Madge. Why on earth can it not be?"

She was painfully embarrassed, and was glad that his words were spokenunder the cover of night. She trembled, for his question probed deep. How could she explain that what was so natural for him was impossiblefor her? He mistook her hesitation for a sign of acquiescence, andcontinued: "Wherein have I failed to act like a brother? During theyears we were together was I not reasonably kind and considerate? Youdid not think of yourself then as one of my young lady friends. Why should you now? I have not changed, and, as I have said, I havereturned hungry for kindred and the quieter pleasures of home. It istime that I was considering the more serious questions of life, and ofcourse the supreme question with a man of my years is that of a homeof his own. I have never been able to think of such a home and notassociate you with it. I can invite my sister to it and make her apart of it, but I cannot invite young lady friends. A sister can besuch a help to a fellow; and it seems to me that I could be of nolittle aid to you. I know the world and the men you will meet insociety. Unless you seclude yourself, you will be as great a belle asMiss Wildmere. You also have a fine property of your own. Will it benothing to have a brother at your side to whom you can speak franklyof those who seek your favor? Come, Madge, be simple and rational. Ihave not changed; my frank words and pleadings prove that I havenot. If we do not go back to the hotel brother and sister it will bebecause you have changed;" and he attempted to put his arm around herand draw her to him. 

She sprang aloof. "Well, then, I have changed, " she said, in a low, concentrated voice. "Think me a prude if you will. I know I am not. You are unjust to me, for you give me, in effect, no alternative. You say, 'Think of me as a brother; feel and act as if you were mysister, ' when I am not your sister. It's like declaring that thereis nothing in blood--that such relations are questions of choice andwill. I said in downright sincerity that I regarded you as almost thebest friend I had, and I have not so many friends that the word meansnothing to me. I do remember all your kindness in the past--when haveI forgotten it for an hour?--but that does not change the essentialinstincts of my womanhood, and since we parted I've grown towomanhood. You in one sense have not changed, and I still am in yourmind the invalid child you used to indulge and fondle. It is not justto me now to ask that I act and feel as if there were a natural tiebetween us. The fact ever remains that there is not. Why should Ideceive you by pretending to what is impossible? Nature is strongerthan even your wishes, Graydon, and cannot be ignored. "

She spoke hesitatingly, feeling her way across most difficult anddangerous ground, but her decision was unmistakable, and he said, quietly, "I am answered. See, we have wandered far from the house. Hadwe not better return?"

After a few moments of silence she asked, "Are you so rich in friendsthat you have no place for me?"

"Why, certainly, Madge, " he replied, in cordial, offhand tones, "weare friends. There's nothing else for us to be. I don't pretend tounderstand your scruples. Even if a woman refused to be my wife Ishould be none the less friendly, unless she had trifled with me. Tomy man's reason a natural tie does not count for so much as the yearswe spent together. I remember what you were to me then, and what Iseemed to you. I tried to keep up the old feeling by correspondence. The West is a world of wonders, and you have come from it the greatestwonder of all. "

"I hope I shall not prove to you a monstrosity, Graydon. I will trynot to be one if you will give me a chance. "

"Oh, no, indeed; you promise to be one of the most charming youngladies I ever met. "

"I don't promise anything of the kind, " she replied, with a laugh thatwas chiefly the expression of her intense nervous tension. It jarredupon his feelings, and confirmed him in the belief that their longseparation had broken up their old relations completely, and that she, in the new career which her beauty opened before her, wished for noembarrassing relations of any kind. 

"Well, " he said, with an answering laugh, "I suppose I must take youfor what you are and propose to be--that is, if I ever find out. "

In a few moments more, after some light badinage, he left her withMr. And Mrs. Muir on the piazza, and went to claim his waltz with MissWildmere. 

CHAPTER XI

"I FEAR I SHALL FAIL"

The band had been discoursing lively strains for some time, and MissWildmere had at last dragged her mother down for a chaperon--the onlyavailable one as yet. The anxious mother was eager to return to herfretting child, and her daughter was much inclined to resent Graydon'sprolonged absence. "If it were politic, and I had other acquaintances, I would punish him, " she thought. It was a new experience for her tosit in a corner of the parlor, apparently neglected, while others weredancing. There were plenty who looked wistfully toward her; butthere was no one to introduce her, and Graydon's absence left the iceunbroken. 

She ignored the inevitable isolation of a new-comer, however, and whenhe appeared shook her finger at him as she said, "Here I am, constancyitself, waiting to give you my first dance, as I promised. "

"I shall try to prove worthy, " he said, earnestly. "You must remember, in extenuation, that I have not seen the ladies of our family for along time. "

"You use the plural, and are Dot at all singular in your prolongedabsence with the charming Miss Alden. You certainly cannot look uponher as an invalid any longer, however else you may regard her, " sheadded, with an arch look. 

"You shall now have my entire regard as long as you will permit it. "

"That will depend a little upon yourself. Mamma is tired, and I'm ofno account compared with that infant upstairs; therefore I can't keepher as a chaperon this evening, and I will go to my room as soon asyou are tired of me. "

"Not till then?"

"Not unless I go before. "

"At some time in the indefinite future, Mrs. Wildmere, you may hope tosee your daughter again. "

The poor lady smiled encouragingly and gratefully. She would be mosthappy to have Graydon take the brilliant creature for better or worseas soon as possible. She liked him, as did all women, for she saw thathe had a large, kindly nature. She now stole meekly away, while hewith his fair partner glided out upon the floor. All eyes followedthem, and even the veterans of society remarked that they had neverseen more graceful dancing. 

From her seat on the piazza Madge also watched the couple. Thestruggle to which she had looked forward so long had indeed begun, andmost inauspiciously. Her rival had every advantage. The mood in whichGraydon had returned predisposed him to prompt action, while she hadlost her influence for the present by a course that seemed to himso unnatural as to be prudish. Miss Wildmere's manner gave all theencouragement that a man could wish for, and it was hard to view withcharity the smiling, triumphant belle. Madge suddenly became consciousthat Mr. Muir was observing her, and she remarked, quietly: "I neversaw better dancing than that. It's grace itself. Miss Wildmere waltzessuperbly. "

"Not better than you, Miss Alden, " said Mr. Henderson, a young man whoprided himself on his skill in the accomplishment under consideration, and with whom she had danced several times. "I've been looking foryou, in the hope that you would favor me this evening. "

She rose and passed with him through the open window. The waltz wasdrawing to a close; the majority had grown weary and sat down; andsoon Madge and Miss Wildmere were the only ladies on the floor. Opinion was divided, some declaring that the former was the moregraceful and lovely, while perhaps a larger number gave their verdictfor the latter. 

The strains ceased, and left the couples near each other. Graydonimmediately introduced Miss Wildmere. The girls bowed a little tooprofoundly to indicate cordiality. Madge also presented Mr. Henderson, hoping that he might become a partner for Miss Wildmere, and giveGraydon an opportunity to dance with her. He resolved to break the iceat once so far as his relatives were concerned, and he conducted MissWildmere to Mrs. Muir, and gave her a seat beside that lady. The girlof his choice should have not only a gallant for the evening, but alsoa chaperon. He was not one to enter on timid, half-way measures; andhe determined that his brother's prejudice should count for nothingin this case. His preference was entitled to respect, and must berespected. Of course the group chatted courteously, as well-bredpeople do in public, but Miss Wildmere felt that the atmosphere waschilly. She was much too politic to permit the slightest tinge ofcoldness in her manner toward those with whom she meditated such closerelations should the barring "if" melt out of the way. 

The people were forming for the lancers, and Mr. Henderson asked Madgeto help make up a set. She complied without hesitation. Nor was sheunmindful of the fact that Graydon sat in a position which commanded aview of the floor. He had seen her glide out in the waltz with a gracesecond only to that of Miss Wildmere, even in his prejudiced eyes. Nowhe again observed her curiously, and his disappointment and bitternessat heart increased, even while she compelled his wondering admiration. He saw that, though she lacked Miss Wildmere's conventional finish, she had a natural grace of her own. He admitted that he had never seenso perfect a physical embodiment of womanhood. She was slightly tallerthan her rival in his thoughts, and her costume gave an impression ofadditional height. Apparently she was in the best of spirits, laughingoften with her partner and an elderly gentleman who danced oppositeto her, and who was full of old-time flourishes and jollity. At lastGraydon thought, resentfully, "She is indeed changed. That's the styleof life she is looking forward to, and she wishes no embarrassment oradvice from me. That dancing-jack, Henderson, and others of his sortare to be her 'friends' also, no doubt. Very well, I know how toconsole myself;" and he turned his eyes resolutely to Miss Wildmere. 

In the galop that followed he naturally danced with his quondamsister, and Mr. Henderson with Miss Wildmere. Graydon was the lastone to show feeling in public or do anything to cause remark. Now thatMadge possessed in her partner the same advantage that Miss Wildmerehad enjoyed, the admiring lookers-on were at a loss to decide which ofthe two girls bore the palm; and Graydon acknowledged that the formerinvalid's step had a lightness and an elasticity which he had neverknown to be surpassed, and that she kept time with him as if hisvolition were hers. She showed no sign of weariness, even after hebegan to grow fatigued. As he danced he remembered how he had carried"the little ghost" on his arm, then tossed her, breathless fromscarce an effort, on the lounge, whence she looked at him in laughingaffection. This strong, superb creature was indeed another and analien being, and needed no aid from him. Before he was consciousof flagging in his step, she said, quietly, "You are growing tired, Graydon. Suppose we return to the piazza. "

"Yes, " he said, a trifle bitterly, "you are the stronger now. The'little ghost' has vanished utterly. "

"A woman is better than a ghost, " was her reply. 

He and Miss Wildmere strolled away down the same path on which Madgehad told him that she could not be his sister. Mr. Muir was tired, and went to his room in no very amiable humor. Mrs. Muir waited forGraydon's return, feeling that, although the office of chaperon had ina sense been forced upon her, she could not depart without seeing MissWildmere again. The young lady at last appeared, and, believing thatshe had made all the points she cared for that night, did not tax Mrs. Muir's patience beyond a few moments. While she lingered she lookedcuriously at Madge, who was going through a Virginia reel as if shefully shared in the decided and almost romping spirit with which itwas danced. She was uncertain whether or not she saw a possiblerival in Graydon's thoughts, but she knew well that she had founda competitor for sovereignty in all social circles where they mightappear together. This fact in itself was sufficient to secure thearrogant girl's ill-will and jealousy. A scarcely perceptible smile, that boded no good for poor Madge, passed over her face, and then shetook a cordial leave of Graydon, and retired with Mrs. Muir. 

He remained at the window watching, with a satirical smile, the scenewithin. People of almost every age, from elderly men and matrons downto boys and girls, were participating in the old-fashioned dance. Theair was resonant with laughter and music. In the rollicking fun Madgeappeared to have found her element. No step was lighter or quickerthan hers, and merriment rippled away before her as if she were thegenius of mirth. Her dark eyes were singularly brilliant, and burnedas with a suppressed excitement. 

"She is bound to have her fling like the rest, I suppose, " hemuttered; "and that romp is more to her than the offer of a brother'slove and help--an offer half forgotten already, no doubt. Yet shepuzzles one. She never was a weak girl mentally. She was always alittle odd, and now she is decidedly so. Well, I will let her gang herain gate, and I shall go mine. "

He little dreamed that she was seeking weariness, action that wouldexhaust, and that the expression of her eyes, so far from being causedby excitement, was produced by feelings deeper than he had ever known. When the music ceased he sauntered up and told her that her sister hadretired. 

"I had better follow her example, " she said. 

"Would you not like a brief stroll on the piazza? After exertionsthat, in you, seem almost superhuman, you must be warm. "

"Why more superhuman in me than in others?"

"Simply because of my old and preconceived notions. "

"I fear I am disappointing you in every respect. I had hoped to giveyou pleasure. "

"Oh, well, Madge, I see we must let the past go and begin again. "

"Begin fairly, then, and not in prejudice. "

"Does it matter very much to you how I begin?"

"I shall not answer such questions. "

"I am glad to see that you can enjoy yourself so thoroughly. You cannow look forward to a long career of happiness, Madge, since you canobtain so much from a reel. "

"You do not know what I am looking forward to. "

"Why?"

"Because you are not acquainted with me. "

"I thought I was at one time. "

"I became discontented with that time, and have tried to bedifferent. "

"And you must have succeeded beyond your wildest dreams. "

"Oh, no, I've only made a beginning. I should be conceit embodied if Ithought myself finished. "

"What is your supreme ambition, then?"

"I am trying to be a woman, Graydon. There, I'm cool now. Good-night. "

"Very cool, Madge. "

He lighted a cigar and continued his walk, more perturbed than hecared to admit even to himself. Indeed, he found that he was decidedlyannoyed, and there seemed no earthly reason why there should have beenany occasion for such vexation. Of course he was glad that Madge hadbecome strong and beautiful. This would have added a complete charm totheir old relations. Why must she also become a mystery, or, rather, seek to appear one? Well, there was no necessity for solving themystery, granting its existence. "Possibly she would prefer aflirtation to fraternal regard; possibly--Oh, confound it! I don'tknow what to think, and don't much care. She is trying to become awoman! Who can fathom some women's whims and fancies? She thinks herimmature ideas, imbibed in an out-of-the-way corner of the world, the immutable laws of nature. Of one thing at least she is absolutelycertain--she can get on without me. I must be kept at too great adistance to be officious. "

This point settled, his own course became clear. He would be courtesyitself and mind his own business. 

"I fear I shall fail, " murmured poor Madge, hiding her face in herpillow, while suppressed sobs shook her frame. 

CHAPTER XII

THE PROMPTINGS OF MISS WILDMERE'S HEART

Graydon slept very late the following morning. He found out that hewas tired, and resolved to indulge his craving for rest so far ashis suit to Miss Wildmere would permit. When he could do nothing topromote his advantage he proposed to be indolence itself. He foundthat his vexation had quite vanished, and, in cynical good-nature, hewas inclined to laugh at the state of affairs. "Let Madge indulge herwhims, " he thought; "I may be the more free to pursue my purposes. Hersister, of course, shares in Henry's prejudices against the Wildmeres, and they would influence Madge adversely. All handsome girls arejealous of each other, and, perhaps, if what I had so naturally hopedand expected had proved true, I should have had more sisterly counseland opposition than would have been agreeable. Objections now would bein poor taste, to say the least. If I'm not much mistaken I can speakmy mind to Stella Wildmere before many days pass; and, woman-naturebeing such as it is, it may be just as well that I am not too intimatewith a sister who, after all, is not my sister. Stella might not seeit in the light that I should;" and so he came down at last, preparedto adapt himself very philosophically to the new order of things. 

"The world moves and changes, " he soliloquized, smilingly, "and wemust move on and change with it. "

He found Mr. And Mrs. Muir, with Madge and the children, ready forchurch, and told them, laughingly, to "remember him if they did notthink him past praying for. " During his breakfast he recalled the factthat Madge was uncommonly well dressed. "She hasn't in externals, " hethought, "the provincial air that one might expect, although herideas are not only provincial, but prim, obtained, no doubt, from somegoody-good books that she has read in the remote region wherein shehas developed so remarkably. She has some stilted ideal of womanhoodwhich she is seeking to attain, and the more unnatural the ideal, themore attractive, no doubt, it appears to her. "

It did not occur to him that he was explaining Madge on more theoriesthan one, and that they were not exactly harmonious. Having finishedhis meal, he sought for Miss Wildmere, and soon found her in a shadycorner, reading a light, semi-philosophical work, thus distinguishingand honoring the day in her choice of literature. He proposed to readto her, but the book was soon forgotten in animated talk on his part. She could skilfully play the rôle of a good listener when she chose, and could, therefore, be a delightful companion. Her color came andwent under words and compliments that at times were rather ardent andpronounced. He soon observed, however, that she led the way promptlyfrom delicate ground. This might result from maidenly reserve or fromthe fact that she was not quite ready for decisive words. He stillbelieved that he had all needed encouragement--that the expression ofher eyes often answered his, and he knew well what his meant. When, in response to his invitation, she promised to drive with him in theafternoon, all seemed to be going as he wished. 

Graydon felt that during dinner and thereafter for a time he should bedevoted to his party, to preclude criticism on his course in the lateafternoon and in the evening, when he proposed to seek society whichpromised more than theirs. He began to discover that, except as herintelligence was larger, in one respect Madge had not changed from herold self. She responded appreciatively to his thought and fancy, andgave him back in kind with interest. She began to question him abouta place in Europe with which he was familiar, and showed such unusualknowledge of the locality that he asked, "You haven't slipped overthere unknown to me, I trust?"

"You might think of an easier explanation than that. You kindly sentme books, some of which were rather realistic. "

"Did you read them all?"

"Certainly. It would have been a poor return if I had not. "

"What an inordinate sense of duty you must have had!"

"I did not read them from a sense of duty. You have perhaps forgottenthat I am fond of books. "

"Not all of the books were novels. "

"Many that were not proved the most interesting. "

"Oh, indeed; another evidence of change, " he said, laughing. 

"And of sense, too, I think. Mr. Wayland, who is a student, had asplendid library, and he gave me some ideas as to reading. "

"Can you part with any of them?"

"That depends, " she replied, with a manner as brusque as his own. 

"On what?"

"The inducements and natural opportunities. I'm not going to recite alesson like a schoolgirl. "

"One would think you had been to school. "

"I have, where much is taught and learned thoroughly. "

"Now, that is enigmatical again. "

"The best of the books you sent me left some room for theimagination. "

"Ha, ha, ha, Madge! you are scoring points right along. I told you, Graydon, that you couldn't understand her in a moment or in a week. "

"I never regarded your imagination as rampant, Henry. Have youfathomed all her mystery?"

"Far from it; nor do I expect to, and yet you will grant to me somedegree of penetration. "

"Well, to think that I should have come home to find a sphinx insteadof little Madge!"

"Thank you. A sphinx is usually portrayed with at least the head of awoman. "

"In this case she has one that would inspire a Greek sculptor. Perhapsin time I may discover a heart also. "

"That's doubtful. "

"Indeed. "

"Yes, indeed. "

"What far-fetched nonsense!" said Mrs. Muir, sententiously. "Madge hascome back one of the best and most sensible girls in the world. Menand poets are always imagining that women are mysteries. The fact is, they are as transparent as glass when they know their own minds; whenthey don't, who else should know them?"

"Who indeed?" said Graydon, laughing. "Your saving clause, Mary, is asboundless as space. "

"How absurd! I understand Madge perfectly, and so does Henry. "

"You said last evening that the change in her was a miracle. Once inthe realm of the supernatural, what may not one expect?"

"You knew what I meant. I referred to Madge's health and appearanceand accomplishments and all that. She has not changed in heart andfeeling any more than I have, and I'm sure I'm not a sphinx. "

"No, Mary; you are a sensible and excellent wife and my very dearsister. You suggest no mystery. Madge certainly does, for you have, in addition to all the rest, announced an indefinite list ofaccomplishments. "

"If I remain the subject of conversation I shall complain that yourremarks are personal, " said Madge, her brows contracting with a littlevexation. 

"That is what makes our talk so interesting. Personals are always readfirst. In drawing Mary and Henry out, I am getting acquainted withyou. "

"It's not a good way. You like it merely because it teases me andsaves trouble. If you must gossip and surmise about me, wait till I'mabsent. "

"There, Madge, you know I'm nine-tenths in fun, " said he, laughing. 

"That leaves a small margin for kindly interest in an oldacquaintance, " was her reply as they rose from the table, and he sawthat her feelings were hurt. 

"Confound it!" he thought, with irritation, "it's all so uncalled-forand unnatural! Nothing is as it used to be. Well, then, I'll talkabout books and matters as impersonal as if we were disembodiedspirits. "

They had scarcely seated themselves on the piazza before Miss Wildmerecame forward and introduced her mother. The young lady was determinedto prepare the way for a family party. Graydon had a confident, opulent air, which led to the belief that her father's fears weregroundless, and that before many weeks should elapse the Muirs wouldhave to acknowledge her openly. It would save embarrassment if thiscame about naturally and gradually, and she believed that she could beso charming as to make them covet the alliance. Miss Alden might notlike it, and the more she disliked it the better. 

Mrs. Muir's thoughts were somewhat akin. "If Graydon will marry thisgirl, it's wise that we should begin on good terms. This is a matterthat Henry can't control, and there's no use in our yielding toprejudice. "

Therefore she was talkative, courteous, and rapidly softened towardthe people whom her husband found so distasteful. Graydon employed allhis skill and tact to make the conversation general and agreeable, butthe cloud did not wholly pass from Madge's brow. From the momentof her first cold, curious stare, years since, Miss Wildmere hadantagonized every fibre of the young girl's soul and body, and she hadresolved never to be more than polite to her. She did not look forwardto future relationship, as was the case with Mrs. Muir, but ratherto entire separation, should Graydon become Miss Wildmere's acceptedsuitor. Now, with the instinct of self-defence, she was more cordialto her rival than to Graydon, until, at the solicitation of thechildren, she stole away. Mr. Muir remarked that he was going to takea nap, and soon followed her. 

Their departure was a relief to Graydon, for it rendered the carryingout of his plan less embarrassing. In his eagerness to be alone withthe object of his hopes, he soon obtained a carriage, and with MissWildmere drove away. Mrs. Muir and Mrs. Wildmere compared maternal anddomestic notes sometime longer, and then the former went to her roomquite reconciled to what now appeared inevitable. 

"I think you are prejudiced, Henry, " she remarked to her husband, whowas tossing restlessly on the bed. 

"Least said soonest mended, " was his only response, and then hechanged the subject. 

Graydon came back with the hope--nay, almost the certainty--ofhappiness glowing in his eyes. He had spoken confidently of hisbusiness plans and prospects, and had touched upon the weariness ofhis exile and his longing for more satisfactory pleasures than thoseof general society. His companion had listened with an attention andinterest that promised more than sympathy. The wild, rugged scenesthrough which they had passed had made her delicate beauty moreexquisite from contrast. It was as if a rare tropical bird hadfollowed the wake of summer and graced for a time a region from whichit must fly with the first breath of autumn. In distinction from allthey saw and met she appeared so fragile, such a charming exotic, thathe felt an overpowering impulse to cherish and shelter her fromevery rude thing in the world. With a nice blending of reserve andcomplaisance she appeared to yield to his mood and yet to withholdherself. To a man of Graydon's poise and knowledge of society suchskilful tactics served their purpose perfectly. They gave her anadditional charm in his eyes, and furnished another proof of thefineness of her nature. She could not only feel, but manifest thenicest shades of preference. If not fully satisfied as to her ownheart, what could be more refined and graceful than the slightrestraint she imposed upon him? and how fine the compliment shepaid him in acting on the belief that he was too well bred andself-controlled to precipitate matters!

"She has the tact and intuition to see, " he thought, "that she canshow me all the regard she feels and yet incur no danger of prematureand incoherent words. She will one day yield with all the quiet gracethat she shows when rising to accept my invitation to waltz. "

Therefore, as he approached the hotel he was complacency itself untilhe saw Mr. Arnault on the piazza, and then his face darkened with theheaviest of frowns. 

"Why, what is the matter?" Miss Wildmere asked. 

"I had hoped that this perfect afternoon might be followed by a moredelightful evening, but from the manner in which that gentleman isapproaching you, it is evident that he expects to claim you. "

"Claim me? I do not think any one has that right just yet. Mr. Arnaultcertainly has not. "

"Then I may still hope for your society this evening?"

"Have I not permitted you to be with me nearly all day? You must bemore reasonable. Good-evening, Mr. Arnault. Did you drop from theclouds?"

"There are none, and were there I should forget them in this pleasure. Mr. Muir, I congratulate you. We have both been on the road thisafternoon, but you have had the advantage of me. "

"And mean to keep it, confound you!" thought Graydon. "Ah, good-evening, Mr. Arnault. You are right; I have found rough roadspreferable to smooth rails and a palace car. "

"How well you are looking, Miss Stella! but that's chronic with you. This is perfectly heavenly" (looking directly into her eyes) "afterthe heat of the city and my dusty journey. "

"You are a fine one to talk about things heavenly after fracturing theSabbath-day. What would have happened to you in Connecticut a hundredyears ago?"

"I should have been ridden on one rail instead of two, probably. I'mmore concerned about what will happen to me to-day, and that dependsnot on blue laws, but blue blood. I saw your father this morning, andhe intrusted me with a letter for you. "

Mr. Arnault manifested not a particle of jealousy or apprehension, andGraydon felt himself shouldered out of the way by a courtesy to whichhe could take no exception. He saw that only Miss Wildmere herselfcould check his rival's resolute and easy assurance. This he now feltsure she would do if it passed a certain point, and he went to hisroom, annoyed merely, and without solicitude. "She must let the fellowdown easily, I suppose, " he thought; "and after to-day I need have fewfears. If she had wanted _him_ she could have taken him long ago. "

Miss Wildmere also went to her room and read her father's letter. Itcontained these few and significant words: "In speaking of possiblerelations with Mr. M. I emphasized a small but important word--'if. 'I now commend it to you still more emphatically. You know I preferMr. M. Therefore you will do well to heed my caution. Mr. M. May loseeverything within a brief time. "

Miss Wildmere frowned and bit her lip with vexation. Then her whiteface took on hard, resolute lines. "I came near making a fool ofmyself this afternoon, " she muttered. "I was more than once tempted tolet Graydon speak. Heavens! I'd like to be engaged to him for awhile. Mr. Arnault plays a bold, steady hand, but he's the kind of man thatmight throw up the game if one put tricks on him. My original policyis the best. I must pit one against the other in a fair and open suittill I can take my choice. Now that it is clear that Graydon careslittle for that hideous thing he calls his sister, my plan is safe. "

"What a lovely color you have, Madge!" Graydon remarked, as they metat supper. "You are unequalled in your choice of cosmetics. "

"Not to be surpassed, at any rate. "

"Where did you get it?"

"Up at Grand View. "

"What, have you climbed that mountain?"

"It's not much of a mountain. "

"It's a tremendous mountain, " cried little Harry. "Aunt Madge's beenteaching us to climb, and she lifted us up and down the steep placesas if we were feathers, and she told us stories about the squirrelsand birds we saw up there. Oh, didn't we have a lovely time, Jennie?"

"Now I understand, " said Graydon. "The glow in your face comes fromthe consciousness of good deeds. "

"It comes from exertion. Are you not making too much effort to besatirical?"

"Therefore my face should be suffused with the hue of shame. You seeI have changed also, and have become a cynic and a heathen from longresidence in Europe. "

"Please be a noble savage, then. "

"That's not the style of heathen they develop abroad. "

"Madge told us about the savages that used to live in these mountains, and how bad they were treated, " piped Jennie. 

"Poor Lo! No wonder he went to the bad, " said Graydon, significantly. "He was never recognized as a man and a brother. "

"And he was unsurpassed in retaliation, " Madge added. 

"Considering his total depravity and general innocence, that was to beexpected. "

"It turned out to be bad policy. "

"In so far as he was a man he hadn't any policy. "

"I shall not depreciate the Indians for the sake of argument. Theyrarely followed the wrong trail, however. "

"What on earth are you and Madge driving at?" exclaimed Mrs. Muir. 

"It matters little at what, but Madge appears to be the betterdriver, " chuckled Mr. Muir. 

"You have a stanch champion in Henry, " said Graydon. 

"You wouldn't have him take sides against a woman?"

"Oh, no, but you have become so abundantly able to take care ofyourself that he might remain neutral. "

"When you all begin to talk English again I'll join in, and nowmerely remark that I am grateful to you, Madge, for taking care of thechildren. Jack was good with the nurse, too, and I've had a splendidnap. "

"I'm evidently the delinquent, " laughed Graydon, "and have led the wayin a conversation that has been as bad as whispering in company. Whatwill become of me? You are not going to church to-night, Madge?"

"I did not expect to. If your conscience needs soothing--"

"Oh, no, no. My conscience has been seared with a hot iron--a coldone, I mean. The effects are just the same. "

At the supper-room door they were met by Dr. Sommers, with a world ofcomical trouble in his face, and he drew Madge aside. 

"What's a man to do?" he began. "Here's our choir-leader sick, and therest won't chirp without him. I can't sing any more than I can dance. You can--sing, I mean--both, for that matter. I'd give the bestcast of a fly I ever had to take you out in a reel. Well, here's thetrouble. It's nearly meeting-time, and what's a meeting without music?You can sing--I'm sure you can. I've heard you twice in the chapel. Now, it isn't imposing on good-nature, is it, to ask you to come overand start the tunes for us to-night? Come now, go with me. It will be agreat favor, and I'll get even with you before the summer is over. "

Madge hesitated a moment. She had hoped for a chat with Graydon thatevening, which might lead to a better understanding, and end theirtendency to rather thorny badinage. But she heard him chatting gaylywith Miss Wildmere and Mr. Arnault in the distance; therefore shesaid, quietly, "It is time for me to get even with you first. Torefuse would not be nice after the lovely drive you took us the otherday. "

"Oh, you made that square as you went along. Well, now, this isfamous. What a meeting we'll have!"

"You explain to Mrs. Muir, and I'll get my hat. "

"I'm in luck, " the doctor began, joining the Muirs on the piazza. 

"Of course you are. You are always in luck, " said Mrs. Muir. 

"Oh, no, oh, no. Draw it milder than that. I've fished many a bad day. I'm in luck to-night. What do you think? You can't guess. "

"You and Madge had your heads together, and so something will happen. Are you going to capture a mountain?"

"Yes, a brace of 'em before long. Well, as good luck would have it, our choir-leader is sick. I thought it was bad luck at first, andmeant to give him an awful dose for being so inopportune. It hasturned out famously. 'All-things work together for good, ' you know. That text required faith once when I had hooked a three-pound trout, and in my eagerness tumbled in where the fish was. Oh, here you are, Miss Alden. We'll go right along, for it's about time. "

"But you haven't explained, " cried Mrs. Muir. 

"We will when we come back, " said the doctor. 

"Oh, I'm merely going over to the chapel to help the doctor out withthe singing, " said Madge, carelessly. "Good-by. "

"Well, " remarked Mr. Muir, _sotto voce_, "if I were a young fellow, there's a trail I'd follow, and not that will-o'-the-wisp yonder. "

"What did you say, Henry?" asked his wife. 

"It will be hot in town to-morrow, Mary. It's growing confoundedly hotin Wall Street. "

"Nothing serious, Henry?"

"It's always serious there. "

"Oh, well, you'll come out all right. It's a way you have. "

Mr. Muir looked grim and troubled, but the piazza was dusky. "Shecan't help me, " he thought, "and if she was worrying she might hinderme. Things are no worse, and they may soon be better. If I had fiftythousand for a month, though, the strain would be over. She'd benagging me to take a lot of her money, and I'd see Wall Street sunkfirst. Well, well, Wildmere and I may land together in the sameditch. "

For a few moments Graydon and Mr. Arnault sat on either side of thebroker's daughter, each seeking the advantage. The young lady enjoyedthe situation immensely, and for a time had the art to entertainboth. Arnault at last boldly and frankly took the initiative, saying, "Please take a walk with me, Miss Wildmere. I have come all the wayfrom New York for the pleasure of an evening in your society. You willexcuse us, Mr. Muir. You have had to-day and will have to-morrow, forI must take an early train. "

Miss Wildmere laughed, and said: "I must go with you surely, or youwill think you have made a bad 'put' in railroad tickets, as wellas shares, for you are like the rest, I suppose;" and with a smilingglance backward at Graydon she disappeared. 

"You are mistaken, " he said; "we foresaw this 'squeeze' in the market, and have money to lend if the security is ample. We were never doingbetter. "

"Poor papa!" she sighed, "his securities are lacking, I suppose. Hedoes not write very cheerfully. "

"His security is the best in the city, in my estimation. I'd take thislittle hand in preference to government bonds. "

"Oh, don't lend papa anything on that basis, for you would surelymanage to claim the collateral, or whatever you call it in your WallStreet jargon. "

"You are infinitely better off than the majority in these hard times. "

"How so?"

"By one word you can make three rich, yourself included. Your fatheronly needs to be tided over a few months. "

"Come, come, Mr. Arnault, this is Sunday, and you must not talkbusiness. "

"My fault leans to virtue's side for once. "

"I'm not just sure to which side it leans, " was her laughing reply. 

"Are you going to accept Muir?"

"I'm not going to accept any one at present--certainly not Mr. Muirbefore he asks me. "

"He will ask you. "

"Has he taken you into his confidence?"

"Oh, he's as patent as a country borrower. "

"Mr. Arnault, we must change the subject; such questions and remarksare not in good taste, to say the least. I appreciate your friendship, but it does not give you the right to forget that I am a free girl, orto ignore my assurance that I propose to remain free for the present. "

"That is all the assurance that I require just now, " he answered. "I have been a frank, devoted suitor, Stella. If you do not actprecipitately you will act wisely in the end. I shall not be guilty ofthe folly of depreciating Muir--he's a good fellow in his way--but youwill soon be convinced that you cannot afford to marry him. "

"I think I can afford not to marry any one until my heart prompts meto the act, " she replied, with well-assumed dignity. Her swift thoughtwas, "He also knows that the Muirs are embarrassed. How is it thatGraydon speaks and acts in the assured confidence of continued wealth?Is he deceiving me?"

Mr. Arnault changed the subject, and none could do this with moreadroitness than he, or be a more entertaining gallant if he so chose. At the same time he maintained a subtle observance, in spite of hisvaunted frankness, and he soon believed he had reason to hope thatMiss Wildmere had been influenced by his words. Almost imperceptiblyshe permitted additional favor to come into her manner, and when shesaid good-night and good-by also, in view of his early start for thecity, it was at the foot of the stairway, she casually remarking thatshe would not come down again. 

"My brief visit has not been in vain, " he thought. "I have delayedmatters, and that now means a great deal. She will marry the survivorof this financial gale, and in every man's philosophy the survivalof the fittest is always the survival of the _ego_. "

[Illustration: "THERE NOW, BE RATIONAL, " CRIED THE YOUNG GIRL]

CHAPTER XIII

"YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED"

Graydon felt that it was scarcely possible to resent Mr. Arnault'stactics or to blame Miss Wildmere. The former certainly had as gooda right to be a suitor as himself, and even to his prejudiced mind itwould have been ungracious in the lady had she not given some rewardfor his rival's long journey. It was natural that Mr. Arnault, an oldfriend of the Wildmeres, should sit at their table and receive theconsideration that he enjoyed. Graydon had little cause for complaintor vexation, since his rival would depart in the morning, and, judgingfrom to-day, his own suit was approaching a successful termination. The coast would be clear on the morrow, and he determined to makethe most of opportunities. He now even regretted that Madge and hisrelatives were at the house, for in some degree they trammelled hismovements by a watchful attention, which he believed was not veryfriendly. It would not be well to ignore them beyond a certain point, for it was his wish to carry out his purposes with the least possiblefriction. Madge's course had compelled a revision of his plans andexpectations, but his intimate relations with his brother in businessmade harmony and peace very essential. He felt keenly, however, thespur of Mr. Arnault's open and aggressive rivalry, and determined toenter upon an equally vigorous campaign. 

Having reached this definite conclusion, he joined Mr. And Mrs. Muiron the piazza, and after some desultory talk asked, "Where is Madge?"

Mrs. Muir explained, adding, "I think you might go over to the chapeland accompany her home. "

"I'll be there by the time service is over, " he replied. 

There was sacred music in the hotel parlor, but it seemed to himneither very sacred nor very attractive. Then he strolled toward thechapel. As the service was not over, he stood and watched the greatmoonlit mountains, with their light and shade. The scene and hourfostered the feelings to which he had given himself up. In revery hewent over the hours he had spent with Miss Wildmere since his return, and hope grew strong. In view of it all--and vividly his memoryretained everything, even to the droop of her eyelids or the tone inwhich some ordinary words had been spoken--there could scarcely be adoubtful conclusion. Thoughts of him had kept her free, and now thatthey had met again she was seeking to discover if her old impressionshad been true, and in their confirmation was surely yielding to hissuit. 

He started. Through the open windows of the adjacent chapel came theopening notes of a hymn, sung with a sweetness and power that in thestill summer night seemed almost divine. Then other voices joined, andpartially obscured the melody; but above all floated a voice that tohis trained ear had some of the rarest qualities of music. 

"That's Madge, " he muttered, and strode rapidly to the door. Again, in the second stanza, the rich, pure voice thrilled his every nerve, gaining rather than losing in its effect by his approach. 

Unconsciously the poor girl had yielded to the old habit ofself-expression in music. Her heart had been heavy, and now was sadindeed. Earthly hope had been growing dim, but the words of faith shehad heard had not been without sustaining influence. With the deeplonging of her woman's nature for love--divine love, if earthly lovemust be denied--her voice in its pathos was unconsciously an appeal, full of entreaty. She half forgot her surroundings; they were nothingin her present mood. The little audience of strangers gave a sense ofsolitude. 

The quaint old tune was rich in plaintive harmony. It had survivedthe winnowing process of time, and had endeared itself to thepopular heart because expressive of the heart's unrest and desire forsomething unpossessed. Along this old, well-worn musical channel Madgepoured the full tide of her feeling, which had both the solemnity andthe pathos inseparable from all deep and sacred emotion. Graydon wasnow sure that he must dismiss one of his impressions of Madge, andfinally. No one could sing like that and be trivial at heart. "I don'tunderstand her, " he muttered, gloomily, "but I appreciate one thing. She has withheld from me her confidence, she does not wish to keepher old place in my affection, and has deposed herself from it. She appears to be under the influence of a brood of sentimentalaspirations. I shall remain my old self, nor shall I gratify her byadmiring wonder. The one thing that would make life a burden to me isan intense, aesthetical, rapturously devotional woman, with her mentaleye fixed on a vague ideal. In such society I should feel much like aman compelled to walk on stilts all the time. The idea of going backto the hotel, smoking a cigar, and talking of the ordinary affairs oflife, after such music as that!"

"It was very kind of you to come over for me, " said Madge, as she cameout. "Thank you, doctor; no, there is no need of your going back withme. Good-night. "

"Thanks to you, Miss Alden, thanks, thanks. The sermon was good, butthat last hymn rounded up Sunday for me. I was going up to the house, but I'll go home and keep that music in my ears. If they had known, they wouldn't have spared you from the hotel music to-night. "

"Please say nothing about it--that is all I ask, " she said, as shetook Graydon's arm. 

"Yes, Madge, " he began, quietly, "you sung well. You had the rudimentsof a fine voice years ago. In gaining strength you have also won thepower to sing. "

"Yes, " she said, simply. 

"Do you sing much?"

"I do not wish to sing at all in the hotel. I did not study music inorder to be conspicuous. "

"Have you studied it very carefully?"

"Please leave out the word 'very. ' I studied it as a young girlstudies, not scientifically. I had a good master, and he did hisbest for me. Poor Herr Brachmann! he was sorry to have me come away. Perhaps in time I can make progress that will satisfy him better. Icould see that he was often dissatisfied. "

"You don't mean to suggest that you are going back to Santa Barbara?"

"Why not?"

"True enough, 'why not?' It was a foolish question. You doubtless havestrong attachments there. "

"I have, indeed. "

"And it's natural to go where our attachments are strongest. "

"Yes; you have proved that to-day. "

"You evidently share in my brother's disapproval. Mary would soonbecome quite reconciled. "

"I? I have no right to feel either approval or disapproval, while youhave an undoubted right to please yourself. "

"Indeed! are you so indifferent? If you think Miss Wildmereobjectionable you should disapprove. "

"If you find her altogether charming, if she realizes your ideal, isnot that sufficient? Everything is very much what it seems to us. IfI as a girl would please myself, you, surely, as a man have a right todo so. "

"Do you propose to please yourself?"

"Indeed I do. "

"You will be disappointed. You have formed a passion for ideals. Iimagine, though, that you are somewhat different from other girlswhose future husbands must be ideal men, but who are contentthemselves to remain very much what their milliners, dressmakers, andfashion make them. "

"I can at least say that I am not content; and I am also guilty of theenormity of cherishing ideals. "

"Oh, I've found that out, if nothing else. Ideals among men are asthick as blackberries, you know. Jack Henderson dances superbly. "

"Yes; he quite meets my ideal in that respect. "

"Perhaps you left some one in Santa Barbara who meets your ideal inall respects?"

"There was one gentleman there who approached it nearly. "

"How could you leave him?"

"He came on with me--Mr. Wayland. "

"Pshaw! He's old enough to be your father. "

"And very like a father he was to me. I owe him an immense deal, forhe helped me so much!"

"You did not let me help you?"

"Yes; I did. I wrote to you for books, and read all you sent me; someparts of them several times. "

"You know that is not what I meant. I am learning to understand yousomewhat, Madge. I hope you may realize all your ideals, and find someyoung fellow who is the embodiment of the higher life, aspirations, and all that, you know. "

Her laugh rang out musically. Mrs. Muir heard it, and remarked to herhusband: "Madge and Graydon are getting on better. They have seemed tome to clash a little to-day. "

Mr. Muir made no reply, and Graydon, as he mounted the steps, whispered, hurriedly, "What you said about Miss Wildmere was at leastjust and fair. I wish you liked her, and would influence Henry to likeher, for I see that you have influence with him. "

She made no response by word or sign. 

The ladies soon retired, and Graydon waited in vain for anotherinterview with Miss Wildmere. While he was looking for her on thepiazza she passed in and disappeared. He at last discovered Mr. Arnault, who was smoking and making some memoranda, and, turning onhis heel, he strode away. "She might have said good-night, at least, "he thought, discontentedly, "and that fellow Arnault did not look likea man who had received his _congé. "_

That this gentleman did not regard himself as out of the race wasproved by his tactics the next morning. Before reaching the city hejoined Mr. Muir in the smoking section of a parlor car, and easilydirected their talk to the peculiar condition of business. Mr. Muirknew little in favor of his companion, and not much against him, butdevoutly hoped that he would be the winning man in the contestfor Miss Wildmere. He also knew that the firm to which Mr. Arnaultbelonged had held their heads well up in the fluctuations of thestreet. Both gentlemen deplored the present state of affairs, andhoped that there might soon be more confidence. "By the way, Mr. Muir, " Mr. Arnault remarked, casually, "if you need accommodation wehave some money lying idle for a short time, which we would liketo put out as a call loan, and would be glad to place it in goodconservative hands, like yours. "

"Thank you, " said Mr. Muir, with some cordiality. 

He went to his office and looked matters over carefully. He wasconvinced that a crisis was approaching. More money was requiredimmediately, since the securities in which he had invested haddeclined still further. He had not lost his faith in them at all, knowing that they had a solid basis, and would be among the first torise in value with returning confidence. He had gone so far and heldon so long that it was a terrible thing to give up now. Comparativelylittle money would probably carry him over to perfect safety, but hismeans were tied up, the banks stringent, and he had already strainedhis credit somewhat. Mr. Arnault's proffer occurred to him again, andat last, much as he disliked the expedient, he called upon the broker, who was affable, off-hand, and business-like. 

"Yes, Mr. Muir, " he said, "I can let you have thirty thousand just aswell as not; as the times are, I would like some security, however. "

"Certainly, here are bonds marketable to-day, although depressedunnaturally. You are aware that they will be among the first toappreciate. "

"In ordinary times one would think so. "

"How soon do you think you may call in this loan?"

"Well, the probabilities are, that you may keep it as long as youwish, at the rates named. They are stiff, I know, but not above themarket. "

Mr. Muir had thought it over. If he failed he was satisfied that hisassets would eventually make good every dollar he owed, with interest, while, on the other hand, even the small sum named promised topreserve his fortune and add very largely to his wealth. Thetransaction was soon completed. 

Mr. Arnault was equally satisfied that he also took but slight risk. The loan, however, was made from his own means, and was not wholly abusiness affair. He had made up his mind to win Stella Wildmere, and would not swerve from the purpose unless she engaged herselfto another. Then, even though she might be willing to break the tiethrough stress of circumstances, he would stand aloof. There was onlyone thing greater than his persistency--his pride. She was the bellewho, in his set, had been admired most generally, and his god wassuccess--success in everything on which he placed his heart, or, rather, mind. For her to become engaged to Graydon, and then, becauseof his poverty, to be willing to renounce him for a more fortunateman, would not answer at all. He must appear to the world to havewon her in fair competition with all others, and the girl had aninstinctive knowledge of this fact. The events of the previous day, with her father's note, therefore confirmed her purpose to keep bothmen in abeyance until the scale should turn. 

CHAPTER XIV

MISS WILDMERE'S STRATEGY

As we have seen, Madge could not resume her old relations with GraydonMuir. Indeed, the turning-point in her life had been the impulse anddecision to escape them by going away. She was also right in thinkingthat this inability would rather help than hinder her cause. If hehad come back and realized his expectations, he would have bestowedunstintedly the placid affection of a brother, given her hisconfidence, his aid, anything she wished, except his thoughts. Whileshe lost much else, she retained these in a way that puzzled and evenprovoked him, in view of his devotion to Miss Wildmere. The very factthat he resented the way in which he had been treated by Madge madehim think of her, although admitting to himself that it might all turnout for the best. He would have soon accepted changes in externals, and her added accomplishments, but there were other and more subtlechanges which he could not grasp. It began to pique him that he hadalready been forced to abandon more than one impression in regard toher character. It was somewhat humiliating that he, who had seen theworld, especially in its social aspects, should be perplexed by ayoung girl scarcely twenty, and that this girl of all others shouldbe little Madge. He had intimated that she had become imbued withsentimentality and aspirations after ideals, and was hoping to meeta male embodiment of these traits, which he regarded as prominentlylackadaisical. Her merry and half ironical laugh was not the naturalresponse of a woman of the intense and aesthetic type. 

"I don't understand her yet, " he admitted; and he again assuredhimself that it was not necessary that he should. She had not merelydrifted away from him, but had deliberately chosen that others shouldguide and help in the new development. The thing for him to do now wasto secure the girl of his heart, who was not shrouded in mystery. Itwas evident that Mr. Arnault had been an urgent suitor, and that shewas not already engaged to him proved, as he believed, that she hadbeen under the influence of a restraint readily explained by her morethan manner toward himself. "She will have to choose between us soon, "he thought. "She understands us both, and her heart will soon give itsfinal verdict, if it has not already done so. "

Miss Wildmere's heart would have slight voice in the verdict. Indeed, it never had been permitted to say very much, and was approaching thecondition of a mute. She had her preference, however, and still hopedto be able to follow it. She smiled upon Graydon almost as sweetlyas ever during the next two days, but he felt that she had grownmore elusive. She lured him on unmistakably, but permitted nonear approach. With consummate art, she increased the spell of herfascinations, and added to the glamour which dazzled him. He mightlook his admiration, and, more, he might compliment indefinitely;but when he spoke too plainly, or sought stronger indications of herregard, she was on the wing instantly, and he was too fine in hisperceptions to push matters against her will. One thing appearedhopeful to him--she seemed possessed by a carefully veiled jealousyof Madge. In his downright earnestness, he determined to give her nocause for this, and treated Madge much as he did Mrs. Muir, allowingfor difference in age and relation. He determined that Miss Wildmereshould discover no ambiguity in his course or intentions. If thoughtsof him had kept her waiting through years, he would justify thosethoughts by all the means in his power. Casting about with a lover'singenuity for an explanation of her tantalizing allurement, yetelusiveness, it occurred to him that she was unwilling to yieldreadily and easily, from very fear that he might surmise the cause ofher freedom--that she had given him her love before it had been asked. Therefore, it was not impossible that she now proposed for him asomewhat thorny probation as an open suitor. She would not appear tobe easily won, and perhaps she thought that, since this was to be thelast wooing she could enjoy, she would make the most of it. He alsoresolved to make the most of this phase of life, and to enjoy to theutmost all of her shy witchery, her airy, hovering nearness to thethought uppermost in his mind, as if she were both fascinated by itand afraid. He little dreamed that her feminine grace and _finesse_were but the practical carrying out of her father's suggestion, to"keep him well in hand. "

Madge felt herself neglected and partially forgotten. She saw thatMiss Wildmere's spell grew stronger upon Graydon every day. It wasnot in her nature to seek to attract his attention or in the slightestdegree to enter the lists openly against her rival. During the firstthree days of the week, her chief effort was to be so active andcheerful that her deep despondency should be hidden from all. She wasthe life of every little group of which she formed a part. Wherevershe appeared, mirth and laughter soon followed. The young girls in thehouse began to acknowledge her as a natural leader, the boyish youngfellows to adore her, and the maturer men to discover that she couldhold her own with them in conversation, while another class learned, to their chagrin, that she would not flirt. For every walkingexpedition started she was ready with her alpenstock, and the expertsin the bowling alley found a strong, supple competitor, with eye andhand equally true. Graydon, as far as his preoccupation permitted, saw all this with renewed perplexity. She now appeared to him asa beautiful, vigorous girl, with healthful instincts and a largeappetite for enjoyment. 

Wednesday morning was cool and cloudy, and a large party was formingto climb to Spy Rock. Graydon was longing for more activity, and sincethe day was so propitious, Miss Wildmere consented to go. Of courseMadge was in readiness, and in charming costume for a walk. The momentthey were on the steep path he had to admit that she appeared thesuperior of Miss Wildmere. The one owed her bloom to artificial andmetropolitan life; the other had gone to nature, and now acted asif her foot were on her native heath. Her step was light, yet neveruncertain. Her progress was easy, and, although different, was quiteas graceful as if she were promenading the piazza, proving that shewas an adept in mountain-climbing. It was evident, however, thatto Miss Wildmere a mountain was a _terra incognita_. She troduncertainly, her feet turned on loose stones that hurt her, and beforethe first steep ascent was passed, she panted and was glad to sit downwith others, more or less exhausted. 

Madge's breathing was only slightly quickened, and color was beginningto come in her usually pale face, yet she had lent a helping hand morethan once. 

"How easily you climb, Miss Alden!" gasped Miss Wildmere. "Have youtaken lessons?"

"Yes, " she replied, smiling sweetly, "and from a master. "

Miss Wildmere also was beginning to discover a problem in Madge; shecould not patronize, snub, or apparently touch her with shafts ofsatire. The young girl treated her with cordial indifference, asone-of the guests of the house. She appeared to be capable of enjoyingherself thoroughly, with scarcely a consciousness of the belle'sexistence, unless, as in the present case, she was addressed. Then shewould reply with perfect courtesy, but in some such ambiguous way. Itsoon became evident to Graydon that the two girls were hostile, andthis both amused and vexed him. He was beginning to learn that Madgewas the more skilful opponent. She was never aggressive, yet seemedclad in polished armor when attacked, and her quick replies flashedback under the light of her smile. By acting, however, as if MissWildmere were never in her thoughts, except when in some way obtrudedupon them, she gave the keenest wound. The flattered girl enjoyedbeing envied, hated, and even detested by her own sex, but to bepolitely ignored was a new and unwelcome experience, and she chafedunder it, not so secretly but that Graydon observed her annoyance. 

After a rest they started on again, he with Miss Wildmere falling tothe rear. Before Madge passed around a curve in the path she saw alily on a bank above her, and with the aid of her alpenstock sprangupon the mossy shelf, plucked the flower, and leaped down with aneffort so quick and agile that it seemed like the impulse of a birdto get something and pass on. She put the flower in her belt, and amoment later was hidden from view. 

"I hope you observed that feat, " Miss Wildmere remarked. "Indeed, MissAlden appears inclined to call attention to her feet this morning. "

"I hope the ladies will observe them, " he replied; "the gentlemenwill, for they are pretty. Did you not note that her boots are adaptedto walking? You could climb with twice the ease if your heels were notso high. For mountain scrambling a lady needs short skirts, and bootslike those that Miss Alden wears. You should see the English girlswalking in the Alps. It's my good-fortune, however, that you arepartially disabled this morning. Here's a steep place. Take my arm andput all the weight upon it you can--the more the better. Lean on me asif you trusted me. "

There was a slight frown on her brow, as he began his speech, but itsoon passed, and she said, softly, as she still lingered, "Well, I'mnot an athlete. I should value more a man's strong arm than strengthof my own. "

"You know that the arm of one man is ever at your service. "

"'Ever' implies more patience than any man possesses. "

"I should think so; yet you will find me reasonably patient. "

"Everything is a matter of reason with men. "

"Our reason assures us that certain things are a matter of the heartwith women. Therefore we hope. "

"Men are much too exacting. They reason a thing out and make up theirminds. If they base any hopes on women's hearts, they should rememberwhat unreasoning organs they are--full of hesitations, doubts, absurdfears, and more absurd confidence at times. Have you ever seen a birdhovering in the air, not knowing where to alight? Give it time, andit makes its selection and swiftly follows its choice. No goodhunter rushes at it in the hope of capturing it during the moment ofindecision. "

"Indeed, Miss Wildmere, if I understand your little parable, I thinkMr. Arnault errs egregiously, yet he does not frighten the bird into avery distant flight. "

"You do not know how distant it is. "

"No; I only see that he goes straight for the bird the moment he seesher. "

"He might have found a more considerate policy wiser. " Then she added, gravely, with a little reproach in her voice: "Mr. Arnault is an oldfriend and a friend of papa's, whom he often favors in business. Ithink my manner toward you should prove that I am not inclined to bedisloyal toward old friends. You have just defended Miss Alden againsta little feminine spite on my part. That was nice. In the same wayI defend Mr. Arnault, whom, for reasons equally absurd, you do notaltogether like. I'm only a woman, you know, and a little spite is oneof our prerogatives. After all, it doesn't amount to anything. I woulddo as much for Miss Alden as for any one in the house. " (Quite true, which was nothing. ) "You know how girls are. "

"Certainly, especially when both are reigning belles. "

"The men are always the rulers sooner or later; and I shall givemy allegiance to those gentlemen friends who are the least likemyself--tolerant, patient, you know. Mr. Arnault is coming to-night tospend the Fourth. I must give him more or less of my time--I should beungrateful if I did not--but I don't wish you to feel toward me or himas I should toward you and Miss Alden if I saw that you were togethera great deal. How you see how frank I am, and what a compliment I payto your masculine superiority. "

"Miss Wildmere, I think I understand you; I hope I do. Your manner ofgreeting me on my return from long absence proved that you were notdisloyal to one old friend. If you could keep me in mind for years, Ican hope I am not forgotten during the hours when others have claimsupon you. I have ever kept you in mind, and I might say more. If womenhave a little natural spite, men in some situations are endowed withenormous selfishness, and the bump of appropriation grows almost intoa deformity. "

"I never expect to see deformities of any kind in Graydon Muir, " shesaid, laughing. "Now that we understand each other so well, give meyour hand and pull me up this steep place before which we have stoodso long, while getting over another little steep place that lay in ourpath. I'm glad the others have all gone on, for now you can help meall you choose, and I shan't care. "

He did help her, with a touch and freedom that grew into somethinglike caresses. He felt that he had revealed himself almost ascompletely as if he had spoken his love, and that he had received andwas receiving more than encouragement. She did not rebuke his manner, which was that of a lover. There was no committal in that, nothingthat could bind her. She permitted the avowal of his hope, that hehad been in her thoughts during his long absence, and the naturalinference that her hand was still free because of his hold upon herheart. This belief filled him with gratitude, and inspired him, as sheintended it should, with generous thoughts and impulses toward her. What if she did prefer to maintain a little longer the delicate halfreserve that precedes a positive engagement? It only insured that thecup of happiness should be sipped and enjoyed more leisurely. She hadseen too much of life, and enjoyed too many of its pleasures, to actwith precipitation now. She understood him, and yet loved him wellenough to be jealous of one whom she believed that he regarded as asister. With amusement he thought: "She is not even that to me now. Hanged if I know what she is to me beyond a pretty, vexatious puzzle!"

Miss Wildmere's strategy had accomplished one thing, however. Believing that he was absolved by Madge's course from everythingbeyond cordial politeness, he had resolved to carry out her rival'swishes. It was no great cross to forego Madge's society, and if MissWildmere saw that he was not consoling himself during the hours shespent with Arnault, she would shorten them in his behalf. 

After reaching a certain point he suggested: "Instead of scalingthat rocky height after the rest of the party, suppose we follow thisgrassy wood-road to parts unknown. It will be easier for you thanclimbing, and you are better society than a crowd. "

She assented smilingly, and Madge did not see Graydon again until theymet at dinner. 

She was pale, and looked weary. "Oh, " she thought, "perhaps my hopesare already vain! They have been alone all the morning. He may havespoken; he looks so happy and content that he must have spoken andreceived the answer he craved. If so, I shall soon join the Waylandsin my native village, for I can't keep up much longer without a littlehope. "

"You are tired, Madge, " he said, not unkindly. 

"A little, " she replied, carelessly. "A short nap this afternoon willinsure my being ready for the hop to-night. "

CHAPTER XV

PERPLEXED AND BEGUILED

Madge was so discouraged that she contented herself with a manner oflistless apathy during dinner, and then retired to her room. Graydonwas giving her so little thought that there was slight occasion fordisguise, and less incentive for effort to interest him. 

"The struggle promises to be short and decisive, " she moaned. "Perhapsit has been already decided. I had no chance after all. He came herefully committed in his own thoughts to Miss Wildmere. I have merelylost my old place in his affection, and have had and shall have noopportunity to win his love. If this is to be my fate it is well todiscover it so speedily, and not after weeks of torturing hopeand fear. I'll learn the truth with absolute certainty as soon aspossible, and then find a pretext to join the Waylands. "

At last the fatigue of the morning brought the respite of sleep, andwhen she waked she found late evening shadows in her room, and learnedthat Mr. Muir had arrived, it being his purpose to spend the Fourthand the remainder of the week with his family. 

Weariness and despondency are near akin, and in banishing one Madgefound herself better able to cope with the other. At any rate, shedetermined to show no weakness. If Graydon would never love her heshould at least be compelled to respect and admire her, and he shouldnever have cause to surmise the heart-poverty to which she was doomed. Still less would she give her proud rival a chance to wound her again. Miss Wildmere might make Graydon's devotion as ostentatious as shepleased, but should never again detect on Madge's face a look ofpained surprise and solicitude. 

She made a careful toilet for the evening, telling Mr. Muir and hersister not to wait for her, as she had overslept herself. 

"Where is Madge?" Graydon asked, at the supper-table. 

"She did not wake up in time to come down with us, " Mrs. Muir replied. "What does it matter? Miss Wildmere so fills your eyes that you see noone else. When is it to be, Graydon?"

"Madge evidently sees quite as much of me as she cares to, " hereplied, somewhat irritably. "I have not asked when it's to be orwhether it's to be at all. I suppose, " he added, satirically, "that inconsideration of my extreme youth I should obtain permission from myfamily before venturing to ask anything. "

"That remark is absurd and uncalled for, " Mr. Muir replied, gravely. "Of course you will please yourself, as I did, and we shall make thebest of it. But you have no right to expect that we shall see the ladywith your eyes. I cannot help seeing her as she is. I do not like her, but if you choose to marry her, rest assured I shall give neither ofyou cause for complaint. Now, according to my custom, I've had my say. You could not expect me, as your brother, to be indifferent; stillless could I pretend an approval that I don't feel; but I recognizethat you are as free as I was when Mary's suitor, and I do not thinkyou can reasonably ask more. Our relations are too intimate formisunderstanding. You know that, in my present plans and hopes, Ilooked forward to receiving you as a partner at no distant time, ifsuch purposes are carried out our interests must always be identical. "

"Pardon me, Henry, " said Graydon, warmly, "and do not misunderstand myhasty words. I know you have my best welfare at heart--you have everproved that--but you misjudge my choice. Even Mary begins to see thatyou do, and woman's insight is keener than man's. You attribute to thedaughter the qualities you dislike in the father. Is it nothing thatshe has waited for me during my long absence, when she could pick andchoose from so many?"

"I'm not sure she has been waiting for you; her manner toward Mr. Arnault yonder suggests that she may still pick and choose. "

"Bah! I'm not afraid of him. She could have taken him long since hadshe so wished. "

Others who had seats at the table now approached, and preventedfurther interchange of words on so delicate a subject. NeverthelessMr. Muir's arrow had not flown wide of the mark, and Graydon thoughtthat Miss Wildmere was unnecessarily cordial toward his rival, andthat Mr. Wildmere, who had also come from the city, was decidedlycomplacent over the fact. 

Graydon's furtive observation was now cut short by the entrance ofMadge, and even he was dazzled by a beauty that attracted many eyes. It was not merely a lovely woman who was advancing toward him, but awoman whose nature was profoundly excited. What though she moved inquiet, well-bred grace, and greeted Mr. Muir with natural cordiality?The aroused spiritual element was not wanting in the expression of herface or in the dignity of her carriage. Her deep, suppressed feeling, which bordered on despair; her womanly pride, which would disguiseall suffering at every cost, gave to her presence a subtle power, feltnone the less because intangible. It was evident that she neithersaw nor cared for the strangers who were looking their curiosity andadmiration; and Graydon understood her barely well enough to think, "Something, whatever it may be, makes her unlike other girls. She waslanguidly indifferent at dinner; now she is superbly indifferent. Thismorning and yesterday she was a gay young girl, eager for a mountainscramble or a frolic of any kind. How many more phases will sheexhibit before the week is over?"

Poor Madge could not have answered that question herself. She wasunder the control of one of the chief inspirations of feeling andaction. Moods of which she had never dreamed would become inevitable;thoughts which nothing external could suggest would arise in her ownheart and determine her manner. 

In ceasing to hope one also ceases to fear, and Graydon admitted tohimself that he had never before felt the change in Madge so deeply. The weak, timid little girl he had once known now looked as if shecould quietly face anything. The crowded room, the stare of strangers, were simply as if they were not; the approach of a thunder-gust in thesultry evening was unheeded; when a loud peal drowned her voice, shesimply waited till she could be heard again, and then went on withouta tremor in her tones, while all around her people were nervous, starting, and exclaiming. There was not the faintest suggestion ofhigh tragedy in her manner. To a casual observer it was merely thesomewhat proud and cold reserve of a lady in a public place, whileunder the eyes of a strange and miscellaneous assemblage. Graydonimagined that it might veil some resentment because he had beenso remiss in his attentions. He could scarcely maintain this view, however, for she was as cordial to him as to any one, while at thesame time giving the impression that he was scarcely in her thoughtsat all. 

Mr. Muir was perplexed also, and watched her with furtive admiration. "If she cares for Graydon's neglect she's a superb actress, " hethought. "Great Scott! what an idiot he is, that he cannot see thedifference between this grand woman and yonder white-faced speculator!She actually quickens the blood in my veins to-night when she fixesher great black eyes on me. "

Graydon felt her power, but believed that there was nothing in itgentle or conciliatory toward himself. Probably her mood resulted froma proud consciousness of her beauty and the triumphs that awaited her. She had been young and gay heretofore with the other young people, butnow that a number of mature men, like Arnault, had appeared upon thescene, she proposed to make a different impression. The embodiment ofher ideal might be among them. "At any rate, " he concluded, "shehas the skill to make me feel that I have little place in either herimaginings or hopes, and that for all she cares I may capture MissWildmere as soon as I can. Both of us probably are so far beneath herideals of womanhood and manhood that she can never be friendly toone and is fast losing her interest in the other. She has alreadyvirtually said, 'Our relations are accidental, and if you marry StellaWildmere you need not hope that I shall accept her with open arms asinseparable from one of my best friends. ' 'Best friend, ' indeed! Eventhat amount of regard was a lingering sentiment of the past. Now thatwe have met again she realizes that we have grown to be comparativestrangers, and that our tastes and interests lie apart. "

Thus day after day he had some new and perturbed theory as toMadge, in which pique, infused with cynical philosophy and uttermisapprehension, led to widely varying conclusions. Ardent andimpatient lover of another woman as he was, one thing remainedtrue--he could neither forget nor placidly ignore the girl who hadceased to be his sister, and who yet was not very successful inplaying the part of a young lady friend. 

When the dancing began, the storm was approaching its culmination. More vivid than the light from the chandeliers, the electric flashesdazzled startled eyes with increasing frequency. Miss Wildmere atfirst tried to show cool indifference in the spirit of bravado, andmaintained her place upon the floor with Mr. Arnault and a few others. She soon succumbed, with visible agitation, as a thunderous pealechoed along the sky. Madge danced on with Graydon as if nothing hadoccurred. He only felt that her form grew a little more tense, and sawthat her eyes glowed with suppressed excitement. 

"Are you not afraid?" he asked, as soon as his voice could be heard. "See, the ladies are scattering or huddling together, while many lookas if the world were coming to an end. "

"The world is coming to an end to some every day, " she replied. 

"That remark is as tragic as it is trite, Madge. What could havesuggested it?"

"Trite remarks cannot have serious causes. "

"Account for the tragic phase, then. "

"I'm in no mood for tragedy, and commonplace does not needexplanation. "

"What kind of mood are you in to-night, Madge? You puzzle me;" and helooked directly into her eyes. At the moment she was facing a window, and a flash of strange brilliancy made every feature luminous. Itseemed to him that he saw her very soul, the spirit she might become, for it is hard to imagine existence without form--form that is inharmony with character. The crash that followed was so terrific thatthey paused and stood confronting each other. The music ceased; criesof terror resounded; but the momentary transfiguration of the girlbefore him had been so strange and so impressive that Graydon forgotall else, and still gazed at her with something like awe in his face. Her lip trembled, for the nervous tension was growing too severe. "Why do you look at me so?" she faltered. "What has happened? Is theredanger?"

"What _has_ happened, Madge, that I cannot understand you? Theelectric gleam made you look like an angel of light. Your faceseemed light itself. Are you so true and good, Madge, that such vividradiance brings out no stain or fear? What is it that makes you unlikeothers?" Instinctively he looked toward Miss Wildmere. Her facewas buried in her hands, and Mr. Arnault was bending over her withreassuring words. 

Madge felt her self-control departing. "Mary is afraid in athunderstorm, " she said, in a low tone. "I'll go to her. She does notfind me so puzzling;" and she hastened away, yet not so swiftly butthat he saw her quivering lip and look of trouble. 

He took a few impulsive steps in pursuit, then hesitated and walkedirresolutely down a hallway, that he might have a chance for furtherthought. The alarm and confusion were so great that the little episodehad been unnoted. It had made an impression on Graydon, however, thathe could not shake off readily. 

Emotion, if forced, has little power except to repel, but even aglimpse of deep, suppressed feeling haunts the memory, especially ifits cause is half in mystery. 

Madge had set her heart on one thing, had worked long and patientlyfor its attainment, had hoped and prayed for it, and within the lastfew hours was feeling the bitterness of defeat. The event she sodreaded seemed inevitable, even if it had not already occurred. Theexpression on Graydon's face when she had first met him after his longramble with Miss Wildmere had been that of a tranquilly happy lover, whose heart was at rest in glad certainty. Why should he not havespoken? what greater encouragement could he ask than the favor sheherself had seen? During his long absence another girl had apparentlybeen waiting for him also, "But not working for him, " she sighed, "andkeeping herself aloof from all and everything that would render herless worthy. While I sought to train heart, body, and soul to be a fitbride, she has dallied with every admirer she met, and now wins himwithout one hour of self-denial or effort. It is more bitter thandeath to me. It is cruelty to him, for that selfish girl will nevermake him happy. Even after he marries her he will be only one amongmany, and the ballroom glare will be more to her than the light of herown hearth. "

Such thoughts had been in Madge's mind, and self-control had been noeasy matter. When to all had been added the excitement of the stormand his unexpected words, her overstrained nerves gave way. Shewas too desperately unhappy for the common fear which temporarilyoverwhelmed many--the greater swallows up the less--but the storm hadled to words that both wounded and alarmed her. Why did she so perplexhim? What had the lightning's gleam revealed, to be understood whenhe should think it all over? Could the truth of her love, of which shewas so conscious, be detected in spite of her efforts and disguises?Was she doomed, not only to failure and an impoverished life, but alsoto the humiliation of receiving a lifelong, yet somewhat complacentpity from Graydon, and possibly the triumphant scorn of her rival?

With these thoughts surging in her mind she locked herself in her roomand sobbed like the broken-hearted girl she felt herself to be. Thepassing storm was nothing to her. A heavier storm was raging in hersoul, nor had it ceased when the skies without grew cloudless andserene. She at last felt that she must do something to maintain herdisguise. Hearing little Jack crying and Mrs. Muir trying to hush him, she washed her eyes and went to the partially darkened room where thechild was, and said, "Let me take him, Mary, and you go down and seeHenry. "

"It's awfully good of you, Madge. The children have been so frightenedthat I've been up here all the evening. You seem to have better luckin quieting Jack than any of us. "

"He'll be good with me. Go down at once, and don't worry. You havehardly had a chance to see Henry. "

"You will come down again after Jack goes to sleep?"

"Yes, if I feel like it. "

Graydon soon discovered Mrs. Muir after she had joined her husband, and asked, "Where is Madge?"

"She has kindly taken the baby so that I can spend a little time withHenry. The children have been frightened, and Jack is very fretful. I'm tired out, and don't know what I should do if it wasn't forMadge. "

"Why can't the nurse take him?"

"He won't go to her in these bad moods. Madge can quiet him evenbetter than I. What's the matter that you are so anxious to see Madge?You have seemed abundantly able to amuse yourself without her the lastfew days. Is Mr. Arnault in the way to-night?"

"As if I cared a rap for him!" said Graydon, turning irritably away. 

He did care, however, and felt that Miss Wildmere was making too muchuse of the liberty she had provided for. She, like many others, couldbe half hysterical while the violence of the storm lasted, and yet, when quiet was restored, was capable of making a jest of her fearsand the most of a delightful conjunction of affairs, which placed twoeligible men at her beck, to either of whom she could become engagedbefore she slept. The arrival of her father had turned the scaledecidedly in favor of Mr. Arnault, for the latter, without revealinghis transaction with Mr. Muir, had whispered to Mr. Wildmere hisconviction that Henry Muir was borrowing at ruinous interest. Thisinformation accorded with the broker's previous knowledge, and he waseager that his daughter should decide for Arnault at once. 

This, however, the wilful girl would not do. She enjoyed the presentcondition of affairs too well, and was not without hope, also, thather father was mistaken; for she felt sure, from Graydon's manner, that he was not aware of his brother's financial peril, and this factinclined her to doubt its existence. She was actuated by the feelingthat she had given much time and encouragement to Graydon, and thatnow Arnault should have his turn. Madge had been invisible since thestorm, and there was nothing to indicate that Graydon was disposed togive her much thought. Miss Wildmere's natural supposition was that heand Madge had been like brother and sister once, and that the form ofthe relation still existed, but that in their long separation they hadgrown somewhat indifferent toward each other. She believed that thesolicitude she had seen in Madge's face, on the evening so memorablein the latter's experience, was due to the jealousy of an immature, sickly girl, who had been so humored as to feel that Graydon belongedto her. She naturally believed that if there had been anythingbeyond this, it would have been developed by correspondence, or elseindifference on both sides would not now be so palpable. She dislikedMadge chiefly as a rival in beauty and admiration. Nothing could bemore clear than that Graydon was completely under the spell of her ownfascination, and that Madge was receiving even scant fraternal regard. All she feared was, that during the process of keep him "well inhand" he might become more conscious of Madge's attractions, which sherecognized, however much she decried them openly. Even if compelled bycircumstances to accept Arnault, she proposed to herself the triumphof rejecting Graydon, and thought she could do this so skilfully as togive the idea that he had made a deep impression on her heart, andso eventually win him again as one of her devoted followers in thefuture. This product of fashionable society had not the slightestintention of giving up her career as a belle for the sake of Mr. Arnault or any one else. She had more liking and less fear for Graydonthan for Arnault. The latter was an open, resolute suitor, but sheknew that he was controlled more by ambition than by affection--thathe would yield everything and submit to anything up to a certainpoint. The moment she jeopardized his prestige before the world, or interfered with his scheme of success, she would meet rock-likeobduracy, both before and after marriage. She knew that Graydon hada sincere affection for her, and a faith in her which, even in heregotism, she was aware was unmerited--that he had a larger, gentler, and more tolerant nature, and would be easier to manage than Arnault. 

Her fear of the latter proved his best ally. There was a resolution inhis eye since his return this evening that, even while it angered hersomewhat, convinced her that he would not be trifled with. His suitwas that of a man who had an advantage which she dared not ignore, andher father's manner increased this impression. She felt that her gamewas becoming delicate and hazardous, but she would not forego itsdelicious excitement, or abandon the hope that Graydon might stillbe in a position to warrant her preference. Therefore she proposed toyield to Arnault as far as she could without alienating Muir, hopingthat the former would soon return to town again, and thus more time besecured for her final decision. 

Before the first evening of his rivals advent had passed, Graydon feltthat he must appear to the people in the house as supplanted, and hispride was beginning to be touched. Mrs. Muir's words had added to hisirritation. The episode with Madge had left a decidedly unpleasantimpression. He felt not only that he had failed to understand her, butthat he might be treating her with a neglect which she had a right toresent. Her appearance and manner during the storm had almost startledhim; her abrupt departure had caused sudden and strong compunction;and he had wished that they might come to a better understanding;but thoughts of her had soon given place to anxiety in regard to MissWildmere. It began to seem strange that the girl who had apparentlywaited for him so long, and who had permitted such unequivocal wordsand manner on his part that day, should now, before his very eyes, beaccepting attentions even more unmistakable from another man. She hadtried to explain and prepare him for all this, but there was more thanhe was prepared for. She not only danced oftener with Arnault thanwith any one else, but also strolled with him on the dusky piazza, which, by reason of the dampness due to the storm, was almostdeserted. Graydon had permitted his brow to become clouded, and was soperturbed by the events of the evening that he had not disguised hisvexation by gallantries to others. At last he detected smiles andwhispered surmises on the part of some who had seen his devotionbefore the arrival of Mr. Arnault. This almost angered him, and hefelt that Miss Wildmere had imposed a rôle that would be difficult tomaintain. 

He had lingered conspicuously near, intent on proving his loyalty, andhad hoped every moment that his opportunity would come. He felt thatshe should at least divide her time evenly with him and Mr. Arnault, but the evening was drawing to a close, and the latter had receivedthe lion's share. After noting that others were observing hisdesolation, he went resolutely out on the piazza, with the intentionof asking Miss Wildmere to give him the last waltz. Its wide spacewas deserted. He waited a few moments, thinking that the object of histhoughts would turn the corner in her promenade with his rival. Timepassed, and she did not come. He looked through a parlor window, thinking that she might have entered by some other means of ingress;and while he was standing there steps slowly approached from a part ofthe piazza which was usually in utter darkness, and which was knownas the "lovers' retreat. " As the figures passed a lighted window herecognized them, and was also observed. He was too angry and jealousnow to carry out his purpose, and returned to the general hallway. 

Here he was joined a moment later by Miss Wildmere and Mr. Arnault, and the former began to chat with him in imperturbable ease, whilethe gentleman bowed and sought another partner for the waltz that wasabout to be danced. Graydon would not show his chagrin under the manyeyes directed toward them, but she nevertheless saw his anger in thecold expression of his eyes, and realized her danger. She ignoredeverything with inimitable skill and sweetness, and there was nothingfor him to do but take her out with the others. Indeed, it almostinstantly became his policy to convince observers that their surmiseswere without foundation. He determined that the girl should show himall the favor his rival had enjoyed, or else--A sudden flash of hiseyes indicated to his observant companion that all her skill wouldbe required. She was graciousness itself, and when Arnault couldnot observe her, stole swift and almost pleading glances into herpartner's eyes. 

Another observed her, however. Madge did come down at last, for shehad concluded that the memorable day should not close until shehad had one more glimpse of the problem which had grown so dark andhopeless. Graydon soon observed her standing in the doorway, but thenshe was talking and laughing with a lady friend. A moment later sheglided out on the floor with one of a half dozen who had been waitingfor the favor. Graydon sought to catch her eye, but did not succeed. Again she made upon his mind the impression of troubled perplexity, but his purpose was uppermost, and he was bent on carrying it out. 

"Come, " he said to Miss Wildmere, in quiet tones, "I should enjoy astroll on the piazza, the room has grown so warm and close. "

Feeling that she must yield, she did so with ready grace and apparentwillingness, and Graydon led her out through the main entrance, thatit might be observed that he received no less favor than had beengiven to another. 

"She is playing them both pretty strong, " whispered one of thecommittee, before referred to, that sits perpetually on the phases oflife at such resorts. 

"I feared you would not be very patient, " said Miss Wildmere, in a lowtone. 

"I said I would be reasonably patient, " was the reply. 

"Reason again. "

"Yes, Miss Wildmere; I think I can justly say that I am endowed withboth heart and reason. There are some questions in life that demandboth. "

"Please do not speak so coldly. You do not understand. "

"I wish I did. "

"Be patient and you will. After maintaining friendship true and strongfor years, it hurts me to be misjudged now. "

"But, Miss Wildmere--" he began, impetuously. 

"Hush, " she said, hastily; then added, a little coldly, "if I am notworthy of a little trust I am not worthy of anything. "

Graydon was touched to the quick. Honorable himself, he felt that hewas acting meanly and suspiciously--that his jealousy and irritationwere leading him to unmanly conduct. There was some reason for hercourse, which would be explained eventually, and he ought not to aska woman to be his wife at all unless he could trust her. Therefore hesaid, humbly. "I beg your pardon. In my heart I believe you worthy ofall trust. I will wait and be as patient as you desire, since I knowthat you cannot have failed to understand me. " Then he added, witha deprecating laugh, "There are times, I suppose, when all men are alittle blind and unreasonable. "

"Heaven keep him blind!" she thought, yet she winced under his honestwords in their contrast with herself. 

"I hope some day to prove worthy of your trust, " she breathed, softly, and looked in dread into the darkness lest in some way her wordsshould reach Arnault. "Come, please, " she added, with a gentlepressure on his arm, "let us return, or the hotel may be closed uponus. "

"Please give me all the time you can, " pleaded Graydon, as they pausedat the door. 

Looking within, she saw Arnault with his back toward them, and said, hastily, and as if impulsively, "I will--all that I can. Possibly myregret will be deeper than yours that I cannot give you more. "

"You should know that that is not possible, " he said, in low, earnesttones. Then he added, in a whisper, as she was entering, "I can trustyou now and wait. "

"My good fortune is still in the ascendant, " was her thought; "I canstill keep him in hand, in spite of papa and Mr. Arnault. "

"Her father's relations with Mr. Arnault must give him some hold uponher, " he thought, "and for her father's sake she cannot yield to me atonce, but she will eventually. "

Mr. Arnault came forward with smiling lips, light words, yet resoluteeyes. Graydon felt that he had received all the assurance that heneeded--that she was under some necessity of keeping his rival ingood-humor--so he smiled significantly into her eyes, and bowedhimself away. 

"Muir looked as if he had received all the comfort that he required, "Arnault said, as they strolled across the parlor, now deserted. 

"Did he? Well, he did not require very much. "

"How much?"

"You had better ask him. "

"Stella, " he said, and there was a suggestion of menace in his tone, "I'm in earnest now. You will soon have to choose between us. "

"Shall I?" she replied, bending upon him an arch, bewildering smile. "Then please don't speak as if I had no choice at all;" and she wasgoing. 

"Wait, " he said. "Will you drive with me to-morrow?"

"Yes. Is there anything else your lordship would like?"

He seized her hand, and held it in both his. "This, " he said. 

"Is that all?" was her laughing reply, as she withdrew it. "I wish youhad more of Mr. Muir's diffidence;" and she vanished before he couldspeak again. 

Graydon found that Madge had retired, so that there was no chance forhim to speak to her that night; but his mind was in too happy a tumultto give her much thought. 

CHAPTER XVI

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Mrs. Muir came into Madge's room for a bit of the gossip that shedearly loved, but, as usual, obtained little information or surmisefrom the young girl. "I'm glad you came down, " she said, "if only toprove to Graydon that you were not moping upstairs. "

"Why should I mope upstairs?" Madge asked, with a keen look at hersister. 

"No reason that I know of, only Graydon has been slightly spoiled byhis success among ladies, and society men are always imagining thatgirls are languishing for them. "

"Have I given him or anyone such an impression?" Madge again inquired, indignantly. 

"Oh, no, indeed! On the contrary, you seem so indifferent as not to bequite natural. Even Graydon feels it, and is perplexed and troubled. He was inquiring for you during the evening, and I told him you werekindly caring for Jack, so that I might have a little fresh air withHenry on the piazza. "

"There it is again--perplexed and troubled. I'm sick of beingmisunderstood so ridiculously. The scraps of time that he gives mewhen Miss Wildmere does not fill his eyes and thoughts are employedin criticism. Why should I perplex and trouble him? I have told himto please himself with Miss Wildmere--that I should certainly pleasemyself in my choice of friends, and that he as a man assuredly had aright to do the same. He will soon be engaged to her, and probably isalready, but he has no right to demand that I should receive this girlwith open arms. She already detests me, and I do not admire her. It's none of my business, but if I were a man I wouldn't standher flirtation with Mr. Arnault. Even the people in the house areobserving it with significant smiles. He must get over the impressionthat I'm the weak, limp child in mind or body that he left. I'm anindependent woman, and have as much right to my thoughts and waysas he to his. If he wants my society, let him treat me with naturalfriendliness. If he's afraid to do it--if Miss Wildmere won't lethim--rest assured I won't receive any furtive, deprecatory attentions. I am abundantly able to take care of myself in my own way. "

"Oh, Madge, you have so changed! Before you went away the sun seemedto rise and set in Graydon. "

"Well, the sun now rises in the west and sets in the east--What amI saying? Well, perhaps, it's true for me, after all. In the West Igained the power to live a strong, resolute life of my own choosing, and he may as well recognize the truth first as last. Let him give allhis thoughts to Miss Wildmere. From what I see and have heard she willkeep them busy before and after marriage. "

"He's not engaged to her yet; he said so positively. "

"Oh, well, " Madge replied, with well-assumed indifference, althoughher heart bounded at the tidings, "it's only a question of time. There, we've talked enough about _her_. Of course I remember Graydon'sold kindness, and all that; and if he would treat me with frank andsensible friendliness, I should enjoy his society. Why not?"

"I thought he regarded you as his sister. "

"Sister, indeed! I'm Henry's sister, not his. I'm only an object ofcriticism, of perplexity, a sphinx, and all that kind of nonsense. Hewas bent on seeing a 'little ghost, ' as he used to call me. I'm not abit of a ghost, and have as much proud blood in my veins as he has. "

"Well, Madge, I'm glad you feel that you are Henry's sister. He likesand admires you so much that I'm half jealous. "

"Henry and I understand each other. He thinks I'm sensible, and Icertainly think he is. Good-night, now, dear. It's after twelve, and Iwish you a merry Fourth of July; I mean to have one. "

Graydon had not found himself in a sleeping mood until the shadows ofnight were almost ready to depart, and so came down very late. Mrs. Wildmere, who was on the piazza with her child, informed him, with adeprecatory smile, that Stella had gone to drive with Mr. Arnault. Hebit his lip, and went to make a leisurely breakfast. By the time hehad finished, Madge came in with a party of young people who had beenon a ramble. Her greeting was friendly, but nothing more, and havingreceived a long letter from Mrs. Wayland, she took it to a smallsummer-house. Graydon soon strayed after her in a listless way, and inno very amiable humor. The greater anxiety had swallowed up the less, and his perturbed thoughts about Madge were now following a lightcarriage on some wild mountain road. His generous glow of feeling ofthe night before had passed somewhat, and he was inclined to thinkthat Miss Wildmere's relations to Arnault, whatever they were, placedhim, a committed lover, in a rather anomalous position. Since she wasabsent, however, he would while away an hour with Madge, and try tosolve the riddle she had become. 

She greeted him with a slight smile, and went on with her letter. Hewatched her curiously and with contracting brow. 

"Will you ever finish?" he soon asked. 

"I can read it some other time, " she said, laying it down. 

"Oh, that is asking far too much!"

"Is it?"

"Confound it, Madge! Why is it that we are drifting further andfurther apart every day?"

"I am not drifting, " she said, quietly, "nor do you give thatimpression. I am just where you found me on your return. Since we areso far apart you must be doing the journeying. "

"Well, Heaven knows I found you distant enough!"

"I beg your pardon; Heaven knows nothing of the kind! It's not myfault that you value friendship so lightly. "

"You know I wished for so much more. "

"You thought you did at first, Graydon, " she replied, with a quietsmile, "but I imagine that you soon became quite reconciled to myview of the case. The relation would surely prove embarrassing toyou. Haven't you since thought that it might?" she asked, with sweetdirectness. 

He colored visibly, and was provoked with himself that he did. "Ifyou persist in being at swords' points with Miss Wildmere--" he began, hesitatingly. 

"I persist in being simply myself, and true to my own perceptions. Wherein have I failed in courtesy toward Miss Wildmere?"

"But you dislike her most cordially. "

"And you like her most cordially and more. Have I not granted yourperfect right to do so?"

"If you were even the friend you claim to be, you would not be soindifferent. "

"I have not said I was indifferent. Miss Wildmere is far fromindifferent to me. What have I done to gain her ill-will?"

"Much, as human nature goes. You have made yourself her rival inbeauty and attractiveness. "

"Is that human nature? If that is the cause of her hostility I shouldsay it is Miss Wildmere's nature. "

"Let us change the subject, " said Graydon, a little irritably. "We shall not agree on this point, I fear; you share in Henry'sprejudices. "

"I did not introduce the subject, Graydon, and I think for myself. "

"Hang it all, Madge! you are so changed I scarcely know you. Everytime we meet I find you more of a conundrum. Friend, indeed! Youcertainly have been a distant one in every sense. If I had been thefriend you say I was, you would have written me about the marvelloustransformation you were accomplishing. "

She sprang up, and her dark eyes flashed indignantly. "I am beginningto think that you are changed more than I, " she said, impetuously. "You know, or might, if you took the trouble, that I did not tellMary, my own sister, of my progress toward health and strength. Mywish to give you all a pleasant surprise may seem a little thing toyou, or you may give some sinister, unnatural meaning to the act. Itwas not a little thing to go away 'a ghost, a wraith, ' as you werewont to call me--it was not a little thing to go away alone, perhapsto die, as I then felt. Nor was it a little thing to battle for wearymonths with weakness of mind and body, morbid timidity, indolence, ignorance, and everything that was contrary to my ideal of womanhood. I can say thus much in self-defence. Was there harm in my adding someincentive to a hard sense of duty? I felt that if I could change forthe better and keep my secret I could give you all a glad surprise. Ihad almost a child's pleasure in the thought. Mary and Henry rewardedme, but you are spoiling it all. You at once make an impossibledemand, and discover, within twenty-four hours, how awkward mycompliance would have been. I did not know you so long without gainingthe power of guessing your thoughts. I suggested a simple, naturalrelation, and as the result I have become a 'conundrum. ' A charmingtitle, truly! I shall remain a simple, natural girl, and when you arethrough with your riddle theories perhaps you will treat me as I thinkyou might in view of old times;" and she started swiftly toward thehouse. 

"Madge!" cried Graydon, springing up and following her. 

At that moment Miss Wildmere approached, and Madge gained the piazzaand disappeared, leaving Graydon ill disposed toward himself and allthe world, even including Miss Wildmere; for she had a charming color, and appeared not in the least a victim to _ennui_ because of forcedassociation with an objectionable party. She came smilingly towardhim, saying, "It's too bad to interrupt your hot pursuit of anotherlady, but girls have not much conscience in such matters. "

"As long as you have conscience in other matters, it does notsignify, " he answered, meaningly. 

"Not conscience, but another organ, controls our action chiefly, Iimagine, " she replied, with a glance that gave emphasis to her wordsof the previous evening, and she passed smilingly on. 

Arnault soon followed her, spoke pleasantly to Graydon, and, havingobtained a morning paper, was at once absorbed in its contents. 

"He does not appear like a baffled suitor who has enjoyed only aveiled tolerance, " was Graydon's thought. "Things will come out allright in the end, I suppose, but they certainly are not proceeding asI expected. Stella will be mine eventually--it were treason to thinkotherwise--but she is carrying it off rather boldly to keep Arnault socomplacent at the same time. As far as Madge is concerned, I've beena fool and made a mess of it. How in the mischief has she been able todivine my very thoughts! She is wrong in one respect, however. If shehad felt and acted toward me like a sister I would have been loyalto her, and would have compelled even Miss Wildmere to recognize herrights. I am not so far gone but that I can act in a straightforward, honorable way. My acceptance of her action was an afterthought, aphilosophical way I have of making the best of everything. I nowbelieve that it has turned out for the best, but I have been guiltyof no coldblooded calculation. Very well, I'll treat her as a simple, natural girl and my very good friend, and see how this course works. Not that she is a simple girl. I've met too many of that kind, andof those also who enshroud themselves in a cloud of little femininemysteries, all transparent enough to one of experience; but Madgedoes puzzle me. She has not explained herself with her fine burst ofindignation. Jove! how handsome she was! She ever gives the impressionthat there is something back of all she says and does. Even Henryfeels it in his dim way, but that lightning flash made it clearthat it is something of which she need not be ashamed. Since shehas learned to read me so understandingly, I will try to fathom herthoughts. Perhaps friendship does mean more to her than to others. Ifso, I'll be as true a friend to her as she to me. If I grant Stellasuch broad privileges with Arnault, she must admit mine with one ofwhom it would be absurd to be jealous;" and, with cogitations like theabove, he also pretended to read his paper, and finished his cigar. 

CHAPTER XVII

NOT STRONG IN VAIN

Graydon dreaded embarrassment when meeting Madge at dinner, but wasagreeably disappointed. There was nothing in the young girl's mannerwhich suggested a vexed consciousness of their recent interview, neither were there covert overtures, even in tones, toward morefriendly relations. He saw that if any were made he must make them. Madge was merely too well bred to show anger in public, or occasionsurmises that would require explanations. During the meal she spokeof missing her horseback exercise, and said that she meant to ask Dr. Sommers if he did not know of a good animal that might be hired for afew weeks. Graydon at once resolved to make a propitiatory offering, and to go out with Madge when Miss Wildmere was unattainable. For thetime he was content to imitate Madge's tactics, and acted as if heintended to follow the course that she had suggested. The fact thatArnault was so evidently enjoying his dinner and the Wildmere smilesdid not detract from his purpose to prove that he also was not withoutresources. Moreover, he felt that he had not treated Madge fairly;he had been truly fond of her, and now was conscious of a growingrespect. As she had said, it was not a little thing that she hadattempted and accomplished, and there had been small ground for hisdiscontent. After dinner, however, he found a chance to ensconcehimself by Miss Wildmere on the piazza, and he was fully resolved tolose no such opportunities. 

Madge, with the Muir children, passed him on the way to a small lakeon which she had promised to give the little people a row. He tookoff his hat in cordial courtesy, and she recognized him with a briefsmile, in which Miss Wildmere could detect no apprehension. 

"I hope that 'sister Madge, ' as you call her, does not resent myenjoyment of your society. "

"Not in the least. I feel, however, that I have been neglecting hershamefully, and propose to make amends. "

"Indeed; has she brought you to a sense of your shortcomings? Thisscarcely bears out your first remark. "

"It is nothing against its truth. Miss Aldeu makes it very clear thatshe is not dependent on me or any one for enjoyment; but in view ofthe past I have been scarcely courteous. Therefore, " he added, witha laugh, "when Arnault monopolizes you I shall console myself withMadge. "

"And therefore I shall feel the less compunction. Thank you. "

"I am glad to take the least thorn from the roses of your life, " washis smiling answer. 

She veiled close scrutiny under her reply: "I fear the brilliant MissAlden will cause my society to appear commonplace in contrast. "

"I do not see how you can fear anything of the kind, " was his promptanswer; "I trust you, and you must trust me. "

"I do trust you, Mr. Muir, " she said, softly. 

Before he could speak again nurses and children came streaming andscreaming from the lake toward the house. "Nellie Wilder is drowned, "was the burden of their dire message. 

Graydon sprang down the steps, and rushed with the fleetness of thewind toward the lake. 

As Madge, with Jennie and Harry Muir, approached the water, they sawa party of children playing carelessly in a boat, and a moment latera little girl fell overboard. The boat was in motion toward the shore, and when she rose it had passed beyond her reach. Her companions gaveway to wild panic, and, instead of trying to save her, screamed andpulled for land. No one was present except nurses and other children, and they all joined in the wild, helpless chorus of alarm, and began astampede toward the hotel. 

Madge saw that if the child was saved she must act promptly andwisely. To the Muir children she said, authoritatively, "Sit downwhere you are and don't move. " Then she rushed forward and unfasteneda skiff. As she did so the child rose for the last time and sunk againwith a gurgling cry. Keeping her eyes fixed on the spot, and with anoar in her hand, Madge pushed away from the shore vigorously with herfeet, and with the impetus sprang upon the narrow stern-sheets, thencrept forward toward the bow, at the same time ever keeping her eyesfixed unwaveringly on the spot where the child had sunk, from whichwidening circles were eddying. The nurses and children who had notstarted for the house, seeing that a rescue was attempted, looked onwith breathless dread and suspense. 

When the impetus that Madge had first given to the skiff ceased, shekept the little craft in motion by paddling, first on one side, thenon the other, her eyes still fixed on one point in the dark water. At last this point seemed almost beneath her; she dropped the oar, stooped, and peered over the side of the boat. After a moment'shesitation she appeared to those on shore to have lost her balance, fallen overboard, and sunk. Renewed screams of terror resounded, and the Muir children fled toward the hotel, crying, "Aunt Madge isdrowned. "

"What do you mean?" Graydon gasped, seizing Harry by the arm. 

"Oh, Uncle Graydon! run quick. Aunt Madge fell out of a boat underwater. "

A moment later he saw the young girl rise to the surface with a childin her grasp. With one headlong plunge, and a few strong strokes, hewas at her side, exclaiming, "Great God, Madge! what does this mean?"

"Take her to the shore, quick; no matter about me;" and she pushed thelimp and apparently lifeless form into his arms. 

"But, Madge--" he began. 

"Haste! haste! and the child may be saved. Don't think of me; I canswim as well as you;" and she struck out toward the shore. 

Wondering and thrilled with admiration, in spite of the confusion ofhis thoughts, he did as directed, and took the child to land at once. 

Madge was there as soon as he, crying, even before she left the water, "Run for Dr. Sommers, and if not at home ride after him. "

Meanwhile gentlemen and employés of the house were arriving, and someturned back in search of the physician. 

The awful tidings had come upon poor Mrs. Wilder, the mother of thechild, like a bolt out of a clear sky, and she had run screaming andmoaning toward the scene of disaster. Mother love had given her almostsuperhuman strength; but when she saw the pale little face on theground, with the hue of death upon it, she crouched beside it inspeechless agony, and watched the efforts that were made to bring backconsciousness. 

Madge led and directed these efforts. In truth, she did as much tosave the child on land as when it had lain submerged on the muddybottom of the pond. Graydon, seeing that she was coming up the bank, had paused a moment irresolutely, and then was about to start for thehotel with his burden. Madge caught his arm, and took the child fromhim. 

"Graydon, take off your coat and give it to me, " she said, imperatively, as she laid the child down on its back; "yourhandkerchief, also, " she added. 

She forced open the pale lips, and wiped out the mouth with marvellouscelerity, paying no heed to the clamorous voices around her. "Some onegive me a sharp knife, " she cried, "and don't crowd so near. "

Lifting the child's clothing at the throat, she cut it down ward tothe waist, then down each arm, leaving the lovely little form exposedand free. Dropping the knife, she next rolled the coat into a bundle, turned the child over so that her abdomen should rest upon it; thenwith hands pressed rather strongly on each side of the little back, Madge sought to expel the water that might have been swallowed. Turning the child over on her back again, the bundle made by the coatwas placed under the small of her back, so as to raise the chest. Then, catching the little tongue that had awakened merry echoes buta few moments before, she drew it out of the mouth to one side by theaid of the handkerchief, and said to Graydon, "Hold it, so. "

All now saw that they were witnessing skilled efforts. Discordantadvice ceased, and they looked on with breathless interest. 

"Has any one smelling salts?" Madge asked. There was no response. Shesnatched a bit of grass and tickled the child's nose, saying, at thesame time, "Bring water. " This, after a few seconds, she dashed overthe face and exposed chest, waited an instant, then gave her patient aslap over the pit of the stomach. 

Graydon, kneeling before her, looked on with silent amazement. Herglorious eyes shone with an absorbed and merciful purpose; she wasoblivious of her own strange appearance, the masses of her looseninghair falling over and veiling the lovely form outlined clearly bythe wet and clinging drapery of her summer dress. Others looked onin wonder, too, and with a respect akin to awe. Among them were hersister and Henry Muir, Mr. Arnault, and Miss Wildmere--her feelingsdivided between envy and commiseration for the child and its strickenmother. 

These first simple efforts having no apparent effect, Madge said, quietly, "We must try artificial respiration. Move a little more toone side, Graydon. "

Kneeling behind the child, she lifted the little arms quickly butsteadily up, over and down, until they lay upon the ground behind thewet golden curls. This motion drew the ribs up, expanded the chest andpermitted air to enter it. After two or three seconds Madge reversedthe motion and pressed the arms firmly against the chest, to expel theair. This alternate motion was kept up regularly at about the rateof sixteen times a minute, until the sound of a galloping horse washeard, and the crowd parted for Dr. Sommers. He took in the situationwith his quick eye, and said, "Miss Alden, let me take your place. "

"Oh, thank God, you are here!" she exclaimed. "Let me hold her tongue, Graydon; I must do something. "

"Yes, Mr. Muir, " added the physician; "let her help me; she knows justwhat to do. How long was the child under water?"

"I don't know exactly; not long. "

"Not more than four or five minutes?"

"I think not. "

"There should be hope, then. "

"We must save her!" cried Madge. "I once saw people work over an hourbefore there were signs of life. "

"Oh, God bless your brave heart!" murmured the poor mother. "You won'tleave my child--you won't let them give her up, will you?"

"No, Mrs. Wilder, not for one hour or two. I believe that your littlegirl will be saved. "

"Have some brandy ready, " said Dr. Sommers. 

A flask was produced, and Graydon again knelt near, to have it inreadiness, while the doctor kept up his monotonous effort, pressingthe arms against the lungs, then lifting them above the head and backto the ground, with regular and mechanical iteration. 

The child's eyelids began to tremble. "Ah!" exclaimed the doctor; amoment later there was a slight choking cough, and a glad cry went upfrom the throng. 

"The brandy, " said the doctor. 

Madge now gave up the case to him and Graydon, and slipped down besidethe mother, who was swaying from side to side. "Don't faint, " shesaid; "your child will need you as soon as she is conscious. "

"Oh, Heaven bless you! Heaven bless you!" cried the mother; "you havesaved my only, my darling. "

"Yes, madam, you are right. It's all plain sailing now, " the doctoradded. 

Then Madge became guilty of her first useless act. In strong revulsionshe fainted dead away. In a moment her head was on Mrs. Muir's lap, and Henry Muir was at her side. 

"Poor girl! no wonder. There's not a woman in a hundred thousand whocould do what she has done. There, don't worry about her. Put her inmy carriage with Mrs. Muir, and take her to her room; I'll be theresoon. She'll come out all right; such girls always do. "

Meanwhile Mr. Muir and Graydon were carrying out the doctor'sdirections, and the unconscious girl was borne rapidly to herapartment, where, under her sister's ministrations, she soon revived. 

Almost her first conscious words, after being assured that the childwas safe, were, "Oh, Mary! what a guy I must have appeared! What willGraydon--I mean all who saw me--think?"

"They'll think things that might well turn any girl's head. As forGraydon, he is waiting outside now, half crazy with anxiety to receivea message from you. "

"Tell him I made a fool of myself, and he must not speak about itagain on the pain of my displeasure. "

"Well, you have come to, " said Mrs. Muir, and then she went andlaughingly delivered the message verbatim, adding, "Go and put on dryclothes. You'll catch your death with those wet things on, and youlook like a scarecrow. "

He departed, more puzzled over Madge Alden than ever, but admitting tohimself that she had earned the right to be anything she pleased. 

Dr. Sommers continued his efforts in behalf of the little girl, chafing her wrists and body with the brandy, and occasionally givinga few drops until circulation was well restored; and then, at hermother's side, carried the child to her room, and gave directions tothose who were waiting to assist. 

When he entered Madge's apartment, she greeted him with the words, "What a silly thing I did!"

"Not at all, not at all. You made your exit gracefully, and escapedthe plaudits which a brave girl like you wouldn't enjoy. I take offmy hat to you, as we country-folks say. You are a heroine--as gooda doctor as I on shore and a better one in the water. Where did youlearn it all?"

"Nonsense!" said Madge, "nothing would vex me more than to have atime made over the affair. It's all as simple as a, b, c. What's thatlittle pond to one who has been used to swimming in the Pacific! As Isaid, I saw a girl restored once, and Mr. Wayland has explained to meagain and again just what to do. "

"Oh, yes, it's all simple enough if you know how, but that's just thetrouble. In all that crowd I don't believe there was one who would nothave done the wrong thing. Well, well, I can manage now if I'm obeyed. You've had a good deal of a shock, and you must keep quiet tillto-morrow. Then I'll see. "

Madge laughingly protested that nothing would please her better thana good supper and a good book. "Please give out also, " she said, "thatany reference to the affair will have a very injurious influence onme. "

In spite of the doctor, messages and flowers poured in. At last Mrs. Wilder came and said to Mrs. Muir, "I must see her, if it is safe. "

"It's safe enough, " Mrs. Muir began, "only Madge doesn't like so muchmade of it. "

"I won't say much, " pleaded the mother. She did not say anything, butput her arms around Madge and pressed her tear-stained face upon theyoung girl's bosom in long, passionate embrace, the hastened back toher restored treasure, who was sleeping quietly. Madge's eyes werewet also, and she turned her face to the wall and breathed softlyto herself, "Whatever happens now--and it's plain enough what willhappen--I did not get strong in vain. Graydon can never think mealtogether weak and lackadaisical again, and I have saved one woman'sheart from anguish, however my own may ache. "

CHAPTER XVIII

MAKE YOUR TERMS

Graydon's uppermost thought now was to make his peace with Madge. Hedismissed all his former theories about her as absurd, and felt that, whether he understood her or not, she had become a splendid woman, ofwhose friendship he might well be proud, and accept it on any termsthat pleased her. He also was sure that Miss Wildmere's prejudiceswould be banished at once and forever by Madge's heroism, believingthat the girl's hostile feeling was due only to the natural jealousyof social rivals. "If Stella does not regard Madge's action withgenerous enthusiasm, I shall think the worse of her, " was hismasculine conclusion. 

The wily girl was not so obtuse as to be unaware of this, and whenhe came down she said all he could wish in praise of Madge, buttook pains to enlarge upon his own courage. At this he pooh-poohedemphatically. "What was that duck-pond of a lake to a man!" he said. "Madge herself has become an expert ocean-swimmer, I am told. Shewasn't afraid of the water. It was her skill in finding the childbeneath it, and in resuscitation afterward, that chiefly commands myadmiration. "

"Oh, dear!" cried the girl, "what can I do to command youradmiration?"

"You know well, Miss Wildmere, that you command much more. "

She blushed, smiled, and looked around a little apprehensively. 

"Don't be alarmed, " he added; "I have such confidence in you that Iwill bide your time. "

"Thank you, Graydon, " she whispered, and hastened away, leaving himsupremely happy. It was the first time she had called him "Graydon. "

Seeing Dr. Sommers emerging from the hotel, he hastened after him, bent on procuring a peace-offering for Madge--the finest horse thatcould be had in the region. 

"I know of one a few miles from here, " said the doctor. "He's asplendid animal, but a high and mighty stepper. I don't believe thateven she could manage him. "

"I'll break him in for her, never fear. Of course I won't let her takeany risks. "

"Well, leave it to me, then. I can manage it. He's awfully headstrong, though. I give you fair warning. "

"Take me to see him as soon as you can; the horse, I mean, or, rather, both man and horse. "

"To-morrow morning, then. I have patients out that way. "

At supper and during the evening Madge and her exploit were the themesof conversation. Some tried to give Graydon a part of the credit, buthe laughed so contemptuously at the idea that he was let alone. HenryMuir did not say much, but looked a great deal, and with Graydonlistened attentively as his wife explained how it was that Madge hadproved equal to the emergency. 

"Why don't more people follow her example?" said the practical man, "and learn how to do something definite? As she explains the rescue, there was nothing remarkable in it. If she could swim and dive in theocean for sport, she would not be much afraid to do the same in thatso-called lake, to save life. As to her action on shore, the knowledgeshe used is given in books and manuals. What's more, she had seen itdone. But most people are so pointless and shiftless that theynever know just what to do in an emergency, no matter what theiropportunities for information may have been. "

"Now you hit me, " Graydon remarked, ruefully, "Left to myself I shouldhave finished the young one, for I was about to run to the hotel withher, a course that I now see would have been as fatal as idiotic. "

"Madge says, " Mrs. Muir continued, "that they used to bathe a greatdeal, and that Mr. Wayland explained just what should be done in allthe possible emergencies of their outdoor life at Santa Barbara. "

"Wayland in a level-headed man. If he is bookish, he's not a dreamerwith his head in the clouds. Madge was in good hands with them, andproves it every day. "

"I think she shows the influence of Mrs. Wayland even more than thatof her husband. Fanny is a very accomplished woman, and saw a greatdeal of society in her younger days. "

"Confound it all! Why didn't you tell me that Madge had been livingwith two paragons?" said Graydon. 

"Oh, you have been so occupied with another paragon that there hasnot been much chance to tell you anything, " was Mrs. Muir's consolingreply. 

"Madge has not been made what she is by paragons, " Mr. Muir remarked, dryly. "She made herself. They only helped her, and couldn't havehelped a silly woman. "

"It's time you were jealous, Mary, " said Graydon, laughing. 

"Mary isn't a silly woman. I should hope that no Muir would marryone. "

"I see no prospect of it, " was the rather cold reply. 

"I fear I see a worse prospect, " was his brother's thought. "Of whatuse are his eyes or senses after what he has seen to-day?"

Mrs. Muir had explained to some lady friends about Madge, and theinformation was passing into general circulation--the ladies rapidlycoming to the conclusion that the young girl's action was not soremarkable after all, which was true enough. The men, however, retained their enthusiastic admiration, although it must be admittedthat its inspiration was due largely to Madge's beauty. 

"Of course women have done braver things, " said one man, with sportingtendencies, "but it was the neat, gamy way in which she did it thattook my eye. Her method was as complete and rounded out as herself. Jove! as she bent over that child she was a nymph that would turn thehead of a Greek. "

"She has evidently turned the head of a Cyprian, " laughed one of hisfriends. 

"Come, that's putting it too strong, " said the man, with a frown. "I'll affect no airs, though. I'm not a saint, as you all know, butthe aspect of that girl, in her self-forgetful effort, might well makeme wish I were one. She is as good and pure-hearted as the child shesaved. If there had been a flaw in the white marble of her nature shewould have been self-conscious. An angel from heaven couldn't havebeen more absorbed in the one impulse to save. "

Graydon had approached the group unobserved, and heard these words. He walked away, smiling, with the thought, "My sentiments, clearlyexpressed. "

The night was warm, and he saw Miss Wildmere and Arnault going outfor a stroll. Following a half-defined inclination, he bent his stepstoward the lake. The moon was mirrored in its glassy surface, theplace silent and deserted. With slight effort of fancy he called upthe scene again. He saw in the moonlight the fairy form of thechild, and what even others had regarded as the embodiment of humanloveliness and truth bending over it. 

"And she was the little ghost that once haunted me, " he thought, "andseemed all eyes and affection. How those eyes used to welcome and turnto me, as if in some subtle way she drew from me the power to exist atall. I wish I could follow the processes of her change from the hourof our parting, and see how I passed from what I was to her to whatI am now. She does not seem to forget or ignore the past. She is notconventional, and never was; hence, friendship may not mean what itdoes to so many of her sex and age--a little moony sentiment blendedwith calculation as to a fellow's usefulness. If we could enjoysomething of the good-comradeship that obtains between man andman, she is the one woman of the world with whom I should covet therelation. Stella, in herself, is all that I could ask for a wife, but I don't like her family much better than Henry does. Confound thefather! Why should he so mix his daughter up in his speculation thatshe dare not dismiss Arnault at once and follow her heart? If I werenot a good-natured man I wouldn't submit to it. As it is, since I amsure of the girl, I suppose I should give _paterfamilias_ a chance toturn himself. She has appealed to me as delicately, yet as openly, as she can, and has given me to understand by everything exceptplain words that she is mine. Probably that is all she can do withoutbringing black ruin upon them all. Well, I suppose I should imitateher self-sacrificing spirit; but I hate this jumbling of Wall Streetwith affairs of the heart. It angers me that she must play with thatfellow for financial reasons, and that he, conscious of power, may uselanguage which she would not dare to resent. I can't imagine Madgein such a position. Yet, who knows? As the French say, 'It is theunexpected that happens, ' and this has proved true enough in myexperience. I'll go and see how Madge is now, and be as penitent asshe requires. I don't mind being tyrannized over a little by such agirl;" and he returned. 

As he approached Mrs. Muir's door he heard the sound of voices andlaughter, and plainly those of his brother and Madge. In responseto his knock Mrs. Muir opened the door a little way, and he caught aglimpse of Henry. 

"Well?" said Mrs. Muir. 

"It's not well at all, " he began, in an aggrieved tone. "Here's afamily party, and I'm shut out in outer darkness. What have I done tobe banished from Rome?"

"'What's banished but set free?'" trilled out Madge. "Oh, Graydon, I'mnot fit to be seen!"

"How can I know that unless I see you?"

"Nonsense, Madge!" expostulated her sister, "you look charming. Whyput on airs? As he says, it's a family party. Let him join in ourfun;" and, without waiting for further objections, she brought him inand gave him a chair. 

"Now this warms an exile's heart, " he began. "If you had shut thedoor on me I should have asked Henry to send me back to Europe. Mary'sright, Madge; you do look charming. "

And so she did, blushing and laughing in her dainty wrapper, with herlong hair falling over her shoulders and fastened by a ribbon. 

"How comes it that you are in such a deserted and disconsolatecondition?" cried Mary. 

"I am not in such a condition. Since crossing your threshold I havebecome contentment itself. Indeed, I regard myself as the most favoredman in the house, for I, first of all, am able to lay my homage atMadge's feet. "

"Let me warn you from the start that it will prove a stumbling-blockin both our paths, " said the girl. "Did you not receive my message?But, then, it's stupid to think you will ever consider me. "

"I have been considering you a great deal more than you think, especially since you metaphorically boxed my ears this morning, andtook away my breath generally this afternoon. "

"You seem to have plenty left. "

"Oh, I'm recovering. Reason is trying to scramble back on her throne. I've been out to the lake alone in the moonlight, and have had thewhole scene over again, to assure myself that it was real. "

"What! You have not been in the water?"

"No; I was content to moon it out on the shore; but it seemed to methat I saw you as clearly there as here. "

"Little wonder! I must have been the most extraordinary lookingcreature that ever prowled in these wilds. "

"You were; only lookers-on did all the devouring. I wouldn't dare tellyou the compliments I have heard. "

"You had better not, if your reason is even within sight of herthrone. When the danger was all over I caught a mental glimpse ofmyself, and fell over as if shot;" and a slow, deep crimson stole intoher face. 

"Madge, " said Graydon, gravely and almost rebukingly, "do you thinkthere was a man present who did not reverence you? I was proud even ofyour acquaintance. "

Her face softened under his words, but she did not look at him. "Wewere partners in misery, " she said, laughing softly; "I have a vagueremembrance that you were as great a guy as I was. "

"I shall be glad to be a guy with you in any circumstances you canimagine, if you will let me make my peace, and will forgive my generalstupidity. Be reasonable also, as well as merciful. If it took youover two years to make such changes, you should give me a few days torub my eyes and get them focused on the result. "

Madge was now laughing heartily. "I don't believe a man could ever eatthe whole of a humble pie, " she said. "He ever insists that the donor, especially if she be a woman, should have a piece also. "

"There, now, " cried Graydon, ruefully; "give me all of it, and makeyour terms. "

"Solomon himself couldn't have advised you better, " said Madge, whileHenry leaned back in his chair and laughed as if immensely amused, while Mary improved the occasion by remarking, "When will men everlearn that that is the way to get the best terms possible from awoman?"

"Indeed!" said Graydon. "How you enlighten me! Well, Madge, I'm themore eager now to learn your terms. "

She felt that it was a critical moment--that there was, under theirbadinage, a substratum of truth and feeling--and that she had now achance to establish relations that would favor her hope, if it hada right to exist at all, and render future companionship free fromsurmise on the part of her family. 

"Come, Graydon, " she said, "we have jested long enough, and there isno occasion for misunderstanding. I have not forgotten the past anymore than you have, nor all your unstinted kindness for years. As Marysays, this is a family party. I'm not your sister, and embarrassmentalways accompanies an unnatural relation. The common-sense thing to dois to recognize the relation that does exist. As I intimated at first, I see no reason why we should not be the best of friends, and then, imitating the stiff-necked Hebrews, do what seemeth good in our eyes. "

"And these are your terms, Madge?"

"As far as I have any, yes. I don't insist on anything, but warn youthat I shall follow my eyes, and consult a very wilful little will ofmy own. "

"Will your wilful will permit you to accept of a horse that I amgoing after in the morning? Dr. Sommers told me about him, and I hadproposed to make him a peace-offering. "

Madge clapped her hands with the delight of a child. 

"Oh, Graydon, that's splendid of you! I've been sighing, 'My kingdomfor a horse, ' ever since I came here. But he's no peace-offering. Iforgave you when I saw your headlong plunge into the lake. You wentinto it like a man, while I flopped in so awkwardly that all said Ihad fallen overboard. "

"Shake hands, then. "

She sprang up and joined hands with him in frank and cordial grasp, saying, "It's all right now, and Mary and Henry will understand us aswell as we do ourselves. "

"One condition: you will let me ride with you?"

"When you are disengaged, yes, " was her arch reply, "and I'll provethat on horseback I can be as good a comrade as a man. "

"Well, if something I've dreamt of is true I never saw such acting, "thought Henry Muir. Then he said, quietly, "Madge, how did you findthe child so surely and quickly?"

"That accounts for my awkwardness somewhat, " she replied, laughing. ("How happy she looks!" he thought. ) "I never took my eyes from thespot where I had last seen the child sink, and I had to do everythingas if my head was in a vise. Don't let us talk about it any more. "

"No, nor about anything else, " said Mary, rising. "I'm proving a finenurse, and am likely to be lectured by the doctor to-morrow. You menmust walk. Here is Madge flushed, feverish, and excited about a horse. Brain-fever will be the next symptom. "

An hour later Madge was sleeping quietly, but the happy flush andsmile had not left her face. She felt that she had at last scored onepoint. Oh, that she could have more time!

"Jupiter!" muttered Graydon, as he descended the stairs, "her talkmakes a fellow's blood tingle. "

Miss Wildmere had just entered with Arnault, and Graydon asked, "Areyou not going to give me one dance this evening?"

"Yes, two, if you wish, " she replied, sweetly. 

He took her at her word, and was as devoted as ever. He had no thoughtof being anything else. Arnault secured the last word, however, and Graydon made no effort to prevent this. He had accepted thedisagreeable situation, and proposed, although with increasingreluctance and discontent, to let the girl have a clear field andmanage the affair as she thought wise under the circumstances. He wastoo proud to have maintained a jostling and open pursuit with Arnaultin any event, and now, believing that he understood the lady better, felt that there was no occasion for it He had indicated to her justwhere he stood, and just where she could ever find him. When herdiplomacy with Arnault should cease to be essential to her father'ssafety, the final words could be spoken. 

He acted on this policy so quietly that she was somewhat troubled, andfeared that Madge might be taking too large a place in his thoughts. Therefore, when Arnault ventured to make a somewhat humorous referenceto the young girl's appearance, her spite found utterance. "I neversaw such a looking creature in my life. She had the appearance of acrazy woman, with her hair dishevelled, and her wet, muddy clothessticking to her as if glued. She ought at least to have slipped awaywhen the doctor came. But instead of that she fainted--all put on, Ibelieve, to attract attention. "

"She perhaps felt that she must put on something, " chuckled Arnault. "The two Muirs looked as if she were too precious and sacred formortal gaze. "

"Well, " concluded Miss Wildmere, "I like to see a lady who neverforgets herself;" and she was an example of the type. 

"I like to see one lady, whom, having seen, no one can forget, " washis gallant reply. 

CHAPTER XIX

AN OBJECT FOR SYMPATHY

Miss Wildmere's indignant virtue was not soothed on the followingmorning, when, as she returned from a drive with Arnault, Graydongalloped up on a superb bay horse, and Madge so far forgot herselfagain as to rush to meet him with unaffected pleasure. The championof propriety paused in the distance to take an observation, for shethought she saw a cloud in the sky. 

"What a beauty! what a grand arch of the neck he has! Oh, I'm justwild to be on him! Don't bribe me with horses, Graydon; I can resistanything else. "

"I am glad of the information. A volume of thanks would not be worthhalf so much. "

"I thought the thanks were in my tone and manner. "

"So I thought, and am more than content; but, Madge, I am troubledabout your riding him. I fear he is a very Satan of a horse. "

"Nonsense! Wait till you see me mounted, and your fears will vanish. People don't walk at Santa Barbara; they ride; every one rides. If thehorse don't tumble, there'll be no tumbling on my part. Oh, he is sucha splendid fellow! What shall I call him?"

"Better call him 'Go. ' There is more go in him than in any horse Iever bestrode. "

"All the better. I shall give him another name, however. It willcome to me sometime;" and she patted the proud neck, and fondledthe tossing head, in a way to excite the envy of observers from thepiazza. "Oh, Graydon, what shall I do for a saddle? Do you think thereis one to be had in this region? I'm impatient for a gallop. "

"I telegraphed, early this morning, for equipments; and they should behere this afternoon. "

"That was considerate kindness itself. You must let me pay for allthis. You know I can. "

"So can I. "

"But there's reason in all things. "

"Therefore, a little in me. Please, Madge, don't make me feel thatI am almost a stranger to you. If we had remained together, I shouldhave paid out more than this for candy, flowers, and nonsense. I haveyielded everything, haven't I? and, as Mary says, I do wish to feel alittle like one of the family. "

"Well, then, " she said, laughing and blushing, "as from one of thefamily--"

"And from your deceased brother, " he interrupted. 

She put her finger to her lips. "That's past, " she said. "No moreallusions. We began sensibly last night, and I certainly am verylenient now in taking gifts that I should protest against even fromHenry. I wish to prove to you that I am the Madge of old times as faras I can be. "

"Rest assured I'm the same fellow, and ever shall be. "

He had dismounted, and they were walking slowly toward the stable. "Bless me!" cried Madge, "where am I going with no better protectionthan a sunshade? I'm always a little off when a horse like that is athand. I say, Graydon, " she added, in a wheedling tone, "mount andput him through his paces. I can't resist the fun, no matter what thedowagers say. "

He vaulted lightly into the saddle, and the horse reared and dashedtoward the stable, but was soon pulled up. Then Graydon made himprance, curvet, and trot, Madge looking on with parted lips, and eyesglowing with delicious anticipation. If a close observer had beenpresent he might have seen that the rider, with his fine easy graceand mastery, was, after all, the chief attraction. 

She walked back to the house, thinking, "I'll have some bright hoursbefore the skies grow gray. Oh, kindly fate! prosper Mr. Arnault hereand in Wall Street, too, for all I care. "

"Oh, Mr. Muir, teach me to ride, " said Miss Wildmere, when he joinedher in the deserted parlor. "You have such a superb horse! and you saton him as if you were a part of him. "

"I will teach you with pleasure, " said Graydon. "Nothing would give memore enjoyment, for I am very fond of riding, and we could explore themountain roads far and near. "

"Can I ride your horse?"

"That was not my horse. He belongs to Miss Alden. "

"Oh, indeed, " began Miss Wildmere, hastily, yet coldly; "I wouldn'tthink of it, then. "

"She would lend him to you readily, if it were safe; but only anexpert should ride that horse. As it is, I shall run him four or fivemiles before I let her mount him. He is awfully high-strung and alittle vicious. I'll get you a quiet, safe lady's horse, suitable fora beginner. You will soon acquire confidence and skill. I wouldn'thave you incur any risks for all the world. "

"Wouldn't you?" she asked, with a fascinating and incredulous smile. 

"You know well that I would not. "

"I shall scarcely know what I know when I see you galloping away withMiss Alden. "

"Come, Miss Stella, we may as well get through with that phase of thequestion at once. Madge Alden came into our family when I was scarcelymore than a boy, and she but a child. She is still one of the family. The idea of your being concerned about her makes me smile audibly. Ionly wish you girls would be good friends. It would save awkwardnessand embarrassment. Madge is a sister to me in everything but name, andever will be. I'm proud of her, as I ought to be, and a distant mannerwould be absurd toward a member of our household. Why should I affectit when I'm truly fond of her jolly good company? Don't you think I amsetting you a good example? I'm patient over your good times with Mr. Arnault, who is an open suitor. "

"I have not said they were good times. "

"Nor have you said they were not. He evidently enjoys them, and littlewonder. You can make any fellow have a good time without trying. Idon't pretend to understand the necessity of your being so friendly, or tolerant, or what you will, with him; neither do I pry or question. My regard for you makes trust imperative. I do trust you as readily asyou should trust me. What else can we do till times are better?"

"What do you mean by saying, 'till times are better?'" she asked, in gentle solicitude. "Are you having a hard time in town, like poorpapa?"

"Oh, bless you! no. I don't suppose Henry is making much. He's thekind of man to take in sail in times like these. I'm not in thefirm yet, you know, but shall be soon. My foreign department of thebusiness is all right. I left it snug and safe. Of course, I don'tknow much about things on this side of the water yet. Mr. Muir is notthe kind of man to speak to any one about his affairs unless it isessential, but if anything were amiss he would have told me. I knowthe times are dismal, and I am better off on my assured salary than ifin the firm now. No one but 'bears' are making anything. "

"I hope your brother isn't in anxiety, like papa, " she said, warmly. 

His quick commercial instinct took alarm, and he asked, "What, haveyou heard anything?"

"Oh, no indeed. Papa says that Mr. Muir is one of the mostconservative of men; but he also says that there is scarcely a chancenow for any honest man, and that investments which once seemed assolid as these mountains are sinking out of sight. If it wasn't so weshouldn't be so worried. He wouldn't like it if he knew I was talkingto you in this way; but then I know it will go no further, andnaturally my mind dwells on the subject of his anxieties. Whatwouldn't I do to help him!" she concluded, with a fine enthusiasm. 

"I think you are doing a great deal to help him, Stella, " he said, gravely and gently; "and, believe me, it involves no little sacrificeon my part also. "

"But you have promised to be patient, Graydon. "

"I have, but you cannot think that I like it or approve of thediplomacy you are compelled to practice, even though your motive beunselfish and filial. I don't think you ought to be placed in such aposition, and would that it were in my power to relieve you from it!"

Tears of self-commiseration came into her eyes, and they appeared tohim exceedingly pathetic. She made as if she would speak but couldnot, then retreated hastily to her room. Once in seclusion she dashedthe drops away, her eyes glittered with anger, and she stamped herfoot on the floor and muttered: "It is indeed an abominable position. I might accept Graydon any day, any hour, now, and dare not. Yet ifhe gets an inkling of my real attitude he'll be off forever. He is asproud as Lucifer about some things, and would be quick as a flashif his suspicions were aroused. Even the belief that I am humoringArnault for papa's sake tests his loyalty greatly. If I have to refusehim at last I shall be placed in an odious light. The idiots! whycan't they find out whether Henry Muir is going to fail or not! Thathorrid Madge Alden is not his sister, and knows it, and she is gainingtime to make impressions. I know how she felt years ago, when she wasa perfect spook. I don't believe she's changed. With all her impulsiveways she's as deep as perdition, and she'd flirt with him to spiteme, if nothing more. Papa said last night that I had better acceptArnault. I won't accept him till I must, and he'll rue his success ifhe wins it. " Then the mirror reflected a lovely creature dissolved intears. 

Again she soliloquized: "I can't accept a horse from Graydon; Arnaultwould never submit to it. The receiving of such a present wouldcompromise me at once. It does not matter so much what I say or lookin private; this proves nothing to the world, and I see more and moreclearly that Arnault will not permit his pride to be humiliated. Hewill endure what he calls a fair, open suit philosophically, but theexpression of his eyes makes me shiver sometimes. Was ever a girlplaced in such a mean and horrible position! I won't endure thisshilly-shally much longer. If they can't prove something more definiteagainst the Muirs, I'll accept Graydon. Papa is just horrid! Why can'the make more in Wall Street? There must be ways, and any way is asrespectable as the one I may be compelled to take. Well, if I do haveto accept Arnault I'll make Graydon think that I had to do so forpapa's sake, and we'll become good friends again before long. Perhapsthis would be the best way in the end, for papa looked wildly, andspoke of a tenement-house last night. Tenement! Great heavens! I'dsooner die. "

CHAPTER XX

"VEILED WOOING"

"Graydon, when do you think I can have my first ride?" Madge asked atdinner, with sparkling eyes. 

"At about five this afternoon. I have found a saddle that I can borrowin case yours does not come till the late train. "

"Oh, I'm so glad that I've lost my appetite! You can't know how mucha horse means to me. It was after I began to ride that I grew strongenough to hope. "

"Why, Madge, were you so discouraged as that?" he asked, feelingly. 

"I had reason to be discouraged, " she replied, in a low tone. Then shethrew back her head, proudly. "You men little know, " she continued, half defiantly. "You think weakness one of our prerogatives, and likeus almost the better for it. We are meekly to accept our fate, andfrom soft couches lift our languid eyes in pious resignation. I won'tdo it; and when a powerful horse is beneath me, carrying me like thewind, I feel that his strength is mine, and that I need not succumb tofeminine imbecility or helplessness in any form. "

"Brava, Madge!" cried Henry Muir. 

"You were born a knight, " added Graydon, "and have already made moreand better conquests than many celebrated in prose and poetry. "

"Oh, no, " cried Madge, lifting her eyebrows in comic distress. "I wasborn a woman to my finger-tips, and never could conquer even myself. Ihave an awful temper. Graydon, you have already found that out. "

"I have found that I had better accept just what you please to be, and fully admit your right to be just what you please, " he answered, ruefully. 

"What a lovely and reasonable frame of mind!" Mrs. Muir remarked. "Truly, Miss Wildmere is to be congratulated. You have only to stickto such a disposition, and peace will last longer than the moon. "

"Oh, Miss Wildmere will prove a rose without a thorn, " Madge added, laughing, while under Mr. Muir's eye her face paled perceptibly. "There will never be anything problematical in her single-mindeddevotion. She has been well and discreetly brought up, and finishedby the best society, while poor me!--I had to fly in the face of fatelike a virago, and scramble up the best I could in Western wilds. Oh, well, Graydon, don't be alarmed. I'll be a good fellow if you'll takeme out riding occasionally. "

He began to laugh, and she continued: "I saw you frown when I beganmy wicked speech. We'll tick off tabooed subjects, and make an _indexexpurgatorius_, and then we'll get on famously. "

"No need of that, " he said. "As far as _I_ am concerned, pleaseconsider _me_ fair game. "

"Consider you fair game?" she said, with her head archly on one side. "That would be arrant poaching. Don't fear, Graydon, I shall neverregard any man as game, not even if I should become a fat dowager witha bevy of plain daughters and a dull market. "

Grave and silent Mr. Muir leaned back in his chair and laughed soheartily that he attracted attention at the Wildmere table across theroom. 

"That man doesn't act as if on the brink of failure, " thought MissWildmere. "It's all a conspiracy of Arnault with papa. "

"You are making game of me in one sense very successfully, " Graydonadmitted, laughing a little uneasily. 

"Oh, in that sense, all men are legitimate game, and I shall chaff asmany as possible, out of spite that I was not a man. "

"You would make a good one--you are so devoid of sentiment and soindependent. "

"And yet within a week I think a certain gentleman was inclined tothink me sentimental, aesthetic, intense, a victim of ideals anddevotional rhapsodies. "

"Oh, ye gods! Here, waiter, bring me my dessert, and let me escape, "cried Graydon. 

"Did you say I was to be ready at five?" she asked, sweetly. 

"Yes, and bring down articles of a truce, and we'll sign them in redink. "

An hour later she heard the gallop of a horse, and saw him ridingaway. "She shan't mount the animal, " he had thought, "till I learnmore about him and give him all the running he wants to-day. She hasa heavy enough score against me as it is, and I'll not employ anotherbrute to make things worse. "

He learned more fully what he had discovered before, that she wouldhave her hands full in managing the horse, and he gave him a run thatcovered him with foam and tested his breathing. At four he gallopedback to the station to see if the saddle had arrived, but found thateven his skill and strength were not sufficient to make the animalapproach the engine. Shouting to the baggage-man to bring the expectedarticles to the stable, he was soon there and made another experiment. A hostler brought him a blanket, which he strapped around his waist, and mounted again in a lady's style. It was at once evident that thehorse had never been ridden by a woman. He reared, kicked, and plungedaround frightfully, and Graydon had to clutch the mane often to keephis seat. Madge had speedily joined him, and looked with absorbedinterest, at times laughing, and again imploring Graydon to dismount. This he at last he did, the perspiration pouring from his face. Resigning the trembling and wearied horse to a stable-boy, he cametoward the young girl, mopping his brow and exclaiming: "It will neverdo at all. He is ugly as sin. No woman should ride him, not even asquaw. "

"Bah, Graydon! he did not throw you, although he had you at everydisadvantage. I'm not in the least afraid. Has the saddle come?"

"Yes; but I protest, Madge. Here, Dr. Sommers" (who was approaching), "lay your commands on this rash girl. "

"If Dr. Sommers says I'm rash he doesn't understand my case, and Irefuse to employ him, " cried Madge. Then she added, sweetly: "IfI break any bones, doctor, I'll be your very humble and obedientservant. It's half-past four, and I'll be ready as soon as you are, Graydon. No backing out. You might as well warn me against the perilof a rocking-chair;" and she went to put on her habit. 

"Heaven help us!" said Graydon to the doctor. "We're in a scrape. She's so resolute that I believe she would go alone. What would youdo? Hang it all! the people of the house have got an inkling of what'sup; some are gathering near, and the windows are full of heads. "

"Put the saddle on one of the quiet livery horses, and you ride thisbrute, " said the doctor. 

"You don't know her. She wouldn't stand that at all. "

"Then give her her head. After yesterday I believe she can do whatshe undertakes. You have tired the horse out pretty thoroughly, and Iguess she'll manage him. "

Leaving orders to have Madge's horse sponged off and dried, and thebest animal in the stable prepared for himself, he said, "Well then, doctor, be on hand to repair damages, " and went to his room to changehis dress. 

The doctor did more. He saw that Madge's horse was saddled carefully, meanwhile admiring the beautiful equipment that Graydon had ordered. He also insured that Graydon had a good mount. 

When at last the young man tapped at Madge's door she came out lookingmost beautiful in her close-fitting habit and low beaver, with itsdrooping feather. Mary followed her, protesting and half crying, andMr. Muir looked very grave. 

"Madge, " said Graydon, earnestly, "I should never forgive myself ifany harm came to you. That horse is not fit for you to ride. "

"Good people, see here, " said Madge, turning upon them; "I am not areckless child, nor am I making a rash experiment. Even if I did notfear broken bones, do you think I would give you needless anxiety?Graydon has kindly obtained for me a fine horse, and I must make abeginning to show you and him that I can ride. If Mr. And Mrs. Waylandwere here they would laugh at you. Don't come out to see me off, Mary. Others would follow, and I don't want to be conspicuous. I do wishpeople would mind their own business. "

"No danger of my coming out. I don't want to see you break your neck, "cried Mary, re-entering her room. 

"You must let me go, Madge, " said Mr. Muir, firmly. "I may have tointerpose my authority. "

"Yes, do come, for Heaven's sake!" said Graydon. 

"Very well, " laughed Madge. "If I once get on, you and the horse mayboth find it hard to get me off. Where are the horses?" she asked, upon reaching the door. 

"You must yield one point and mount near the stable, " said Graydon, resolutely. 

"Oh, certainly, I'll yield everything except my ride. "

Madge's horse stood pawing the ground, showing how obdurate anduntamable was his spirit. She exclaimed at the beauty of the saddleand its housings, and said, "Thank you, Graydon, " so charmingly thathe anathematized himself for giving her a brute instead of a horse. "Ishould have satisfied myself better about him, " he thought, "and havelooked further. "

In a moment she had the animal by the head, and was patting his neck, while he turned an eye of fire down upon her, and showed no relentingin his chafed and excited mood. Graydon meanwhile examined everythingcarefully, and saw that the bridle had a powerful curb. 

"Well, " said he, ruefully, "if you will, you will. "

"Yes; in no other way can I satisfy you, " was her quiet reply. 

"Let us get away, then; spectators are gathering. You should be ableto hold him with this rein. Come. "

She put her foot in his hand, and was mounted in a second, the reinswell in hand. The horse reared, but a sharp downward pull to the rightbrought him to his feet again. Then he plunged and kicked, but she satas if a part of him, meanwhile speaking to him in firm, gentle tones. His next unexpected freak was to run backward in a way that sent theneighboring group flying. Instantly Madge gave him a stinging blowover the hind quarters, and he fairly sprang into the air. 

"Get off, Madge, " cried Mr. Muir, authoritatively, but the horse wasspeeding down the road toward the house, and Graydon, who had lookedon breathlessly, followed. Before they reached the hotel she hadbrought him up with the powerful curb, and prancing, curvetting, straining side-wise first in one direction, then in the other, meanwhile trembling half with anger, half with terror, the masteredbrute passed the piazza with its admiring groups. Graydon was at herside. He did not see Miss Wildmere frowning with vexation and envy, or Arnault's complacent observance. With sternly compressed lips andsteady eye he watched Madge, that, whatever emergency occurred, hemight do all that was possible. The young girl herself was a presencenot soon to be forgotten. Her lips were slightly parted, her eyeglowing with a joyous sense of power, and her pose, flexible to theeccentric motions of the horse, grace itself. They passed on down thewinding carriage-drive, out upon the main street, and then she turned, waved her handkerchief to Mr. Muir, and with her companion gallopedaway. 

Several of Mr. Muir's acquaintances came forward, offeringcongratulations, which he accepted with his quiet smile, and then wentup to reassure his wife, who, in spite of her words to the contrary, had kept her eyes fastened upon Madge as long as she was in sight. 

"Well, " she exclaimed, "did you ever see anything equal to that?"

"No, " said her husband, "but I have seen nothing wonderful orunnatural; she did not do a thing that she had not been trained andtaught to do, and all her acts were familiar by much usage. "

"I think she's a prodigy, " exclaimed Mrs. Muir. 

"Nothing of the kind. She is a handsome girl, with good abilities, who has had the sense to make the most and best of herself instead ofdawdling. "

After an easy gallop of a mile, in which Madge showed complete powerto keep her horse from breaking into a mad run, she drew rein andlooked at Graydon with a smile. He took off his hat and bowed, laughingly. 

"Oh, Graydon, " she said, "it was nice of you to let me have my ownway!"

"I didn't do it very graciously. I have seldom been more worried in mylife. "

"I'm glad you were a little worried, " she said. "It recalls your lookand tone at the time of our parting, when you said, 'Oh, Madge, do getwell and strong!' Haven't I complied with your wish?"

"Had my wish anything to do with your compliance?"

"Why not?"

"What an idiot I've been! I fear I have been misjudging you absurdly. I've had no end of ridiculous thoughts and theories about you. "

"Indeed! Apparently I had slight place in your thoughts at all, but Imade great allowances for a man in your condition. "

"That was kind, but you were mistaken. Why, Madge, we were almostbrought up together, and I couldn't reconcile the past and thepresent. The years you spent in the far West, and their result, aremore wonderful than a fairytale. I wish you would tell me about them. "

"I will. Friends should be reasonably frank. What's more, I wish toshow you how natural and probable the result, as you call it, hasbeen. Your wondering perplexity vexes me. You know what I was when weparted. "

"No, I don't believe I do, or you couldn't be what you are now. "

"Well, I can tell you: I had weak lungs, a weak body, and a weak, uncultured mind. I was weak in all respects, but I discovered that Ihad a will, and I had sense enough, as Henry says, to know that if Iwas ever going to be more than a ghost it was time I set about it. Iknew of Mrs. Wayland's restoration to health in the climate of SantaBarbara, and I determined to try it myself. I couldn't have had betterfriends or advantages than the place afforded. But oh, Graydon, I wasso weak and used up when I reached there that I could scarcely do morethan breathe. But I had made up my mind either to get well or to die. I rested for days, until I could make a beginning, and then, one stepat a time, as it were, I went forward. Take two things that you haveseen me do, for example. One can bathe in the sea at Santa Barbaraalmost throughout the year. At first I was as timid as a child, and scarcely dared to wet my feet; but Mr. Wayland was a sensibleinstructor, and led me step by step. The water was usually still, andI gradually acquired the absolute confidence of one who can swim, andswims almost every day. So with a horse. I could hardly sit on onethat was standing still, I was so weak and frightened; but with muscleand health came stronger nerves and higher courage. After a few monthsI thought nothing of a ten-mile gallop on the beach or out to thecañons. I took up music in the same way, and had a thoroughly goodteacher. He did the best he could for me, which wasn't so very much. Inever could become a scientist in anything, but I was determined to beno sham within my limitations. I have tried to do some things as wellas I could and let the rest go. Now you see how easily I can explainmyself, and I only seem wonderful because of contrast with what Iwas. "

"But where do I come in?" he asked, eagerly. 

"Did you not say, 'Please get well and strong?' I thought it wouldgratify you and Mary and Henry. You used to call me a ghost, and Idid not want to be a ghost any longer. I saw that you enjoyed yourvigorous life fully, and felt that I might enjoy life also; and as Igrew strong I did enjoy everything more and more. Two things besides, and I can say, 'All present or accounted for. ' Mr. Wayland is astudent, and has a splendid library. He coached me--that was your oldcollege jargon--on books, and Mrs. Wayland coached me on society. Sohere I am, weighing a hundred and twenty pounds, more or less, andready for another gallop;" and away she went, the embodiment ofbeautiful life. 

"One more question, Madge, " he said, as they slackened pace again. "Why wouldn't you write to me oftener?"

"I don't like to write letters. Mine to Mary were scarcely more thannotes. Ask her. Are you satisfied now? Am I a sphinx--a conundrum--anylonger?"

"No; and at last I am more than content that you are not littleMadge. "

"Why, this is famous, as Dr. Sommers says. When was a man ever knownto change his mind before?"

"I've changed mine so often of late that I'm fairly dizzy. You aresetting me straight at last. "

Madge laughed outright, and after a moment said, "Now account foryourself. What places did you visit abroad?"

He began to tell her, and she to ask questions that surprised him, showing that she had some idea of even the topography and color ofthe region, and a better knowledge of the history and antiquitiesthan himself. At last he expressed his wonder. "What nonsense!" sheexclaimed. "You don't remember the little I did write you. As I saidbefore, did you not at my request--very kindly and liberally, too, Graydon--send me books about the places you expected to see? A childcould have read them and so have gained the information that surprisesyou. "

They talked on, one thing leading to another, until he had a consciousglow of mental excitement. She knew so much that he knew, only ina different way, and her thoughts came rippling forth in piquant, musical words. Her eyes were so often full of laughter that he sawthat she was happy, and he remembered after their return that she hadnot said an ill-natured word about any one. It was another of theirold-time, breezy talks, only larger, fuller, complete with her richwomanhood. He found himself alive in every fibre of his body andfaculty of his mind. 

As they turned homeward the evening shadows were gathering, and atlast the dusky twilight passed into a soft radiance under the rays ofthe full-orbed moon. 

"Oh, don't let us hasten home, " pleaded poor Madge, who felt that thismight be her only chance to throw about him the gossamer threads whichwould draw the cord and cable that could bind him to her. "What issupper to the witchery of such a night as this?"

"What would anything be to the witchery of such a girl as this, ifone were not fortified?" he thought. "This is not the comradeship ofa good fellow, as she promised. It is the society of a charming woman, who is feminine in even her thoughts and modes of expression--who isoften strangely, bewilderingly beautiful in this changing light. Whenwe pass under the shadow of a tree her eyes shine like stars; when therays of the moon are full upon her face it is almost as pure and whiteas when it was illumined by the electric flash. Did I not love anotherwoman, I could easily imagine myself learning to love her. Confoundit! I wish Stella had more of Madge's simple loftiness of character. She would compel different business methods in her father. She wouldwork for him, suffer for him, but would not play diplomat. I like thatArnault business to-night less than ever. "

Mr. And Mrs. Muir were anxiously awaiting them on the piazza as theytrotted smartly up the avenue. "It's all right, " cried Graydon. "The horse has learned to know his mistress, and will give no moretrouble. "

"I wish you had as much sense, " growled Muir, in his mustache; thenadded, aloud, "Come to supper. Mary could not eat anything tillassured of your safety. "

"Yes, Henry, I won't keep you waiting a moment, but go in with myhabit on. I suppose the rest are all through, and I'm as ravenous as awolf. "

They were soon having the merriest little supper, full of laughingreminiscence, and Henry rubbed his hands under the table as hethought, "Arnault is off mooning with the speculator, and Graydondoesn't look as if the green-eyed monster had much of a grip uponhim. "

Miss Wildmere's solicitude would not permit her to prolong her walkwith Arnault, and she returned to the parlor comparatively early inthe evening. She found Graydon awaiting her, and he was as quietlydevoted as ever. She looked at him a little questioningly, but he mether eyes with his quiet and assured look. When she danced with Arnaultand other gentlemen he sought a partner in Madge or some other lady;and once, while they were walking on the piazza, and Miss Wildmeresaid, "You must have enjoyed yourself immensely with Miss Alden tohave been out so long, " he replied, "I did. I hope you passed yourtime as agreeably. "

She saw that her relations with Arnault gave him an advantage and afreedom which he proposed to use--that she had no ground on which tofind fault--and that he was too proud to permit censure for a courseless open to criticism than her own. 

Before she slept she thought long and deeply, at last concluding thatperhaps affairs were taking the right turn for her purpose. Graydonwas tolerating as a disagreeable necessity what he regarded as herfilial diplomacy with Arnault. He was loyally and quietly waitinguntil this necessity should cease, and was so doing because hesupposed it to be her wish. If she could keep him in just thisattitude it would leave her less embarrassed, give her more time, thanif he were an ardent and jealous suitor. She was scarcely capable oflove, but she admired him more than ever each day. She saw that he wasthe superior of Arnault in every way, and was so recognized by all inthe house; therefore one of her strongest traits--vanity--was enlistedin his behalf. She saw, also, that he represented a higher type ofmanhood than she had been accustomed to, and she was beginning tostand in awe of him also, but for reasons differing widely from thosewhich caused her fear of Arnault. She dreaded the latter's pride, theresolute selfishness of his scheme of life, which would lead him todrop her should she interfere with it. She was learning to dreadeven more Graydon's high-toned sense of honor, the final decisions hereached from motives which had slight influence with her. What if sheshould permit both men to slip from her grasp, while she hesitated?She fairly turned cold with horror at the thought of this and of thepoverty which might result. 

Thus, from widely differing motives, two girls were sighing for time;and Graydon Muir, strong, confident, proud of his knowledge of societyand ability to take care of himself, was walking blindly on, thevictim of one woman's guile, the object of another woman's pure, unselfish love, and liable at any hour to be blasted for life by thefulfilment of his hope and the consummation of his happiness. 

Sweet Madge Alden, hiding your infinite treasure, deceiving all andyet so true, may you have time!

CHAPTER XXI

SUGGESTIVE TONES

Miss Wildmere had promised to drive with Graydon on the followingmorning, but Madge felt as if heaven had interfered in her behalf, forthe skies were clouded, and the rain fell unceasingly. People were ata loss to beguile the hours. Graydon, Miss Wildmere, and Mr. Arnaultplayed pool together, while Mr. Muir, his wife, and Madge bowled foran hour, the last winning most of the games. Mr. Arnault had a certainrude sense of fair play, and it appeared to him that Graydon's coursehad become all that he could ask--more than he could naturally expect. The lady was apparently left wholly free to make her choice betweenthem, and all protest, even by manner, against her companionship withhim had ceased. He could drive, walk, or dance with her at his will;then Graydon would quietly put in an appearance and make the most ofhis opportunity. Arnault was not deceived, however. He knew thathis present rival was the most dangerous one that he had everencountered--that Stella might accept him at any time and was muchinclined to do so speedily. Indeed, he was about driven to the beliefthat she would do so at once but for the fear that the Muirs werein financial peril. He hoped that this fear and the pressure of herfather's need might lead her to decide in his favor, without thenecessity of his being the immediate and active agent in breaking downthe Muirs. As a business man, he shrunk from this course, and all themore because Graydon was acting so fairly. Nevertheless, he would playhis principal card if he must. It was his nature to win in every gameof life, and it had become a passion with him to secure the beautifulgirl that he had sought so long and vainly. If it could appear to theworld that he had fairly won her, he would not scruple at anything inthe accomplishment of his purpose, and would feel that he had scoredthe most brilliant success in his life. If he could do this withoutruining them, he would be glad, and his good-will was enhanced byGraydon's course this morning. The former had sauntered into thebilliard-room, but, seeing Graydon with Miss Wildmere, had been aboutto depart, when Muir had said, cordially, "Come, Arnault, take a cuewith us, " and had quite disarmed him by frank courtesy. 

At last the sound of music and laughter lured them to the main hall, and there they found Madge surrounded by children and young people, little Nellie Wilder clinging to her side the most closely, with Mr. And Mrs. Wilder looking at the young girl with a world of gratefulgood-will in their eyes. 

"Oh, Miss Alden, sing us another song, " clamored a dozen voices. 

"Yes, " cried Jennie Muir; "the funny one you sang for us in thewoods. "

Madge smilingly complied, and the children fairly danced in theirdelight at the comical strains, abrupt pauses, droll sentiment, and interlarded words of explanation. The more elderly guests wereattracted, and the audience grew apace. Having finished her littlemusical comedy, Madge arose, and Mr. Arnault, aware of StellaWildmere's ability to sing selections from opera, said, "Since thechildren have been so well entertained, I suggest that we who have themisfortune to be grown have our turn, and that Miss Wildmere give ussome grown-up music. "

Madge flushed slightly, and Miss Wildmere, after a little charminghesitation, seated herself at the piano, and sang almost faultlesslya selection from an opera. It was evident that she had been welland carefully trained, and that within her limitations, which shethoughtfully remembered, she gave little occasion for criticism. Bothher suitors were delighted. They applauded so heartily, and urgedso earnestly with others, that she sang again and again, to theunaffected pleasure of the throng who had now gathered. At last shepleaded fatigue, and rose from the instrument, flushing proudly amidvociferous encores. Graydon was about to ask Madge to sing again, whenan old gentleman who had listened to the children's ditties, and haddetected unusual sweetness and power in Madge's tones, said, promptly, "I may be mistaken, but I have an impression that Miss Alden can giveus some grown-up music, if she will. "

Instantly his suggestion was seconded by general entreaty, in whichnot only Graydon joined from sincere good-will, but also Mr. Arnault, in the hope of giving Stella a triumph, for he believed that the besther social rival could do would be to render some ballad fairly well. 

Madge's brow contracted, as though she were irresolute and troubled. 

"Truly, Miss Alden, " said Stella, who was standing near, "I have donemy part to beguile the dismal day; I think you might favor us, also. There are no critics here, I hope. We should enjoy a simple song ifyou cannot now recall anything else. "

"Very well, then, I will give you a little German song that my oldteacher loved well;" but Graydon saw the same slight flush and aresolute expression take the place of her hesitancy. 

After a brief prelude, which, to his trained ear, revealed her perfecttouch, her voice rose with a sweet, resonant power that held thosenear spellbound, and swelled in volume until people in distant partsof the house paused and listened as if held by a viewless hand. Connoisseurs felt that they were listening to an artist and not anamateur; plain men and women, and the children, knew simply thatthey were enjoying music that entranced them, that set their nervesthrilling and vibrating. Madge hoped only that her voice mightpenetrate the barriers between herself and one man's heart. She didnot desire to sing on the present occasion. She did not wish to annoyhim by the contrast between her song and Miss Wildmere's performance, feeling that he would naturally take sides in his thoughts with thewoman outvied; nor had she any desire to inflict upon her rival thedisparagement that must follow; but something in Miss Wildmere'sself-satisfied and patronizing tone had touched her quick spirit, andthe arrogant girl should receive the lesson she had invited. But, asMadge sang, the noble art soon lifted her above all lower thoughts, and she forgot everything but Graydon and the hope of her heart. Shesang for him alone, as she had learned to sing for him alone. 

In spite of her explanations he looked at her with the same old wonderand perplexity of which he had been conscious from the first. If shehad merely sung with correctness and taste, like Miss Wildmere, therewould have been nothing to disturb his complacent admiration; but nowhe almost felt like springing to her side with the words, "What is it, Madge? Tell me all. "

As the last lovely notes ceased, only the unthinking childrenapplauded. From the others there was entreaty. 

"Please sing again, Miss Alden, " said the gentleman who had firstasked her. "I am an old man, and can't hope for many more such richpleasures. I am not an amateur, and know only the music that reachesmy heart. "

"Sing something from 'Lohengrin, ' Madge, " said Henry Muir, quietly. She glanced at him, and there was a humorous twinkle in his eyes. 

Herr Brachmann had trained her thoroughly in some of Wagner'sdifficult music, and she gave them a selection which so far surpassedthe easy melodies of Verdi, which Miss Wildmere had sung, that thelatter sat pale and incensed, yet not daring to show her chagrin. Thismusic was received with unbounded applause, and then a little voicepiped, "The big folks have had more'n their turn; now give us areg'lar Mother Goose. "

This request was received with acclamations, and soon ripples oflaughter broke over the crowd in all directions, and then one of theadoring boys who were usually worshipping near cried out, "A reel, Miss Alden, a reel, and let us finish up with a high old dance beforedinner. "

Graydon seized Miss Wildmere's hand, boys made profound bows to theirmothers, husbands dragged their protesting wives out upon the floor. Soon nearly all ages and heights were in the two long lines, many feetalready keeping time to Madge's rollicking strains. Never had sucha dance been known before in the house, for the very genius andinspiration of mirth seemed to be in the piano. The people werelaughing half the time at the odd medley of tunes and improvisationsthat Madge invoked, and gray-bearded men indulged in some of theantics that they had thought forgotten a quarter of a century before. As the last couple at the head of the lines was glancing down thearchway of raised and clasped hands, the lively strains ceased, andthe dancers swarmed out, with thanks and congratulations upon theirlips, only to see Madge flying up the stairway. 

"Madge, " said Graydon, at dinner, "I suppose you will tell me you havepracticed over and over again every note you sang this morning. "

"Certainly; some of the more difficult ones hours and hours andmonths and months. Herr Brachmann was an amiable dragon in music, andinsisted on your knowing what you did know. "

"I thought you would say all this, but it doesn't account for yoursinging. "

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know exactly. There is something you did not get fromHerr Brachmann--scarcely from nature. It suggests what artists callfeeling, and more. "

"Oh, every one has his own method, " said Madge, carelessly, and yetwith a visible increase of color. 

"'Method, ' do you call it? I'm half inclined to think that it mightbe akin to madness were you very unhappy. The human voice often hasa strange power over me, and I have a theory that it may revealcharacter more than people imagine. Why shouldn't it? It is thechief medium of our expression, and we may even unconsciously revealourselves in our tones. "

"When were you so fanciful before? What does a professional reveal?"

"Chiefly that she is a trained professional, and yet even the mostblasé among them give hints as to the compass of their woman-nature. I think their characters are often suggested quite definitely by theirtones. Indeed, I even find myself judging people by their voices. Henry's tones indicate many of his chief traits accurately--as, forinstance, self-reliance, reserve, quiet and unswerving purpose. "

"Well, " asked Mrs. Muir, who was a little obtuse on delicate points, "what did Miss Wildmere's tones indicate?"

Graydon was slightly taken aback, and suddenly found that he did notlike his theory so well as he had thought. "Miss Wildmere's tones, " hebegan, hesitatingly, "suggested this morning little more than adesire to render well the music she sang, and to give pleasure to herlisteners. "

"I thought they suggested some self-complacency, which was lost beforethe morning was over, " added Mr. Muir, dryly. 

"Miss Wildmere sang admirably, " exclaimed Madge, warmly, "and couldsing much better if she had been trained in a better method and gavemore time to the art. I sang hours every day for nearly two years. Nothing will take the place of practice, Graydon. One must developvoice like muscle. "

"You are a generous, sensible critic, Madge, " he said, quietly, although there was a flush of resentment on his face at his brother'swords. "In the main you are right, but I still hold to my theory. At least, I believe that in all great music there is a subtleindividuality and _motif_. Love may be blind, but it is not deaf. MissWildmere gave us good music, not great music. "

Mr. Muir began talking about the weather as if it were the onlysubject in his mind, and soon afterward Madge went to her room withbowed head and downcast heart. 

"I have no chance, " she sighed. "He loves her, and that ends all. Heis loyal to her, and will be loyal, even though she breaks his hearteventually, as I fear. It's his nature. "

CHAPTER XXII

DISHEARTENING CONFIDENCES

Under a renewed impulse of loyalty Graydon intercepted Miss Wildmereas she was going to her room, and said: "The clouds in the west areall breaking away--they ever do, you know, if one has patience. We canstill have our drive and enjoy it all the more from hope deferred. "

"I'm so sorry, " she began, in some embarrassment. "Of course Icouldn't know last night that it would rain in the morning, and sopromised Mr. Arnault this afternoon. "

"It seems as if it would ever be hope deferred to me, Miss Wildmere, "he said, gravely. 

"But, Graydon, you must see how it is--"

"No, I don't see, but I yield, as usual. "

"I promise you Sunday afternoon or the first clear day, " sheexclaimed, eagerly. 

"Very well, " he replied, brightening. "Remember I shall be a Shylockwith this bond. " But he was irritated, nevertheless, and went out onthe piazza to try the soothing influence of a cigar. 

The skies cleared rapidly. So did his brow; and before long hemuttered: "I'll console myself by another gallop with Madge. Theregoes my inamorata, smiling upon another fellow. How long is this goingto last? Not all summer, by Jupiter! Her father must not insist on herplaying that game too long, even though she does play it so well. "

Madge was sitting in her room in dreary apathy and spiritless reactionfrom the strain of the morning, when she was aroused by a knock on herdoor. "Madge, " called a voice that sent the blood to her face, "whatsay you to another ride? I know the roads are muddy, but--"

"But I'll go with you, " she cried. "Why use adversatives in the samebreath with 'ride'? The mud's nothing. What won't rub off can stay on. How soon shall I be ready?"

"That's a good live girl. In half an hour. "

When they were a mile or two away Madge asked, as if with suddencompunction, "Graydon, are you sure you were disengaged?"

He laughed outright. "That question comes much too late, " he said. 

She braced herself as if to receive a deadly blow, and was pale andrigid with the effort as she asked, with an air of curiosity merely, "Are you truly engaged to Miss Wildmere, Graydon?"

"In one sense I am, Madge, " he replied, gravely. "I have given her myloyalty, and, to a certain extent, my word; but I have not bound her. Since you have proved so true and generous a friend to me I do nothesitate to let you know the truth. I am sorry you do not like heraltogether, and that you have some cause for your feeling; but you areboth right at heart. She spoke most enthusiastically of your rescueof the child. You ladies amuse me with your emphasis of little piques;but when it comes to anything large or fine you do justice to oneanother. Henry had no right to say what he did at dinner, for Stellaapplauded you as you had her; but Henry's prejudices are inveterate. Why should I not be loyal to her, Madge? I believe she remained freefor my sake during the years of my absence. "

"I think your feelings are very natural. They are what I should expectof you. You have always seemed to me the soul of honor when once youobtain your bearings, " she added, with a wan smile. 

"How pale you are, Madge!" he said, anxiously. 

"I am not feeling very well to-day, and then I am suffering from thereaction of this morning. I never can get over my old timidity anddislike to do anything in public. I can do what I will, but itoften costs me dear. I was led on unexpectedly this morning. I onlyanticipated singing a ditty for the children when I first went to thepiano at their request. "

"I saw that, Madge. Any other woman with your power of song would havemade it known long before this. "

"And, believe me, Graydon, I did not want to sing in rivalry with MissWildmere. I'm sorry I did. "

"I saw that too, " he replied, laughing. "Stella drew that littleexperience down upon herself. "

"I'm sorry now that I sang, " she said, in a low tone. "I didn't wantto do anything to hurt the feelings of so good a friend as you are. "

"You didn't hurt my feelings in the least. Just the contrary. Yougave much pleasure, and made me all the more proud of you. It will doStella no harm to have her self-complacency jostled a little. Slightwonder that her head is somewhat giddy from the immense amount ofattention she has received. I'm not perfect, Madge; why should Idemand perfection? It's delightful to be talking in this way--likeold times. I used to talk to you about Stella years ago. If I have thesubstance I can forego the shadow, and I do feel that I can say to youall that I could to a sensible and loving sister. Believe me, Madge, I can never get over my old feeling for you, and I'm just as proudof you as if your name was Madge Muir. I think your brave effort andachievement at Santa Barbara simply magnificent. You have long hadthe affection that I would give to a sister, and now that I understandyou, I feel for you all the respect that I could give to any woman. "

"Those are kind, generous words, Graydon. I knew that youmisunderstood me, and I was only provoked at you, not angry. "

"You had good reason to be provoked and much more. If you and Stellaunderstood each other in the same way, and--well--if she were onlyout of that atmosphere in which she has been brought up, I could asknothing more. "

"What atmosphere?"

"Wall Street atmosphere transferred to the domestic and social circle. You have too much delicacy, Madge, to refer to what I know puzzlesyou, and I admit that I do not fully understand it all, though Iknow Stella's motive clearly enough. Her motive is worthy of allcommendation, but not her method. She is not so much to blame for thisas her father, and perhaps her mother, who appears a weak, spiritlesswoman, a faint echo of her husband. It is here that the infernal WallStreet atmosphere comes in that she has breathed all her life. Does itnot puzzle you, in view of my relations to her, that she should be outdriving with Arnault?"

"Yes, Graydon, it does. "

"Well, Arnault is a money-lender, and I am satisfied that in some wayhe has her father in his power. Many of these brokers are like cats. They will hold on to anything by one nail, and the first thing youknow they are on their feet again all right. As soon as Wildmere makesa lucky strike in the stock-market he will extricate himself and hisdaughter at the same time. Of course these things are not formulatedin words, in a cold-blooded way, I suppose. Arnault has long been asuitor that would take no rebuff. I am satisfied that she hasrefused him more than once, but he simply persists, and gives herto understand that he will take his chances. This was the state ofaffairs when I came home, and she, no doubt, feels that if she cansave her father, and keep a home for her mother and the little one, she ought to retain her hold on Arnault. After all, it is not so bad. Many women marry for money outright, and all poor Stella proposes isto be complaisant toward a man who would not continue his businesssupport to one whose daughter had just refused him. "

Madge was silent. 

"You wouldn't do such a thing, I suppose. "

"I couldn't, Graydon, " she said, simply. "If I should ever love a manI think I could suffer a great deal for his sake, but there are somethings I couldn't do. "

"I thought you would feel so. "

"Why don't you help her father out?" Madge faltered. 

"I don't think I have sufficient means. I have never been over-thriftyin saving, and have not laid by many thousands. I have merely agood salary and very good prospects. You can't imagine how slow andconservative Henry is. In business matters he treats me just as ifI were a stranger, and I must prove myself worthy of trust at everypoint, and by long apprenticeship, before he will give me a voice inaffairs. He says coming forward too fast is the ruination of youngmen in our day. Nothing would tempt him to have dealings with Mr. Wildmere, and I couldn't damage myself more than by any transactionson my own account. But even if I were rich I wouldn't interfere. Idon't like her father any better than Henry does, and if I began inthis way it would make a bad precedent. What's more, I won't introducemoney influences into an affair of this kind. If it comes to thepoint, Stella must decide for me, ignoring all other considerations. If she does, I won't permit her family to suffer, but I propose toknow that she chooses me absolutely in spite of everything. I am alsoresolved that she shall be separated from her family as far as isright, for there is a tone about them that I don't like. "

"I thank you for your confidence, Graydon, " said Madge, quietly. "Youare acting just as I should suppose you would. No one in the worldwishes you happiness more earnestly than I do. Come, let us take thislevel place like the wind. "

She was unusually gay during the remainder of their ride, but seemedbent almost on running her horse to death. "To-morrow is Sunday, " sheexplained, "and I must crowd two rides into one. "

"Wouldn't you ride to-morrow?"

"No; I have some old-fashioned notions about Sunday. You have beenabroad too long, perhaps, to appreciate them. "

"I appreciate fidelity to conscience, Madge. "

They had their supper together again as on the evening before, butMadge was carelessly languid and fitful in her mirthful sallies, andcomplained of over-fatigue. "I won't come down again to-night, " shesaid to Graydon as they passed out of the supper-room. "Good-night. "

"Good-night, Madge, " he replied, taking her hand in both his own. "I understand you now, and know that you have gone beyond even yoursuperb strength to-day. Sleep the sleep of the justest and truestlittle woman that ever breathed. I can't tell you how much you haveadded to my happiness during the past two days. "

"He understands me!" she muttered, as she closed the door of her room. "I am almost tempted to doubt whether a merciful God understands me. Why was this immeasurable love put into my heart to be so cruellythwarted? Why must he go blindly on to so cruel a fate? Of courseshe'll renounce everything for him. Whatever else she may be, she isnot an idiot. "

Henry Muir's quiet eyes had observed Madge closely, and from a littledistance he had seen the parting between her and his brother. Thenhe saw Graydon seek Miss Wildmere and resume a manner which he hadlearned to detest, and the self-contained man went out upon thegrounds, and said, through clinched teeth: "To think that there shouldhave been such a fool bearing the name of Muir! He's been gushing toMadge about that speculator, and we shall yet have to take her as wewould an infection. "

CHAPTER XXIII

THE FILIAL MARTYR

Miss Wildmere appeared in one of her most brilliant moods thatevening. There was a dash of excitement, almost recklessness, in hergray eyes. She and Mr. Arnault had been deputed to lead the German, but she took Graydon out so often as to produce in Mr. Arnault's eyesan expression which the observant Mr. Wildmere did not like at all. Hehad just returned from dreary, half-deserted Wall Street, which wasas dead and hopeless as only that region of galvanic life can be attimes. He had neither sold nor bought stock, but had moused around, with the skill of an old _habitué_, for information concerning theeligibility of the two men who were seeking his daughter's hand. Inthe midsummer dullness and holiday stagnation the impending operationin the Catskills was the only one that promised anything whatever. Hebecame more fully satisfied that Arnault's firm was prospering. Theyhad been persistent "bears" on a market that had long been declining, and had reaped a golden harvest from the miseries of others. On theother hand, he learned that Henry Muir was barely holding his own, andthat he had strained his credit dangerously to do this. He knew aboutthe enterprise which had absorbed the banker's capital, and whilehe believed it would respond promptly to the returning flow of thefinancial tide, it now seemed stranded among more hopeless ventures. There was no escaping the conviction that Muir was in a perilousposition, and that a little thing might push him over the brink. Therefore, he had returned fully beat upon using all his influence inbehalf of Arnault, and was spurred to this effort by the fact that hisfinances, but not his expenses, were running low. His wife could givebut a dubious account of Stella's conduct. 

"In short, " said Mr. Wildmere, irritably, "she is dallying with both, and may lose both by her hesitating folly. "

His daughter's greeting was brief and formal. A sort ofmatter-of-course kiss had been given, and then he had been left to eathis supper alone, since his wife could not just then be absent fromher child. At last he lounged out on the piazza, sat down before oneof the parlor windows, glanced at the gay scene within, and smoked insilence. Before the German began, Graydon passed him several times, regarding him curiously and with a growing sense of repulsion. Hedisliked to think that the relation between this man and the girl hewould marry was so close. 

Before the evening was over, Mr. Wildmere saw that his daughter was intruth pursuing a difficult policy. The angry light in Arnault's eyesand the grave expression on Graydon's face proved how fraught withperil it was to his hopes. Neither of her suitors liked Stella'smanner that evening, for it suggested traits which promised ill forthe future. Graydon, who understood her the less, was the more lenientjudge. 

"Not only Arnault, " he thought, "but her father also, has beenpressing her toward a course from which she revolts, and she is halfreckless in consequence. "

He endeavored by his quiet and observant attention, by the grave andgentle expression of his eyes, to assure her once more that she couldfind a refuge in him the moment that she would decide absolutely inhis favor. She understood him well, and was enraged that she could notthat night go out with him into the moonlight, put her hand in his, and end her suspense. 

Her father had whispered, significantly, when they met, "Stella, Imust see you before you give Mr. Muir further encouragement;" and she, feeling that it might be among her last chances, for the present, ofshowing Graydon favor, was lavish of it. But it was not the preferenceof strong, true, womanly choice; it was rather the half-defiant aspectwith which forbidden fruit might be regarded. 

As the great clock was about to chime the hour of midnight the dancingceased. Arnault seemed determined to have the last word, and Graydoninterposed no obstacle. The former walked on the piazza by Stella'sside for a few turns in moody silence. Her father still sat at hispost of observation. Mrs. Wildmere had been with him part of the time, but he had not had much to say to her. 

"Mr. Arnault, " said Stella, satirically, at last, "I will not tax yourremarkable power for entertainment any longer. I will now join papa, and retire. "

"Very well, Stella, " was the quiet reply; "but before we part I shallspeak more to the point than if I had talked hours. By this timeanother week the question must be decided. "

She bowed, and made no other answer. 

"Stella, " said her father when they were alone and he had regarded forsome moments her averted and half-sullen face, "what do you propose todo?" There was no answer. 

After another pause he continued: "In settling the question, representyour mother and myself by a cipher. That is all we are, if the logicof your past action counts for anything. Again I ask, What do youpropose to do? No matter how pretty and flattered a girl may be, shecannot alter gravitation. There are other facts just as inexorable. Shutting your eyes to them, or any other phase of folly, will not makethe slightest difference. "

"I think it's a horrid fact that I must marry a man that I don'tlove. "

"That is not one of the facts at all. Stock-gambler as I am, and inalmost desperate straits, I require nothing of the kind. Knowing youas I do, I advise you to accept Arnault at once; but I do not demandit; I do not even urge it. If you loved me, if you would say, 'Giveup this feverish life of risk; I will help you and suffer with youin your poverty; I will marry Graydon Muir and share his poverty, ' Iwould leave Wall Street at once and forever. It's a maelstrom inwhich men of my calibre and means are sucked down sooner or later. Theprospects now are that it will be sooner, unless I am helped throughthis crisis. "

"I believe you are mistaken about the Muirs being in financialdanger. "

"I am not mistaken. They may have to suspend daring the coming week. "

"I know that Graydon Muir has no suspicion of trouble. "

"He is but a clerk in his brother's employ, and has just returned froma long absence. Mr. Muir is one of the most reticent of men. I haveinvested in the same dead stock that is swamping him, and so knowwhereof I speak. Should this stock decline further--should it evenremain where it is much longer--he can't maintain himself. I know, forI have taken pains to obtain information since I last went to town. "

"But if the stock rises, " she said, with the natural hope of aspeculator's daughter, "he is safe. "

"Yes, _if_. "

"How much time will you give me?" she asked, the lines of her facegrowing hard and resolute. 

"This is to be your choice, not mine, " said her father, coldly. "Youshall not be able to say that I sold you or tried to sell you. Ofcourse it would be terribly hard for me to lose my footing and fall, and I feel that I should not rise again. Arnault worships successand worldly prestige. You are a part of his ambitious scheme. If youhelped him parry it out he would do almost anything you wished, and hecould throw business enough in my way to put me speedily on my feet. You must make your choice in view of the following facts: You can goon living here, just as you are, two or three weeks longer, dallyingwith opportunity. By that time, unless I get relief and help, I shallreach the end of my resources, and creditors will take everything. TheMuirs cannot help me, and I don't believe they would in any event. Iam not on good terms with Henry Muir. If they go down now they will bethoroughly cleaned out. Arnault has long been devoted to you, and youcould have unbounded influence over him if you acted in the line ofhis ruling passion. It would gratify his pride and add to the world'sgood opinion of him if I prospered also. In plain English, we may allbe in a tenement house in a month, or I on safe ground and you theaffianced wife of a rich man. "

"Well, " said Stella, coldly, "you have given me facts enough. It's apity you couldn't have brought me something better from Wall Streetafter all these years. "

"What have you brought to me during these past years, " he demanded, sternly, "but constant requests for money, and the necessity forincessant effort to meet new phases of extravagance? You have notasked what was kind, merciful, and true, but what was the lateststyle. Few days pass but that I am reminded of you by a bill forsome frippery or other; but how often am I reminded of you by acts offilial thoughtfulness, by words of sympathy in my hard battle of lifewhen I am present, or by genial letters when absent? I have spentthree hot days in the city seeking chiefly your interest, and a moremechanical, perfunctory thing never existed than your kiss of greetingto-night. There was as much feeling in it as in the quarter that Ihanded to the stage-driver. I have spent thousands on your education, but you don't sing for me, you don't read to me, you never think ofsoothing my overtaxed nerves by cheerful, hopeful talk. Were I a steelautomaton, supplying your wants, I should answer just as well, and inthat case you might remember the laws of matter and apply a little oiloccasionally. What are the motives of your life but dress, admiration, excitement, a rapid succession of men to pass under your balefulfascination, and then to pass on crippled in soul for having knownyou? Unless you can give Graydon Muir a loving woman's heart, and meanto cling to him for worse as well as better, you will commit a crimebefore God and man if you accept him. With Arnault it is different. Inmind you are near enough of kin to marry. As long as you complied withfashionable and worldly proprieties, he would be content; but a manwith a heart and soul in his body would perish in the desert of a homethat your selfishness would create. "

"It's awful for you to talk to me in this way!" she whined, wincingand crying under his arraignment. 

"It's awful that I have to speak to you in this way, either to makeyou realize what deformities your beauty hides, so that you may applythe remedy, or else, if you will not, to promote your union with a mancontent to take for a wife a belle, and not a woman. 

"I suppose I am chiefly to blame, though, or you would be different, "he added, with a dark, introspective look. "I was proud of you asa beautiful child, and tried to win your love by indulgence. Heavenknows, I would like to be a different man, but it's all a breathlesshurry after bubbles that vanish when grasped! Well, what do youpropose to do? You see that you can't hesitate much longer. "

"I will decide soon, " she answered, sullenly. Although her conscienceechoed his words, and she felt their justice, her pride prevailed, andshe permitted him to depart without another word. 

CHAPTER XXIV

"I'LL SEE HOW YOU BEHAVE"

The dawn of the following sacred day was bright, beautiful, andserene, bringing to the world a new wealth of opportunity. MissWildmere began its hours depressed and undecided. Her conscience andbetter angel were pleading; she felt vaguely that her life and itsmotives were wrong, and was uncomfortable over the consciousness. Herphase of character, however, was one of the most hopeless. It was truethat her vanity had grown to the proportions of a disease, but eventhis might be overcome. Her father's stern words had wounded itterribly, and she had experienced twinges of self-disgust. But anothertrait had become inwrought, by long habit, with every fibre of hersoul--selfishness. It was almost impossible to give up her own way andwishes. Graydon Muir pleased her fancy, and she was bent on marryinghim. Her father's assurance that she would bring him disappointment, not happiness, weighed little. Too many men had told her that shewas essential to their happiness to permit qualms on this score. Herconscience did shrink, to some extent, from a loveless, business-likemarriage, and her preference for Graydon made such a union all themore repugnant; but she was incapable of feeling that she would do hima wrong by giving him the pretty jewelled hand for which so many hadasked. Indeed, the question now was, Could she be so self-sacrificingas to think of it under the circumstances? If that stock would onlyrise, if in some way she could be assured that the Muirs would besustained, and so pass on to the wealth sure to flow in upon them inprosperous times, she would decide the question at once, whether theywould do anything for her father or not. He could scramble on insome way, as he had done in the past. What she desired most was theassurance that there should be no long and doubtful interregnumof poverty and privation--that she might continue to be a queen insociety during the period of youth and beauty. 

This remained the chief consideration amid the chaos of herconflicting feelings and interests, for she had lived this life solong that she could imagine no other as endurable. She had, moreover, the persistence of a small nature, and longed to humiliate the Muirpride, and to spite Madge Alden, who she half believed cherished morethan a sisterly regard for Graydon. As for her father, she did littlemore than resent his words and the humiliating disquietude they hadcaused. They had sorely wounded her vanity, and presented a painfulalternative. 

As the day passed, and old habits of mind resumed sway, she began toconcentrate her thoughts on three questions: Should she accept Graydonand take her chances with him? Should she accept Mr. Arnault, with hiswealth, and be safe? or should she hesitate a little longer, in thehope that she could secure Graydon and wealth also? The persistenceof a will that had always had its own way decided finally in favor ofthe last course of action. She would not give Graydon up unless shemust, and not until she must. Accustomed to consult self-interest, she believed that her father was doing the same, that he was favoringArnault because the latter would be more useful to him, and that forthis reason he was exaggerating the Muirs' peril, if not inventingit. She dismissed his words about leaving Wall Street with scarcely athought; he always talked in this way when the times were bad or hisventures unlucky. They had been on the eve of ruin so many times, thatthe cry of "wolf" was not so alarming as formerly. 

"I suppose I must decide before this week is over, " she thought. "Arnault has practically given me this length of time, and I shalltake him at his word. " Therefore, she was very sweet to him during themorning hours, and prepared him to submit to her drive with Graydon inthe afternoon. 

Arnault felt that he had given his ultimatum, and was resolved toabide by it. At the same time he knew that it would be a terriblewrench to give up the girl. The very difficulty of winning her hadstimulated to the utmost his passion for attainment. She was the bestthat existed in his superficial world, and fulfilled his ideal. Herdelicate yet somewhat voluptuous beauty completely intoxicated him. 

He too thought, and made his decision during the day. If he won her atall it must be speedily, and it should be done by promises of devotionand wealth if possible, and by breaking the Muirs down if this shouldbecome necessary. The time had come for decisive action. It wasevident that her father was in sore straits; the man's appearanceconfirmed this belief. Arnault was almost certain that Henry Muir wasin his power. He would not play the latter card unless he must, but hewould watch so vigilantly as to be promptly aware of the necessity. Hedecided to spend several days of the present week in the mountains andso keep himself informed how the game went here, and while in the cityhe would not only be observant, but would also drop a few wordsto weaken Mr. Muir's credit. One thing, however, was settled--theproblematical issue of his matrimonial scheme must soon be madeknown, and he rather relished its congenial elements of speculativeuncertainty, being conscious that so much depended upon his skill andpower to pull unseen wires. 

Seeing that Arnault was at Miss Wildmere's side, Graydon accompaniedhis relatives to church, and soon found himself looking over thesame hymn-book with Madge. The choir were present, and she now merelydelighted Graydon with her rich alto; and so rich and true was it thathe often felt his nerves thrilling at her tones. He did not becomeabsorbed in the service or sermon, but thought a little wonderingly:"Here is a faith ever finding expression all over the world, while Iignore it. How much truth does it represent? It's evidently a realityto Madge, although she makes so little parade of the fact. I don'tbelieve she would do anything contrary to its teachings as sheunderstands them. We men may think what we please, but we haveconfidence in a woman who looks as she does now. She is not inthe least inclined to devotional rhapsodies or to subserviencyto priestcraft, like so many women abroad. She merely appears torecognize a divine power as she accepts nature, only more reverentlyand consciously. I suppose I am an agnostic as much as anything, yetI should only be too glad to have Stella at my side with suchan expression on her face. I wonder if she will go with me thisafternoon. I will submit to this diplomacy a few days longer, andshall then end the matter. There is an increasing revulsion of mywhole being from such tactics in my future wife. Beyond a certainpoint she shall not be a partner in her father's gambling operations, and I would have brought the affair to an end at once, were it not forthat limp little woman, his wife, and her child. But I can't sacrificemy self-respect and Stella's character for them. I must get her outof that atmosphere, so that her true nature may develop. Sweet MadgeAlden, with your eyes so serious and true, and again so full of mirthand spirit, what a treasure you will prove some day if there is a manworthy of you!"

In his deep preoccupation, he forgot his intent regard, until remindedof it by the slow deepening of her color, which so enhanced her beautythat he could not at once withdraw his gaze. Suddenly she turned onhim with a half-angry, half-mirthful flash in her eyes, and whispered, "Looking at girls in church is not good form; but, if you will do it, look at some other girl. "

He was delighted at this little unexpected prick, and replied, "St. Paul never would have complained of such a thorn. " Then he saw Dr. Sommers looking ominously at him. This factotum of the chapel satwhere he could oversee the miscellaneous little assemblage, andhis eyes instantly pounced upon any offender. Graydon pushed hisinsubordination no further than making an irreverent face at thedoctor, and then addressed himself to the minister during theremainder of the hour. 

"We'll arrange it differently next Sunday, Miss Alden, " said thedoctor, as Madge passed out; "I'll have Mr. Muir sit with me. "

"Try it, " whispered Graydon, "and if you don't fall from grace beforemeeting is over I'll give you a new trout-pole. Miss Alden can manageme better than you can. "

"No doubt, no doubt. A man must be in a bad way if she couldn't make asaint of him if she undertook it, " was the doctor's laughing reply. 

Greatly amused, Graydon repeated the words to Madge. "She won'tundertake it in this case, " was her brusque comment. "I have noambition to enlighten continental heathen, with their superiortolerance of a faith good enough for women and children. "

"My charming rose has not only a thorn but a theological stiletto inher belt. "

"It is evident you have never had trouble, Graydon. "

"Why is it evident?"

"Because you are content with the surface-tide of life. "

"And you are not?"

"One rarely is when fearing to sink. "

"What has that to do with faith?"

"Faith can sustain; that's all. "

"And your faith sustained you?"

"What else was there to sustain when day after day brought, not achoice of pleasures, but the question, Shall I live or die?"

"Poor Madge! Dear Madge! And you didn't let me know. I don't suppose Icould have helped you, though. "

"No; not then. "

"Madge, " he said, earnestly, "won't you promise me one thing? If youever should have trouble of any kind again, won't you let me help you, or at least try to?"

"I'll see how you behave, " she said, laughing. "Besides, it's notwomen's place to make trouble for men. The idea! Our mission is tosoothe and console you superior beings. "

"Women do make a power of trouble for men. Mother Eve began wrong, and--"

"And Adam laid all his misdeeds on her weak shoulders. "

"The upshot of all this talk is, I suppose, that your shoulders areso strong, and your spirit so high, that you can at least take care ofyour own troubles. "

"I hope so, " she again laughed, "and be ready also to give you a lift. When you successful men do get a tumble in life, you are the mosthelpless of mortals. "

"Well, well, well, to think that I am talking to little Madge, whocould not say good-by to me without fainting away!"

"Good-by meant more to me than to you. You were going away to new andpleasant activity. I doubted whether I should see you again--or indeedany one long, " she added, hastily. 

"Don't imagine that I did not feel awfully that night, dear Madge. Tears do not come into my eyes easily, but I added a little saltwater to the ocean as I leaned over the taffrail and saw the city thatcontained you fade from view. "

"Did you truly, Graydon?" she asked, turning away. 

"I did, indeed. "

In her averted face and quickened respiration he thought he saw tracesof more than passing feeling, but she turned on him in sudden gayety, and said: "Whenever I see the ocean I'll remember how its tides havebeen increased. Graydon, I've a secret to tell you, which, foran intense, aesthetic, and vaguely devotional woman, is a mosthumiliating confession: I'm awfully hungry. When will dinner beready?"

"I have a secret to tell you also, " he replied, with a half-vexedflash in his eyes: "There is a girl in this house who explainsherself more or less every day, and who yet remains the most charmingconundrum that ever kept a man awake from perplexity. "

"Oh, dear!" cried Madge, "is Miss Wildmere so bad as that? Poor, palevictim of insomnia! By the way, do you and Mr. Arnault keep a ledgeraccount of the time you receive? or do you roughly go on the principleof 'share and share alike'?" and with eyes flashing back laughter athis reddening face, she ran up the steps and disappeared. 

"That was a Parthian arrow, " he muttered. "If we go smoothly on thesharing principle at present, we shall soon go roughly enough, orcease to go at all. "

But the lady in question was putting forth all her resources, whichwere not slight when enlisted in her own behalf, to keep the two men_in statu quo_ until more time, with its chances, should pass. 

Arnault smiled grimly when he saw her departing with Graydon. She hadbeen evasive, but very friendly, during the day thus far, and afterwhat he had said the preceding night he felt that he was committed toher moods for a week if he could not bring her to a decision before. Seeing Mr. Wildmere walking restlessly up and down the piazza, hejoined him, and offering a superb cigar, said, "Suppose we go out tothe lake and see where the little kid was so nearly drowned. "

Soon after they were smoking in the shade, the thoughts of bothreverting to kindred anxieties. Arnault decided to make one movebefore the final one. Perhaps only this would be required; perhapsit might prepare the way for more serious action. They talked overbusiness. Arnault, permitting the other to see through a veileddistinctness of language that he was prospering, remarked, "By theway, I have a little transaction which I wish you would carry out forus, " and mentioned an affair of ordinary brokerage, concluding, inoff-hand tones, "from what you said some days since I infer that youmay find a little money handy at present. I can let you have a checkfor five hundred or a thousand just as well as not. I know how dulltimes are now, and you will soon make it up by commissions. "

The hard-pressed man could scarcely disguise the relief which thesewords brought. He began a grateful acknowledgment of the kindness, when Arnault interrupted him by saying, "Oh, that's nothing--merematter of business. I will write you a check to-night for a thousand. It's only an advance, you know, " and then changed the subject. 

"Will you go to town to-morrow?" Mr. Wildmere asked. 

"No, not to-morrow. I'll run down Tuesday or Wednesday. In spite ofthe times business doesn't give us much leeway this summer, but I'vearranged to be away more or less at present. " Then he added, with whatwas meant to be a frank, deprecatory laugh, "I suppose you see howit is. It's some time since I asked permission to pay my addresses toyour daughter. I don't think I've been neglectful of opportunities, but I don't get on as fast as I would like, and now feel that if Iwould keep any chance at all I must be on hand. Muir is a formidablerival. "

"You know that you have my consent and more, Mr. Arnault. "

"It's the lady's consent that I must obtain, " was the reply. "Muir isa fine fellow, and I cannot wonder that she hesitates--that is, ifshe does hesitate. I may be wasting my time here and adding to thebitterness of my disappointment, for of course it must become greaterif I see Miss Wildmere every day and still fail. "

There was a covert question in this remark, and after a moment or twoMr. Wildmere said, hesitatingly: "I do not think you are wasting yourtime. I think Stella is in honest doubt as to her choice. At least, that is my impression. You know that young ladies in our free landdo not take much counsel of parents, and Stella has ever been veryindependent in her views. When once she makes up her mind you willfind her very decided and loyal. Of course I have my strong preferencein this case, and have a right also to make it known to her, asI shall. I should be very sorry to see her engaged to a man whosefortunes are dependent on a brother in such financial straits as Mr. Muir is undoubtedly in. "

"Do you think Henry Muir is in very great danger?"

"I do indeed. "

"Hum!" ejaculated Arnault, looking serious. 

"What! would he involve you?"

"Oh, no, a mere trifle; but then--Well, please make some inquiriesto-morrow, and I'll see you during the week. "

"I'll do anything I can to oblige you, Mr. Arnault. I wouldn't like myquestions, however, to hurt Muir's credit, you understand. "

"Of course not, nor would I wish this; but as one of our brokers youcan pick up some information, like enough. I knew, as did others, thatMuir was having a rather hard time of it, but if there is pressingdanger I may have to take some action. "

"In that case of course you can command me. "

"I only wish to do what is fair and considerate among business men. We'll lunch together when I come to town, and perhaps the case will beclearer then. "

During his drive with Miss Wildmere, Graydon simply adhered to thetactics which he had adopted, and she saw that he was waiting untilthe Arnault phase of the problem should be eliminated. When, however, she took occasion to bewail the dismal prospects of her "poor papa, "and to open the way for him to speak naturally of his own and hisbrother's affairs, he was gravely silent. She didn't like this, forit tended to confirm her father's belief that they were in trouble, or else it looked like suspicion of her motive. The trait of reticencewhich Graydon at times shared with his brother was not agreeable, forit suggested hidden processes of thought which might develop intovery decisive action. She came back satisfied that Graydon was stillthoroughly "in hand, " and that she must obtain information in someother way, if possible. 

There was sacred music in the parlor during the evening, but neitherMiss Wildmere nor Madge would sing in solo. Graydon good-naturedlytried to arrange a duet between the two girls. The former declinedinstantly, yet took off the edge of her refusal by saying, "I wouldgladly sing for you if I could, but do not care to permit all thesestrangers to institute comparisons. "

Therefore, the guests sang in chorus as usual, a professional playingthe accompaniments. There were few, however, who did not recognizethe strong, sweet alto which ran through each melody like a minor key. Graydon's acute ear for music heard little else, and he said to Madge"I shall be glad when this hotel life is over. What delicious eveningsI shall have this fall! By the way, I'm going to have your piano tunedwhen I go to town. "

"Perhaps. "

"Perhaps what? Perhaps I shall remember about the tuner? You'll see. "

"I may go back with the Waylands. I'm not at all sure that I shall notspend my winter on the Pacific. "

"Why, Madge! With your health you could spend it in Greenland. "

"That's what I may do. We always have a lovely green land in thatclimate. "

"I must investigate Santa Barbara. You have left some one or somethingthere which has powerful attractions. "

"Yes, memories; as well as skies so bright that you can't help smilingback at them. "

"I supposed you were going to enter society this fall and create a_furore_. "

"Oh, bah!" Then she began to laugh, and said, "A certain gentleman inthis house thought I was so bent on having my fling in society that Ididn't wish to be embarrassed by even a little fraternal counsel. "

"A certain fellow in this house finds himself embarrassed by ablack-eyed clairvoyant, who reads his thoughts as if they weresign-boards, but remains inscrutable herself. "

"Such an objectionable and inconvenient creature should certainly bebanished to wilds of the West"

"As one of the Muir family I'll never consent. "

"You'll soon be engrossed by cares of your own, " she concluded, laughing. "Good-night. "

"Stay, " said Graydon, eagerly; "one so gifted with second-sight shouldbe able to read the thoughts of others. "

"Whose?" Madge asked, demurely. 

"Whose indeed? As if you did not know! Miss Wildmere's. "

"What! Reveal a woman's thoughts? I won't speak to you againto-night;" and she left him with his tranquillity not a littledisturbed. 

CHAPTER XXV

GOSSAMER THREADS

Mr. Muir was to depart on the early train the following morning, andwas pleased when Madge opened her door at the same time and said, "I'mgoing to see that you have a good breakfast and a good send-off. "

She chattered merrily with him during the meal, ignoring his somewhatwistful and questioning glances. "When shall we see you again, Henry?"she asked. 

"Friday evening, I hope. "

"Don't work and worry too much. "

"I defy fate now. You've given me your luck. "

"Heaven forbid! Well, good-by. "

A little later she and two of her boys, as she called them, were offon the hills. Mrs. Muir and Graydon breakfasted long after, and thelatter observed with a frown that Arnault was still at the Wildmeretable, with all the serenity of one _en famille_. 

"Doctor, " he said, a little later, "how much will you take--the moneyto be given to your chapel--to go trouting with me for a day?"

"A good round sum, " Dr. Sommers replied. 

"All right. When can you go?"

"Wednesday, I guess, if I can leave my patients. "

"Oh, come now; go and give your patients a chance to get well. "

"Wait till I catch you sick, and I'll pay you up for that. "

"You'll stand a better chance of catching trout. "

The day passed much as usual, only Arnault appeared in the ascendant. 

"He is going to town in a day or two, " pleaded the diplomat, afterdinner. 

"And I'm going trouting, " Graydon replied. 

"When?"

"Soon. "

"Only for a day, I suppose. "

"It depends on my luck. You will get on better when I'm away. "

"It's cruel for you to speak like that, " she replied, her eyesmoistening. 

"I suppose it is, " was his rueful reply; "but I can be more patient, Iimagine, back in the mountains than here. "

"But how about poor me?"

"That is a question that I often ask myself, Miss Wildmere, but youalone can answer it. As far as I am able to judge, you can meet theproblem in your mind, whatever it is, as well, if not better, in myabsence. You must understand me, and I have promised to be reasonablypatient. "

"Very well, Mr. Muir, " she replied, in apparent sadness, "I will trynot to tax your patience beyond what you well term reason. "

"Something far beyond reason, and--I may add--pride also, permits youto tax it all. I would rather not revert to this topic again. It isembarrassing to us both. I cannot help saying, however, that it isessential to my happiness that the present state of affairs shouldsoon cease. "

"If it were only present happiness that one had to consider--" shebegan, and then hastened away. 

Thus she played upon his sympathy, and held him by the generous sideof his nature. 

But he determined not to give Arnault the pleasure of seeing him waitfor the crumbs of time that fell from his table, and he delightedMadge, having sought her out on the piazza, by remarking: "It is socool to-day I do not see why we cannot start at once. I shall not findthe time too long, for you can talk as well as ride. "

She made good his words, and gave wings to the hours. Among the scenesthrough which they passed, she reminded him, not of an exotic or astray tropical bird, but rather of the ideal mountain nymph humanized, developed into modern life, the strong original forces of natureharmonized into perfect womanhood, yet unimpaired. Her smiles, herpiquant words, and, above all, the changing expression of herlovely eyes, affected him subtilely, and again imparted a risingexhilaration. Her thoughts came not like the emptying of a cup, butrippled forth like a sparkling rill from some deep and exhaustlesssupply. And what reservoir is more inexhaustible than the love of aheart like hers?--a love born as naturally and unconsciously aslife itself--that, when discovered, changes existence by a suddenkaleidoscopic turn, compelling all within and without to pass at onceinto new arrangement and combination--that inspires heroic, patienteffort, self-denial, and even self-sacrifice. 

She had prepared herself for this opportunity by years of training andthought, but his presence brought her an inspiration beyond allthat she had gained from books or study. He was the magician whounconsciously had the power to waken and kindle her whole nature, toset the blood flowing in her veins like wine, and to arouse a rapidityand versatility of thought that was surprising even to herself. Withthe pure genius of love she threw about his mind gossamer threads, drew the filaments together, and held them in her heart. The pulsesof life grew stronger within him, his fancy kindled, the lore of bookslong since forgotten, as he supposed, flashed into memory, and outinto happy allusion and suggestion. Still his wonder increased thather knowledge coincided so fully with his own, and that their linesof reading had been so closely parallel. It was hard for him to finda terra incognita of thought into which she had not made some slightexplorations. In his own natural domains she skilfully appeared toknow enough to follow, but not to lead with mortifying superiority. She also had her own preserves of thought and fancy, of which she gavehim tantalizing glimpses, then let fall the screening boughs; and he, who fain would see more, was content to pass on, assured that anothervista would soon be revealed. It was the reserve of this frank girlthat most charmed and incited him, the feeling, more or less defined, that while she appeared to manifest herself by every word and smile, something richer and rarer still was hidden. 

"No one will ever have a chance to understand her fully but the manshe loves, " he thought. "To him she would give the clew to all hertreasures, or else show them with sweet abandon, and it would requirea lifetime for the task. She has a beauty and a character that wouldnever pall, for the reason that she draws her life so directly fromnature. I have never met a woman that affected me as she does. "

He sighed again. In spite of the loyalty to which he believed himselffully committed, Stella Wildmere, with her Wall Street complications, her variegated experience as to adorers, and her present questionablediplomacy, seemed rather faded beside this girl, upon whose heart thedew still rested. 

For the first time the thought passed consciously through his mind, "Stella has never made me so happy as I have been the last few hours. More than that, she never gave life an aspect so rich, sweet, and fullof noble possibility. Madge makes blasé, shallow cynicism impossiblein a fellow. "

As he danced with Miss Wildmere that evening, or sauntered with her onthe piazza or through secluded paths, the same tendency to comparisonstormented him. He could not make himself believe that Miss Wildmere'swords were like the flow of a clear, bubbling spring, pure and sweet. There was in them a sediment, the product of a life which had passedthrough channels more and more distasteful to contemplate. 

The next day he went to town to look after some business matters, andreturned by the latest train. To his surprise he found Madge absent, and was immediately conscious of a vague sense of disappointment. 

CHAPTER XXVI

MRS. MUIR'S ACCOUNT

After a light supper Graydon went in search of Stella, but she wasnowhere to be found, nor had the warm evening lured Mrs. Wildmere fromher room. He had learned that Arnault was still at the house, and heinferred, from the surpassing beauty of the moonlit evening, that hisrival would not let such witching hours pass without an effort to turnthem to account. With a frown he retreated from the music, dancing, and gayety of a full house, and went up to Mrs. Muir's room. 

That lady was found writing to her husband, but she welcomed Graydon, and began volubly: "I'm very glad you have come; I'm so full andoverflowing about Madge that I had to write to Henry. "

"It certainly does seem an odd proceeding on her part--this remainingall night at a farmhouse among strangers, " was his discontented reply. 

"It would be odd in any one but Madge. I do not think thereare many girls in this house who would be guilty of sucheccentricities--certainly not Miss Wildmere, " she added, with a rathermalicious twinkle in her eyes. "If I were a man, I wouldn't stand it. I've been on the alert somewhat to-day, for I don't wish to see youmade a fool of. That Mr. Arnault has been at her side the livelongtime, and he's out driving with her now. "

"I understand all about that, " said Graydon, impatiently; "tell meabout Madge. "

"Perhaps you do, and perhaps you don't. It's certainly beyond mycomprehension, " continued Mrs. Muir, determined to free her mind. "If she is anything to you, or wishes to be, her performances areas unique as those of Madge, although in a different style. We Aldengirls were not brought up in that way. Pardon me; I know it's youraffair, but you are my brother, and have been a good one, too. I can'twonder that Henry dislikes her. Well, well, I see you are gettingnettled, and I won't say anything more, but tell you about Madge. Ithas been an awfully hot day, you know, and I did not order a carriagetill five. Madge was restless, and had sighed for a gallop morethan once, so I proposed to do the best for her I could. As we werestarting for our drive Dr. Sommers appeared, and I asked him to gowith us. 

"'I will, ' he said, 'if you will take me to see one of mypatients--one that will make Miss Alden contented till she has someimaginary trouble of her own. My horse is nearly used up from the longdrive I've had in the heat. '

"'Oh, do take me to see some one in trouble!' exclaimed Madge. 

"'Yes, ' replied the doctor, laughing, 'that will be a novelty. Tosee you young ladies dancing and promenading, one would think you hadnever heard of trouble. '

"After a lovely drive through a wild valley we came to a little grayfarmhouse, innocent of paint since the memory of man. The mountainrose steeply behind it with overhanging rocks, cropping out throughthe forest here and there. An orchard shaded the dwelling, and beyondthe narrow roadway in front brawled a trout-stream. To the eastwardwere rough, stony fields, that sloped up, at what seemed an angle offorty-five degrees, to other wooded mountains. It was the roughest, wildest-looking place I ever saw. How strange and lonely it must looknow in the moonlight, with not another dwelling in sight!"

"Too lonely for Madge to be there, " exclaimed Graydon. "I don't likeit, and I should not have expected such imprudence from you, Mary. "

"Oh, Madge is safe enough! Wait till you know all. Well, the farmerand his wife were at their early supper when we arrived. I went inwith Madge and the doctor, for I wanted to see how such people lived, and also thought I could do something for them. I hadn't been in theroom five minutes, however, before I gave up all thought of offeringassistance. The people were plainly and even poorly dressed. The manwas in his shirt-sleeves, but he put on his coat immediately. He had akind of natural, quiet dignity and a subdued manner--the result of histrouble, no doubt. We were in their little sitting-room or parlor, butthe door into the kitchen, where they had been taking their meal, wasopen. The room we were in was very plainly furnished, but perfectlyneat, and I was at once struck by the number of books that itcontained. Would you believe it? one of the leading magazines lay onthe table. The mother, a pale, gaunt woman, who looked utterlyworn out, went with the doctor to the adjoining sick-room, and thehusband's eyes followed them anxiously. 

"'Your place seems rather lonely, ' I said to him, 'but you evidentlyknow how to find society in books. '

"'Yes, ' he answered, 'I s'pose this region seems lonesome to you, butnot to us who were brought up here. It all depends on what you'reused to, especially when you're a-growin' up. I'm not much of a readermyself, but Tilly was'; and he heaved a great sigh. 'She took toreadin' almost as soon as to walkin', ' he continued, 'and used to readaloud to us. I s'pose I soon dozed off, but her mother took it all in, and durin' the long winter evenin's they kinder roamed all over theworld together. I suspicion Tilly had more books than was good forher, but she was our only child, and I couldn't say no to her. Sheedicated herself to be a teacher, and stood high, and we was proud ofher, sure enough, but I'm afeared all that study and readin' wasn'tgood for her;' and then came another of his deep sighs. 

"Madge's great eyes meanwhile were more and more full of trouble, and there was a deal of pathos suggested by the man's simple story. Indeed, I felt my own throat swelling at the poor man's last sigh, it was so deep and natural, and seemed to express a great sorrow, forwhich there were no words in his homely vernacular. "

"What selfish egotists we are over our picayune vexations!" Graydonmuttered. 

"Well, the mother and the doctor now appeared. The latter lookedgrave; and when he looks grave things are serious indeed. 

"'Ain't she no better?' the father asked, with entreaty in his tone. 

"'I wish she was, ' said the doctor, in his blunt way, whichnevertheless expressed more sympathy than a lot of fine phrases. Thenhe said to the mother: 'You're all worn out, and yet she'll need closewatching to-night. Isn't there some neighbor--'

"'Oh, please let me stay!' began Madge, in a low, eager tone, speakingfor the first time. 'I'm strong, and I'll follow your directions ineverything. Do, please. I've been ill myself, and think I know how tonurse. '

"The woman hesitated, and looked doubtfully, wonderingly, at thedoctor. Madge sprang up, and taking the mother's hand, continued:'Indeed, madam, you do look worn out; you will be ill yourself. Foryour daughter's sake, as well as mine, let me stay. '

"'For your sake, miss?'

"'Yes, for my sake. Why should I not bear a little of this heavyburden? It will do me good. Doctor, say I can stay. My strength shouldnot be wasted in amusement only. '

"'Well, ' he replied, 'if Mrs. Muir consents, there's no one I'd trustsooner. '

"'Then it's settled, Mary, ' she said, in her decisive way. 'It'sperfectly proper for me to stay under the protection of these goodpeople. '

"'But you haven't had your supper, ' I began. 

"A little color came into the woman's face at my foolish speech, andshe said, 'If the young lady will take what we can offer--'

"'Of course I will, ' interrupted Madge, with a smile that would havepropitiated a dragon; 'a little bread and milk would suit me best. '

"'She shall have a chicken broiled as nice as she ever tasted at thehotel, ' said the man, impulsively. 'Heaven bless your kind heart, andperhaps you can coax Tilly to take a bit!'

"'The young lady's name is Miss Alden, ' said the doctor, 'and this isMrs. Muir, Mr. And Mrs. Wendall, ladies; I should have introduced youbefore, but my mind was on my patient. Well, well, well, what a worldit is! Some very good streaks run through it, though. '

"'I'll come for you in the morning, ' I said to Madge, who had thrownoff her hat, looking so resolute and absorbed in her purpose that Iknew there was nothing more to be said. So I shook hands with the poorpeople, and came away with the doctor. "

"I'm going for Madge in the morning, " said Graydon, decisively. 

"I thought you were going trouting with the doctor. "

"Not till I've told Madge what I think of her, " he said, gravely. 

"I'm sure her impulse and motives were good. "

"They were more than good--they were divine, and just like Madge Aldenas she now is. She keeps one's blood tingling with surprises; but I'venot become such a cynic that I do not understand her. When you come tothink of it, what is more natural than that one girl with her superbhealth should lend her strength to another who, perhaps, is dying; butyou may well ask, Who in the house would think of doing this?"

"Yes; the doctor said she was dying--that she couldn't last muchlonger. "

"Well, I never had a sister, but I'm just as proud of Madge, and justas fond of her, as if she were my own flesh and blood. She shall neverlack what a brother can do for her while I live. "

"I'm glad you feel so, " said Mrs. Muir. Then she sighed, andthought, "A plague upon him! Why will he keep following up the otherwhite-faced thing, when he might win Madge if he tried hard enough. It's plain that she don't care for him now except as she used to. Andshe does care for him just as she did before she went away, in spiteof all her prudishness about the words brother and sister. I'm notblind. She has grown so pretty, however, that I suppose Graydon wouldwish to kiss her too often. She is just as fond of him as he is ofher, and in just the same way; but if I had his chance I'd soon haveit a different way;" and the good lady was complacency itself overher penetration, as she bade Graydon good-night. No one could see andreport the surface of affairs more accurately than she. 

As he descended to the hall, Arnault and Miss Wildmere entered. Thelatter hastened forward and gave him her hand most cordially, saying, "Why, Mr. Muir, I'm ever so glad to see you; you have been away anage. "

"A day, Miss Wildmere. Your appearance indicates that you havesurvived admirably. "

"The moon is so bright that we could drive fast, and I'm always happywhen in rapid motion. "

"You have had the advantage of me then; yet I've been in rapid motiona good part of the day on express trains. "

"I feared you were not going to return to-day, " she said, as shestrolled out with him on the piazza. 

"Feared?"

"Yes, why not?"

"It strikes me that I might ask, Why?"

"Surely you would not have me lose such an evening as this, Mr. Muir?"she said, a little reproachfully. 

"I would have you follow your own heart. "

"I shall follow it as soon as possible, " she replied, so earnestlythat he was disarmed--especially as the glance which accompanied thewords was full of soft allurement and appeal. Of her own accord sheput her hand on his arm, and spoke in low, contented tones, as if shehad at last found rest and refuge. The moon poured around her a floodof radiance, which gave her an ethereal aspect. Her white draperyenhanced and spiritualized her remarkable beauty, making her appearall that lover or poet could ask. His own words grew kinder andgentler; his heart went out to her as never before; she seemed sofair, delicate, and pure in that witching light that he longed torescue her at once from her surroundings. Why should he not? She hadnever manifested a more gentle and yielding mood. He directed hersteps from the piazza to a somewhat distant summer-house, and herreluctance was a shy half revolt, which only emphasized the naturalmeaning of her unspoken consent. 

Mrs. Muir was still keeping her eyes open, and from her window sawthem pass under the shadow of the trees. 

At last they were sitting alone in the summer night. Graydon felt thatwords were scarcely needed--that his manner had spoken unequivocally, and that hers had granted all; but he took her hand and lookedearnestly into her downcast face. "Oh, Stella--" he began. 

A twig snapped in the adjacent grove. She sprang up. "Hush, Graydon, "she whispered; "not yet. Please trust me. Oh, what am I thinking of tobe out so late!--but could not resist. Come;" and she started for thehouse. 

As they passed in at the door he said, in a low, deep tone, "Youcannot put me off much longer, Stella. "

"No, Graydon, " she whispered, hurriedly, and hastened to her room. 

In his deep feeling he had not heard the suspicious sound in thegrove, and Miss Wildmere's manner was only another expression of thestrong constraint which he believed to be imposed upon her by herfather's financial peril. He felt bitterly disappointed, however. Although irritated, he was yet rendered more than forgiving by theapparent truth that she had almost yielded to the impulses of herheart, in spite of grave considerations--and promises perhaps--to thecontrary. 

He was at a loss what to do, yet felt that the present condition ofaffairs was becoming intolerable. Almost immediately upon his returnfrom Europe he had written to Mr. Wildmere for permission to pay hisaddresses, and had received a brief and courteous reply. The thoughtof again appealing to the father occurred to him, but was speedilydismissed with unconquerable repugnance. The very fact that this mancompelled his daughter to take such a course made Graydon wish neverto speak to him again. "No, " he muttered; "the girl must yield to me, and cut loose from all her father's shifty ways and associations. "

The night was so beautiful, and his thoughts kept him so wakeful, thathe sat in a shadow and watched the moonlight transfiguring the worldinto beauty. Before long he heard a step, and a man came from thatend of the piazza which was nearest the summer-house. As he passedin, Graydon saw that it was Arnault. The quick suspicion came intohis mind, "Could he have been watching?" Then flashed another thought, "Could she have become aware of his presence, and was this the causeof her abrupt flight?"

The latter supposition was dismissed indignantly and at once. Theaffair was taking on an aspect, however, so intensely disagreeablethat he resolved to write to Miss Wildmere that he would absenthimself until Arnault should disappear below the horizon. He wouldthen go trouting or take a trip to some other resort. This coursehe believed would bring her to a decision, and after their recentinterview he could scarcely doubt its nature. 

Before he was aware of it, his thoughts returned to Madge. In fancy hesaw the gray farmhouse on the lonely mountain-side, with a sweetface at the window, the dark, sympathetic eyes now looking out onthe silent, moonlit landscape, and again at the thin, white face of adying girl. "Poor, poor child!" he thought, reverting to the patient. "Well, for once, at least, she has had a good angel watching over her. I would like to see Madge's face framed by the open window in thiswitching light. Would to Heaven that Stella was more like her! YetStella was beautiful as a dream to-night, and it seemed that my visionof happiness was on the very eve of fulfilment. "

CHAPTER XXVII

MADGE'S STORY

Early in the beautiful morning of the following day Graydon was outsecuring a light carriage, for he reasoned that after watching allnight Madge would be too weary to enjoy horseback exercise. He firstcalled on the doctor, and obtained careful directions as to thelocality of Madge's sojourn. "The best I can do is to go with youas guide this afternoon to the trout-stream, and then drive back bymoonlight, " the doctor added. 

Within an hour Graydon reached the cottage, and Madge ran out towelcome him. "Now, this is kind and thoughtful of you, " she said, andthere was unmistakable gladness in her face. 

"Dear Madge, you have had a long, dismal night, I fear. I can see itfrom the lines under your eyes. "

"It has been a sad night, Graydon, yet I am very glad I came, and youhave now rewarded me. The poor girl is sleeping, and I can slip away. "

Mr. And Mrs. Wendall parted from her feelingly and gratefully. Madgepromised to come again soon. 

For a few moments they drove in silence, and then Madge sighed: "Howyoung, fresh, and full of beautiful life the world seems this morning!The contrast with that poor, suffering, dying girl is too great. Nature often appears strangely indifferent. "

"I am not indifferent, Madge. I kept a sort of watch with you for anhour or two last night in the wee, sma' hours, and tried to imagineyou sitting in just such an open window as I saw there, with themoonlight on your face; and I thought that the poor girl had one goodangel watching over her. You know I am a man of the world, but an actof ministry like this touches me closely. "

"No, Graydon; not a good angel, but a very human creature was thewatcher. "

"Tell me about it--that is, continue the story from the point whereMary left off;" and he explained about Mrs. Muir's account of theprevious evening. 

"Well, you know what a wilful creature I am?" she began, with theglimmer of a smile. 

"Oh, yes; I've learned to understand that feature of your royalwomanhood. You are trying to be a woman, Madge. Well, you are one--thekind I believe in. See how much faith I have--I believe, yet don'tunderstand. "

"No jesting or compliments this morning, please; I'm too heavy-heartedfor them now. "

"You ought to be serene and happy after so kind and good a deed. "

"No, " she said, decisively; "that sympathy must be superficial whichcan pass almost immediately into self-complacency. Oh, Graydon, it isall so sad, yet not sad; so passing strange, yet as natural and trueas life and death! I did sit for hours just as you imagined, lookingout on the great, still mountains. Never did they seem so vastand stable, and our life so vapor-like, as when I heard that poorfluttering breath come and go at my side. There was a time when thistruth grew oppressive; but later on that feeble life, which seemedbut a breath, came to mean something greater and more real than themountains themselves. But I am anticipating. As soon as Mary departedI became as imperious as I dared to be. I saw that the poor mother hadreached about the limit of her endurance, and I arranged the lounge inthe sitting-room, so that she could lie down at once, saying: 'I am astranger, and young, and it's not natural that you should be willingto give up to me too much, nor do I wish you to be far away; yet Ican see just how sorely in need of rest you are. You must finish yoursupper, give me your directions, and then lie down and get every bitof rest you can. I can easily keep awake, and promise to call youwhenever you are needed. '

"'Nancy, ' her husband added, 'Miss Alden is right. I see by the wayshe takes hold that she'll do everything, and you're jest beat out. 'So between us we had our way. 

"'Bless you, miss, ' said the man, trying to smile in a way that almostmade me cry, 'I'm as handy as a woman 'bout a kitchen;' and he soonproved that he was handier than I could have been, for in a fewminutes he pulled up from the well a pail, took out a dressed chicken, and broiled it to perfection. I made his wife eat some of it, andsaved a little of the breast for poor Tilly, as they call her. "

"Did you take any yourself?" interrupted Graydon. 

"Oh, yes, indeed! I'm one of those prosaic creatures whose appetitenever fails. If the world were coming to an end to-day I should insiston having my breakfast. "

"Madge, " said Graydon, ruefully, "I might as well tell you, for I'msure to be found out: I once called you 'lackadaisical. '"

"Oh, I knew that over two years ago! What's more, you were right. "

"No; I was not right, " he answered, positively. "I should haverecognized the possibilities of your nature then. I did in regard toyour beauty, but not those higher qualities which bid fair to make youmy patron saint. "

"Oh, hush, Graydon. Such words only pain me. I don't want yourcompliments, and if any man made a patron saint of me I should be soexasperated that I should probably box his ears. Let us stick to whatis simple, natural, and true, in all our talk. "

"You may say what you please, Madge, I see it more clearly every day, and reproach myself that I did not understand you. I was content toamuse and pet you, and you naturally did not think me capable of doinganything more. You went away alone to make as brave a fight as wasever battled out in this world, and I had no part in helping you. Mr. And Mrs. Wayland were worth a wilderness of superficialsociety-fellows like me. I now know why you did not care to correspondwith me while making your noble effort. "

[Illustration: HER LIPS WERE SLIGHTLY PARTED; HER POSE, GRACE ITSELF. ]

"Truly, Graydon, your memory and penetration are phenomenal. "

"You may disclaim out of kindness now, but I know I am right. You makemy life appear shallow and trivial. What have I done in the last twoyears but attend carefully, from habit, to the details of business, and then amuse myself? And when I wrote I merely sought to amuse you. What were my flippant letters worth to one who was in earnest?"

"Graydon, " said Madge, looking into his eyes with gentle dignity, "youmay do yourself injustice if you will, but you shall not misjudge me. I have acquired a little of the art of taking care of myself, and youare doing me a wrong which I cannot permit. I remember everything, from the time that your kind eyes rested on the pallid, shrinkingchild that crept down to the dining-room when we first met, and fromthat day to this you have been kind and helpful to me. I said thatI regarded you as one of the best friends I had in the world. Doyou think me insincere? Do you think I forget how kind you were whensociety would not have tolerated the ghost I was? I am not one whoforgets and ignores the past--who can go on to new friends with afrigid shoulder for old ones. Let us end these misunderstandings. Before the year is out you will probably be engaged, perhaps married. Our lives will be widely separated. That is inevitable from the natureof things. But distance and absence can cause no such separation asresults from misunderstanding. If we should not meet again in twentyyears I should be the same loyal friend. Now I've said it, and don'tvex me again by speaking as if I had not said and meant it. "

"I can scarcely tell whether your words make me more glad or sad. Eachfeeling is deeper than you will ever believe. You certainly giveme the impression that if I marry Stella Wildmere our lives will beseparated. "

"You don't take nature, especially woman-nature, into consideration atall. I am not congenial to Miss Wildmere; she does not like me. Itis nothing against her, but some people are antagonistic. This isespecially true among women, and in this case it is not strange. Ourexperiences have been very different. She has ever been a beautiful, brilliant society-girl. With her at your side you would always bean object of envy in circles congenial to you, for admiration wouldfollow her as the light follows day. In the past, you know, I havenot been influenced by society considerations, and in the future theyshall be very secondary. Therefore we of necessity are unlike, andcould never be much company for each other. There is never any usein trying to ignore the old law of 'like unto like. ' I say this inexplanation of what you know is true all the world over. Eventhe close ties of kindred often count for little where tastes, occupations, and habits of thought are diverse. All this is nothingagainst your perfect right to please yourself. In this land, thankHeaven! families and friends cannot yoke people together to pullforward general and miscellaneous interests. "

"You speak as if it were a slight thing when the woman whom a manmarries is merely accepted, tolerated, by his kindred. "

"I have not said that, Graydon; I have only said again what I saidbefore--that a man has a right to please himself. The truth is triteenough; why recur to it?"

"Gravitation is trite enough, but it often has an acute bearing onone's experience. You do not like Stella--"

"And she does not like me. "

"Very well; but you try to be just to her, and when she has lived awhile in different associations you will find her greatly changed. I think you can be her close friend in the future. But Henry detestsher, and he is so quietly and obstinately tenacious in his views thatthe fact annoys me exceedingly. "

"Very well; you can't help that. You will live in different houses, and your domestic life will be quite removed from business interests. "

"Oh, confound Henry! He married to suit himself, so shall I. But, Madge, dear Madge, you will try to love her--to help her to be morelike you, for my sake?"

At last Madge's laugh rang out merrily. "For mercy's sake, Graydon, don't ask me to be a missionary to your wife, " she cried. "If Iescaped with my eyes I should be lucky. You must think your wifeperfection, and make her think you do. Woe be unto you if youintroduce a female friend and suggest that she should be imitated, even to the arch of an eyebrow. Oh, no, I thank you! That's a spherein which I shouldn't shine at all, and I wouldn't dare attempt it withany feminine saint in the calendar. Oh, Graydon, what a dear old gooseyou are!" and she laughed till the tears came into her eyes. He joinedher in a half vexed way, protesting that she was still as uncanny as aghost, although she had lost the aspect of one. 

Suddenly she stopped, and tears of sorrow filled her eyes. "Here Iam, laughing at our absurd talk, " she said, "when I have just left theside of a poor girl, no older than myself, who is ghostly indeed inher flickering life. Is it heartless to seem to forget so soon? Oh, Graydon, you don't know what trouble is! You have only had vexationsthus far. Let me tell you what happened last night, if only to makeyou grateful for your strong, prosperous life. "

"Tell me anything you wish. I always have better thoughts and impulsesafter being with you. "

"Please don't regard me as egotistical, or offend me by thinking I amtrying to be better than others. Why shouldn't I help that poor girl?We often dance all night for fun; why can't we watch occasionally forpity? And in simple truth it will be a long time before the ache forthat poor creature will go out of my heart. It came very close home, Graydon--very close. It brought to mind another girl, who was oncescarcely stronger or better than Tilly Wendall is to-day, but God waskind. Tilly also has great black eyes, and they do look so large andpathetic in the wan little face! At first they did not notice me much. I was only another of the watchers who had come to aid her mother. It's astonishing how kind these plain country people are to oneanother in trouble, and many a housewife in this region has toiled allday and then sat up with the poor child the livelong night. 

"For the first few hours I could do little more than help her movein her weak restlessness, and give remedies to relieve her incessantcough. The poor thing seemed neither more nor less than a victim ofdisease, that with a cruelty almost malign had tortured her. I can'texplain how this awful impression grew upon me. It was as if viewless, brutal hands had racked the emaciated form until intelligence wasgone, and then, not content, would continue their vindictive workwhile breath remained in the body. As my watch was prolonged thisimpression grew into a nightmare of horror. The still house, thesilent, white, beautiful world without, and that frail young girltortured hour after hour under my eyes by fever and a convulsive, incessant, remorseless cough. "

She buried her face in her hands, and for a moment or two her voicewas choked with sobs. 

"Oh, Madge, " cried Graydon, almost fiercely, "you anger me! I wouldstrangle a man who harmed a hair of such a child's head. How can Iworship a God who sends or permits such a thing? You are braver thanI. I could see a man shot, but I couldn't look upon what you havedescribed. Yet the picture brings back the moment when we parted--whenyou struggled feebly in my arms with a premonition of your almostmortal weakness, and then sank back white and deathlike. If you hadnot made so wise and brave an effort you might have lingered on intorture like this poor girl. You stood in just that peril, did younot?"

"I suppose I did. "

"Oh, what a clod I was! I used to hear you cough night after night, and I would mutter, 'Poor Madge!' and go to sleep. To think that youmight have suffered as this girl is suffering! I never realized itbefore, yet I thought I did. I can't tell you how my whole naturerebels at it all, and pious talk about resignation in the presence ofsuch scenes fairly makes me grind my teeth;" and his brow blackenedlike night in his mental revolt, and his eyes were sternly fixed inhonest, indignant arraignment of the Power he did not scruple to defy, though so impotent to resist. 

Madge brushed away her tears, and watched him earnestly for a moment. In that confused instant she exulted in the strong, generous, kindlymanhood that would not cringe even to omnipotence when apparentlycruel. She said, gently, "Graydon, you are condemning God. "

"I can't help it, " he began, impetuously, "that is, such a God--"

She put her hand over his mouth. 

"I like you better for your words, " she continued, "but please don'ttalk so any more. Let what you have said apply to 'such a God--' Iknow what you mean, but there is no such being in existence. Let mefinish my story. We have had too many interruptions, and this secludedroad has an end. I won't try to explain my faith. What happened maymake it clearer to you. Well, Tilly gradually grew quieter, and atlast slept. The tired mother was sleeping also, and I sat at thewindow just as you imagined, my thoughts sad and questioning, to saythe least At last I saw that Tilly was awake, and looking at me withsomething like interest and curiosity. I went to her and asked if Icould do anything. 

"She said, in her slow, feeble way, 'I thought I knew every one abouthere, but I don't remember to have seen you before. '

"Then I told her who I was, and that her mother was in the next room. 

"'You are very kind, ' she said. 'And you are from the hotel. Isn't ita little strange?'

"'It should not be, ' I replied, and explained how I came to stay, adding, 'Don't talk any more. You are not strong enough. '

"With a quiet smile that astonished me, she said, 'It won't make anydifference, Miss Alden; I shall never be any better, or, rather, Ishall soon be well. My mind seems growing clearer, and I'd like totalk a little. It is strange to see a young girl here. Are you strongand well?'

"'Yes, very strong, and very glad to help your mother take care ofyou. I was once almost as ill as you are, yet I got well. Cheer up, and let us nurse you back to health. '

"She shook her head. 'No, that's now impossible. You come and cheerpoor mother and father, Miss Alden. I am more than cheerful, I amhappy. '

"I made her call me Madge, and said: 'Tell me then in a few words howyou can be happy. My heart has just been aching for you ever since Icame. '

"Perhaps she saw tears in my eyes, for she said, 'Sit down by me. 'Then she took my hand, leaned her cheek upon it, and looked at me withsuch a lovely sympathy in her beautiful dark eyes!

"'Yes, ' she said, 'I see you are young and strong, and you probablyhave wealth and many friends; still I think I am better off than youare. I am almost home, and you may have long, weary journeying beforeyou yet. You ask me why I am happy. I'll just give you the negativereasons: think how much they mean to me--"And there shall be no moredeath, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any morepain. " All these may be taken from my life any hour. Think of whatwill be added to it. You believe all this, Madge?'

"'Yes. '

"'Then you must know why I am happy, and why I may be better off thanyou are. It will be very hard for father and mother--there will bemore pain for them here in consequence--but soon it will all endforever; in a little while we shall be together again. So you knownearly all about poor little me, ' she said, with another of hersmiles, which were the sweetest, yet most unearthly things I ever saw. 'And now tell me about yourself. I'm not able to talk much more forthe present. I'd like to know something about the friend who helpedme through the last few steps of my journey. I can think about you inheaven, you know, ' she said, with the sweetest little laugh. 'Don'tlook so sad, Madge. They'll tell you I'm gone soon. "Gone where?" askyourself, and never grieve a moment. '

"Oh, Graydon, she made it all seem so real, talking there alone in thenight! And it is just as she says or it isn't anything. When yousaid, 'Such a God, ' you had in mind a theological phantom, and I don'twonder you felt as you did; but this girl believes in a God who 'soloved the world'--who so loved her--and I do also. Her pain, herthwarted young life, I don't understand any more than I do otherphases of evil, but I can give my allegiance to One who came to takeaway the evil of the world. That's about all the religion I have, andyou mustn't ever say a word against it. 

"Well, there is but little more to tell. Tilly spoke in quiet, brokensentences as her cough permitted, and I told her a little about myselfand sang to her some hymns that mother sang to me when I was a child. With the dawn her mother came in, and was frightened at having sleptso long, but Tilly laughed and said it was just splendid. 

"She was evidently a very intelligent girl, and must have been apretty one, too. She certainly has read a great deal, and has taughtin public schools. There didn't seem to be a trace of morbidnessin her mind or feeling. She was simply trying to make the best ofeverything, and her best certainly is _the_ best. She has helped andcomforted me more than I could her. "

"Comforted you, Madge?"

"Oh, well, " was the somewhat confused reply. "I've had trouble, andshall have again. Who is without it long in this world?"

"It's almost hard to see how serious trouble can reach you hereafter, you are so strong, so fortified. No, Madge; I'll never say a wordagainst your faith or that of your new friend. Would to Heaven I hadit myself! I wouldn't have missed this talk with you for the world, and you can't know how I appreciate the friendship which has ledyou to speak to me frankly of what is so sacred. All the whirl andpressure of coming life and business shall never blot from my memorythe words you have spoken this morning or the scenes you have made soreal. "

If this were true, how infinitely deeper would have been hisimpression if he could have seen the beautiful girl, now smiling intohis eyes, bowed in agony at that sick-bed, while she acknowledged withstifled sobs that the dying girl _was_ better off--far happier thanshe who had to face almost the certainty of lifelong disappointment. Poor Madge had not told Graydon all her story. She would have diedrather than have her secret known on earth, but she had not feared tobreathe it to one on the threshold of heaven. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

DISPASSIONATE LOVERS

During the last moments of their drive Madge and Graydon werecomparatively silent. They were passing dwellings, meeting strangers, and they could not, with the readiness of natures less finelyorganized, descend to commonplaces. Each had abundant food forthought, while even Graydon now believed that he so truly understoodMadge, and had so much in common with her, that words were no longerneeded for companionship. 

As they approached the piazza, they saw that Arnault was still MissWildmere's devoted attendant. His presence meant hope for Madge, andGraydon was slightly surprised at his own indifference. He felt thatthe girl to whom he regarded himself as bound belonged to a differentworld, a lower plane of life than that of which he had been given aglimpse. The best elements of his nature had been profoundly moved, and brought to the surface, and he found them alien to the pair onthe piazza. He was even self-reproachful that he saw with so littleresentment Stella's present companionship. 

"While I don't like her course at all, " he thought, "I must believethat she is acting from the most self-sacrificing motives. Whattroubles me most now is that I have a growing sense of the narrownessof her nature. "

He had never come from her presence with his manhood aroused to itsdepths. It was her beauty that he dwelt upon; her piquant, alluringtones and gestures. Madge was not an ill-natured critic of the girlwho threatened to destroy her future, but, by being simply what shewas, she made the other shrink and grow common by contrast. 

To Graydon such comparisons were odious indeed, and he would notwillingly permit them; but, in conformity to mental laws and the forceof circumstances, they would present themselves. Each day had foundhim in the society of the two girls, and even an hour like one ofthose just passed compelled him to feel the superiority of Madge. Hisbest hope already for Stella was that she would change when surroundedby better influences--that her faultless taste in externals wouldeventually create repugnance to modes of thought and action unsuitablein a higher plane of life. He did not question his love for her, but he felt this morning that it was a love which was becomingdisenchanted early, and into which the elements of patience andtolerance might have to enter largely. Should he marry her to-day hecould not, as Madge had said, and with the first glow of affection, believe her perfect. He even sighed as he thought of the future. 

His heart was very tender toward Madge, but it was with an affectionthat seemed to him partly fraternal, and partly a regard for onedifferent, better, purer than himself. He proved the essentialfineness, the capabilities of his nature, by his appreciation of someof her higher traits. Her ministry to the dying girl had given hera sacredness in his eyes. For the time she was becoming a sort ofreligion to him. He revealed this attitude of mind to her by a gentlemanner, and a tone of respect and consideration in the least thing hesaid. 

"Oh, " thought the poor girl, "he could be so much to me and I to him!His touch, even in thought, would never be coarse and unfeeling; andI have seen again and again that I can inspire him, move him, and makehim happy. Why must a wretched blunder thwart and blight two lives?"

Before they had finished their breakfast the beautiful languor ofsleep was again in his companion's eyes, and he said: "Dear Madge, promise me you will take a long rest. Before we part I want to tellyou what an illumined page you have put in my memory this morning. Some of the shadows in the picture are very dark, but there is also alight in it that 'never was on sea or land. ' When you wake I shall beon my way to the trout-stream to which Dr. Sommers will guide me; and, do you know? I feel as if my memories will be in accord with the sceneof my camping-ground. As I sit in my tent-door to-night I shall thinkover all you have said and described. "

Her only answer was a smile, that for some reason quickened his pulse. 

Much occurred before they met again. 

He went to his room, wrote some letters, and made other preparations. Then, feeling that he should give the remaining time before hisdeparture to Miss Wildmere, he sought her. She appeared to be waitingfor him on the piazza, and there was reproach in her tone, as shesaid, "I half feared you were going without bidding me good-by. "

"Such fears were scarcely just to me. "

"I did not know but that you had so greatly enjoyed your morning driveas to go away in a fit of absent-mindedness. I have been sitting herealone an hour. "

"I could not know that. When I drove up I saw that I should be _detrop_, " he replied, as they sauntered to an adjacent grove. 

"Now, Graydon, you know that is never true, so far as I am concerned. "

"The trouble is, Miss Wildmere, others are concerned in such a waythat the only resource left me is to keep my distance. "

"Mr. Arnault has returned to the city, " she said, with what appeared agreat sigh of relief. "I am perfectly free now. "

"Till Mr. Arnault returns. "

"I cannot help his return. "

"Oh, no. I do not question his right to come back, or even to buy thishotel and turn us all out. "

"Please don't talk about him any more. I'm doing the best I can. "

"I believe you think so, but I cannot think it will prove the best forany one. It is not what I expected or even imagined. You are actingfrom a mistaken sense of duty, and I am more sorry every day thatyou can commit such an error. Look at it in its true light, Stella. Icannot believe you are deceiving me: you must be leading Mr. Arnaultto entertain a false hope. "

"Graydon, I have refused Mr. Arnault, and he will take no refusal. "

"You can refuse him in such a way that he must take it at once andforever. "

"You don't know--" she began, tears coming into her eyes. 

"No; you have only led me to surmise a great deal by implication. "

"What would become of mamma and my little sister if papa should failutterly?" and tears came faster. No one could be more pathetic thanMiss Wildmere when she chose. 

"Can you not trust me for them as well as for yourself?"

"Oh, Mr. Muir, I know you mean most generously and kindly, but papa isso anxious and fearful! He tries to keep up before others, but I knowhow he feels, and it's terrible. He is past middle age, and businesssuccess means very much to him. How can I do anything to harm him? Iknow so little about business and its perils, while papa thinksthere may be terrible dangers ahead for every one. You might have thegood-will to help us and yet soon be scarcely able to help yourself. I have been made to feel that the best I could do through thesetroublous times was to try to aid papa as far as possible, and then Ishouldn't have anything with which to reproach myself. "

Graydon was perplexed. Apparently she was doing wrong in the mostself-sacrificing spirit, and believed that doing right, which wouldend her abnegation, was wrong and selfish. 

While he hesitated, she resumed: "You see, Graydon, papa has the sameas said that Mr. Arnault was tiding him over until he could realizeon securities now of little value. Of course there has been nocompromising understanding in words--do not think us capable of that. It would cut me to the heart to have you misjudge me or condemn me. Iwill give you the highest proof I can of my--my--esteem by being frankon a delicate subject, so that you can see how I am placed. I don'tthink many young ladies would do as much. Of course what I say issacred between us. Mr. Arnault offered himself long since, and Ipromptly declined the honor, but he laughingly told me he would takeno refusal, and chatted through the rest of the evening as pleasantlyas if nothing had happened. I have virtually refused him several timessince, but he persists, declaring that he will remain an agreeablefriend until I change my mind. Surely, I am not misleading him. Ido like him as a friend, and he knows that I have for him no otherregard, and never had. Before you came he had begun to help papa, andto throw business in his way, and just now he is rendering him verygreat service. He may do this in the hope of influencing me, but hegives his aid without conditions. Yet I know him well enough to besure that he would withdraw this business help should I now harshlydismiss him or engage myself to another. While I do show him that Iappreciate his kindness, I do nothing to indicate that my feeling ischanged. He must know that I regard him in the same light as in thepast. If he is content with this, I have asked myself why I shouldbe precipitate--why alienate him now in the very crisis of papa'saffairs. Of course if I had only myself to think of--I've been foolishenough to think that I might help papa and still be happy in the end. Am I so very naughty, Graydon?"

He was at a loss how to answer her, but felt that he must at oncedisabuse her mind of one expectation. 

"I admit, Stella, " he said, thoughtfully, "that you are peculiarlyplaced, and I thank you for making clearer what I had partiallysurmised. While I admire and respect the motive, I must still repeatthat I regret beyond all words such action in one who is so muchto me. It is right also that I should define my own position moreclearly. I will imitate your generous frankness. You know how greatlyI admired you before I first went abroad; and while I felt that therewas little chance for me, you being sought by so many, I did not giveup hope. This hope was strengthened by my visit last summer, and whenI returned and found you free a few weeks since I determined to winyou if I could. You know I would have spoken before had you permitted. I have for some little time felt myself irrevocably bound by what haspassed between us. I also believed that you would eventually give mea full explanation in regard to Mr. Arnault, and that his attentionswould cease. As to my not being able to take care of you, that isabsurd. I am not wealthy yet, but few young men in the city havebetter prospects. My brother's business is large and profitable, and Iam soon to share in it. I could not, from the nature of things, enterinto business relations with your father--I should not be at the headof the firm--but neither you nor yours should ever want. As tomy brother, he is in no financial danger whatever. He has a largefortune, and is conservatism itself. If you are placed in anembarrassing position, I am also. Arnault's manner is not that of afriend. Others misjudge you and me also. It looks to the people here, and to my own family, as if you were playing with us both. 

"Moreover, " he continued, after a moment's thought, "you are driftinginto a false relation with Arnault, although you may not be consciousof it. Before these troubles began you simply tolerated his attentionsgood-naturedly, and without any special motive. Now you have adefinite motive and purpose, and--pardon me, Stella--they aremisleading him. He would not continue his attentions an hour, didhe believe they were utterly hopeless. To Arnault and all others youappear undecided between him and myself. Such an experiment as you aretrying cannot work well. If he has any other power beyond that of yourmaidenly preference, he will not hesitate to increase it, and may makeyour father more utterly dependent upon him while appearing helpful. "

"Yes; I have thought of that, " she said, musingly. 

"There seems to me but one straightforward, high-toned thing for youto do, Stella, and that is to follow your heart. "

He was almost frightened at himself that he spoke with so littleeagerness and longing. His words seemed but the honorable and logicalsequence of what had gone before. For some reason this girl in thebroad light of day did not appear to be the same as when she hadfascinated him in the witching moonlight the evening before. It wasnot that her beauty had gone with the glamour of the night, but hehad been breathing a different and a purer atmosphere. Madge had beenrevealing what to him seemed ideal womanhood. 

In regard to Stella his illusion had so far passed that he thought, consciously, "Even at her best she is presenting Wildmere traits; hervery self-sacrifice takes on a Wildmere form, and there is a flavor ofWall Street in it all. "

But he still believed that he loved her, and that, if she was equal tosuch great though mistaken self-sacrifice for her father, she would, under his influence, throw off certain imperfections and gain a bettertone. 

That such thoughts were passing through his mind was a bad omen forthe continuance of Miss Wildmere's power, and yet the opportunity ofher life was still hers. She had simply to put her hand into his witha look of trust, and abide by the act, to secure a loyalty that wouldalways have tried to promote her best interests. That she was stronglytempted to do this was proved by her manner, in spite of the fact thatshe had promised Arnault not to decide against him before Saturday. 

It was a moment of indecision. His strong assurance that he wasabundantly able to take care of her, that Mr. Muir was wealthy andfree from financial embarrassment, almost turned the scale. She feltthat both Arnault and her father were deceiving her for their ownpurposes, and she had little hesitation in acting for herselfwithout regard to them. Graydon's suggestion that her action was nothigh-toned, although delicately made, touched her pride to the quick, and she was compelled to feel during this interview, as never before, the superiority of the man who addressed her. She longed to forceHenry Muir to acknowledge the daughter of the man he shunned inbusiness; and not the least among her incentives was the thought oftriumphing over Madge as a possible rival. 

"At any rate, " she had thought, "if I become engaged to Graydon hewill have to be very much less fraternal. As to his not aiding papa, "she concluded, "I can't help that. When once married I could make himdo all he could afford, and papa and mamma have no right to expectanything more. "

To the potency of all these considerations was added a sentiment forthe man who awaited her answer, and who chafed inwardly that it was solong in coming. 

"Truly, " he thought, "this is a strange wooing. Henry himselfcould not more carefully weigh the _pros_ and _cons_ than does sheapparently, nor am I in feverish suspense. I had hoped for somethingdifferent in my mating. "

A glimmering perception that her manner was not calculated to inspirea lover at last dawned on Miss Wildmere, and with it came a falteringpurpose to decide in favor of Graydon at once; but as she turnedtoward him, to speak with what was meant to be a bewildering smile ofjoy, a messenger from the office said, "A telegram, miss. "

Graydon frowned, and then laughed outright. She stopped in the veryact of tearing open the envelope, and looked at him inquiringly. 

"Oh, nothing, " he said, lightly. "The opportuneness of that fellow'scoming was phenomenal. How much longer am I to wait for your decision, Stella? Were the world in our secret, I should be known as St. Graydonthe patient. "

She flushed, but adopted his apparently light mood as the leastembarrassing. "My memory is good, and I shall know how to reward you, "she smilingly replied. "Please let me satisfy my mind about papa, forI'm sure it's from him. "

"Oh, satisfy your _mind_ fully about everything, Miss Wildmere. "

She tore open the envelope with a strong gesture of impatience, andread, with a suddenly paling cheek, "Unless you choose the immediatecertainty of absolute loss, wait till I see you. Will come soon. Wildmere. "

She crushed the telegram in her hand, and turned away with ahalf-tragic air which at the moment struck Graydon as a little"stagy, " and then he condemned himself for the thought. As she did notspeak for a moment, he said, sympathetically, "Your tidings are bad?"

She tried to think, but was confused, and felt that she was in a crueldilemma. Could Graydon be deceiving her? or was he as ignorant as heseemed of his brother's peril? Was her father in league with Arnaultafter all? and were they uniting to separate her from Graydon? Shecould not tell. She must gain more time. She would see her father, charge him with duplicity, and wring the truth from him. 

When she turned to Graydon her eyes were full of tears again, and shefaltered: "You may despise me if you will, but my father has made anappeal to me, and is coming to see me. I must hear what he has to say. I must tell him that I can't endure--that I can't go on this way anylonger. I would gladly help him, save him, but after what you havesaid it's impossible to--Oh, was ever a girl placed in such wretchedstraits! Graydon, can you be patient a little longer?"

"There is nothing else for me to do, Stella. I only stipulatethat your decision be made speedily, and that Arnault be given tounderstand what my rights are. I shall have no difficulty in enforcingthem. "

"I shall decide speedily. It is not right that I should be placed insuch a torturing, humiliating position. "

"Now I agree with you perfectly. When does your father come?"

"He says 'soon. '"

"Very well; I will return on Saturday. "

"I wish you wouldn't go away now, " she entreated. 

"I think it is best, " replied Graydon, decisively, yet kindly. "Ihave said all that is possible to an honorable man. By remaining I amplaced in an anomalous position which my self-respect does not permitany longer. "

"I suppose, " she sighed, "that I should not ask too much. Well, so beit, then. "

They walked back to the house in silence. At the door of a sideentrance she turned to him, her face flushing at the admission, andsaid, hastily, "I waited a long time for you, Graydon, " and then fledto her room. 

"Oh, confound it!" he muttered, as he walked away. "What a muddle itall is! I ought to feel like strangling myself for permitting thisdoubting, cynical spirit to creep over me. Curse it all! her words andmanner haven't the ring of absolute truth. It seems as if I heard avoice in the very depths of my soul, saying, 'Beware!' Am I becomingan imbecile? I doubted and misjudged Madge. Thank Heaven that is pastforever! Now I am doubting and misjudging the woman I have asked tobe my wife. I must be misjudging her--the alternative is horrible. I can't escape one conviction, however. It is turning out just as Iexpected and told her it would. Arnault's aid to her father has beendelusive, and Wildmere is deeper in the mire than ever. This is a fineending of my social career! The girl of my choice puts me off untilshe can end this Wall Street business more satisfactorily. She mustwait and hear her father's reasons for further diplomacy before shecan answer me. If Henry knew all this--But Madge, crystal Madge, won'trepeat what I said. I must risk the loss of her society also. Hasher keen insight into character enabled her to detect these Wildmeretraits, and is this the cause of her antipathy? How simply she said 'Icouldn't do'--what Stella has accomplished with so much skill that thegossips in the house are in honest doubt as to her choice, or whether, indeed, she proposes to accept either Arnault or myself. Well, well, I'll wait till she has had this interview with her father, and thenshe must either decide for me and against such tactics forever, or else she can wear my scalp in her belt with those of the otherunfortunates. "

In an hour he was on the road with Dr. Sommers to a wild and secludedvalley. 

CHAPTER XXIX

THE ENEMIES' PLANS

It has been shown that Arnault believed the decisive period to havecome that would see the success or failure of his "operation" inthe Catskills. Keen, penetrating, he had comprehended the situationclearly. He knew that Stella wished to accept Graydon, and was held incheck by financial considerations only. He had seen her manner duringthe preceding moonlight evening, and with intense anger had observedfrom a neighboring grove the episode in the summer-house. The twig hadnot casually parted under his step, but had been snapped between hisfingers. Stella's quick alarm and flight had revealed the continuanceof his hold upon her fears, if not her heart. From that moment hedismissed all indecision. In bitterness he realized that his prolongedstay in the mountains had not advanced his interests. He had hopedto win the girl by devotion, keeping financial pressure in thebackground; she had been only suave, agreeable, and elusive. He hadtold her that he expected her decision by Saturday evening; she hadmerely bowed in a non-committal way. Meanwhile it was evident that ifthe Muirs kept up, apparently retaining the power to pass unscathed tobetter times, she would prolong her hesitancy, and in the end acceptGraydon. He determined, therefore, to see her first, then her father, and to call in his loan immediately. 

While Graydon and Madge were returning next morning from the lonelyfarmhouse Arnault was breakfasting at the hotel. He appeared inexcellent spirits. Miss Wildmere's alert observation could not detectfrom his manner his knowledge of the fact that she had been on thepoint of yielding to Graydon the evening before. He was full ofgallant courtesy toward her, and every glance and word expressedadmiration. This was always the breath of life to her, and whileit had ceased to give positive pleasure, its absence was likeuncomfortable weather. 

After the meal was over he led her to the same summer-house in whichGraydon had almost spoken words endowed with a lover's warmth andeagerness. 

"Stella, " he said, "I shall go to town on the ten-o'clock train. "

"I supposed you had concluded to remain all the week, " she replied. 

"No; very important interests call me to the city, much to my regret. You only bowed when I requested that I should receive a final answerbefore the close of this week. I shall return Saturday. Will you endmy suspense within this time?"

She was silent. 

"Will you make me another promise, then? Will you remain free thisweek? If you will not bind yourself to me, will you promise thatno one else shall have a claim upon you until the time specifiedexpires?"

After some hesitation she said, "Yes, I will promise that. "

"Please do so, and you will not regret it, " was his quiet response. 

"I am not so eager to be bound that I cannot promise so much. "

"Very well then, I am content for the present;" and he changed thesubject. 

They soon returned to the piazza, and Arnault employed his utmosteffort to be agreeable during the brief time remaining. 

Earlier in the week he had written Mr. Wildmere a letter, inconsequence of which the momentous telegram had restrained thedaughter at the critical moment already mentioned. 

When Madge came down to a late dinner she saw that Arnault haddisappeared from the Wildmere table, and that the belle was alreadya victim of _ennui_ in the absence of both gentlemen. During theafternoon Mrs. Muir was eager to gossip a little over the aspect ofaffairs, but soon found that Madge would do scarcely more than listen. 

"I don't understand that Miss Wildmere at all, " said the eldersister; "late last evening she went to yonder summer-house, hanging onGraydon's arm as if they were engaged or married, and now he's gone tobe absent several days. This morning she was there again with Arnault, and he wasn't talking about the weather, either. Now he's gone also. Before Graydon went she had another long interview with him while youwere asleep. Good gracious! what is she aiming at? Young men were notso patient in my day or in our village; and quiet as Henry appears, he wouldn't play second string to a bow as Graydon does. When MissWildmere first came I thought it was about settled, and I tried to bepolite to one whom I thought we should soon have to receive. Now it'sa sort of neck-and-neck race between the two men. If Graydon wins, howshall you treat Miss Wildmere?"

"Politely for Graydon's sake, of course. "

"Whose chances are best?"

"Graydon's. "

"Do you think she loves him?"

"Yes, as far as she can love any one. '

"Why, Madge, what do you mean?"

"She could not love as we should; she doesn't know what the wordmeans. If she did she wouldn't hesitate. "

"You think Henry's opinion of her is correct, then?"

"I think he's right usually. Miss Wildmere is devoted to onebeing--herself. "

"Why, Madge, it would be dreadful to have Graydon marry such a girl!"

"Graydon is not Harry Muir. He attained his majority some yearssince. "

"He certainly is old enough to show more spirit. Well, I don'tunderstand her tactics, but such belles, I suppose, are a law untothemselves. "

"Don't let us gossip about her any more. If Graydon becomes engagedthere is only one thing for us to do. Miss Wildmere has made herselfdisagreeable to me in many little nameless ways, and we never could befriends, but I shall not give Graydon cause for just complaint. If heasks me to see her with his eyes, I shall laugh at him and decline. "

"They shall never live with us, " said Mrs. Muir, emphatically. "I knowI'm not a brilliant and accomplished woman, but I have always madehome a place of rest and comfort for Henry, and I intend it alwaysshall be just such a refuge. He is nervous and uncomfortable wheneverthat girl comes near him. Some people can't get on together at all. I am so glad that he likes you! He says you are one that a man coulddepend upon in all sorts of weather. "

"We'll see; but I like Santa Barbara weather, which is usuallyserene. "

"Oh, Madge, you'll not go there again?"

"Yes, I shall probably make it my home. I should never keep my healthin the East, and I should dread a winter in New York more than I cantell you. "

"Well, " said Mrs. Muir, discontentedly, "I suppose you will have yourown way in everything hereafter; but I think you might at least try tospend a winter with us. "

"If there were cause I would, Mary, but you are happy in your home, and I am not greatly needed. In my Western home I feel I can get themost out of life, just as you are getting the most out of yours. Ishould suffer from my old troubles in New York. " This statement wastrue enough to both ladies, although a very prosaic impression wasconveyed to Mrs. Muir's mind. 

To Madge, Graydon's absence contained a strong element of hope. Hewould not have gone away if all had been settled between him and MissWildmere, and, as Mary had said, there appeared stronger evidence ofuncertainty now than at first. Graydon had seen Miss Wildmere, and sheevidently had not finally dismissed Arnault. 

Madge indulged in no idle brooding, however, and by activity everyhour in the day, passed the time bravely. One of her boy admirers hada horse, and became her escort on long excursions; and with Mrs. Muirshe went to see Tilly Wendall again on Friday morning. The poor girlwas very weak indeed, and could do little more than smile her welcome. Madge promised to spend Sunday night with her. She would have comebefore, but Graydon had told her that he might return Friday evening, and as a storm was threatening she thought it probable that he wouldhasten back to avoid it. She believed that there was still hope forher, and determined that she should never have cause in the future toreproach herself with lost opportunities. There was no imperative callof duty to her sick friend, for Mrs. Wendall said that two or threeneighbors had lately offered their services. 

Mrs. Muir was gladdened on her return to the hotel by a telegram fromher husband, saying that he would arrive on the late train and spendSaturday with her. She and Madge sat down to dinner in a cheerfulmood, which evidently was not shared by Miss Wildmere. 

That brilliant young woman, although she made herself the centre ofall things as far as possible, was a victim of poverty when thrownupon her own resources. Madge detected her in suppressed yawns, andhad noted that she had apparently done little else than read novelssince parting with the two men who were metaphorically at her feet. Since the telegram she had not received a word from her father or anyone, and was inwardly chafing at the dead calm that had followed herexciting experiences. She did not misinterpret the deceptive peace, however, and knew that on the morrow she must decide what even sheregarded as the most momentous question of life. Persons under thedominion of pure selfishness escape many perplexities, however, andshe was prone to take short cuts to desired ends. Ready to practicedeceit herself, she became more strongly impressed that her fatherand Arnault were misleading her. Therefore she impatiently awaited theformer's appearance, that she might tax him with duplicity. Unless hehad something stronger than vague surmises to offer, she intended onthe morrow to promise Graydon Muir to be his wife. 

As has been seen, Wildmere had too much conscience to try to sell hisdaughter outright, but since she was in a mood for a bargain he hadinsured the possibility of one remarkably good in his estimation, andwas now on his way with very definite offers and statements indeed. 

In the late afternoon Madge was speaking about a book to anacquaintance who said, "Go up to my room and get it. "

Madge was not sure whether she cared to read the book or not, and satdown to examine it. Suddenly she heard distinctly the words, "I don'tbelieve Henry Muir is in danger of failure. Graydon scouted the idea. You and Arnault are seeking to mislead me. "

Madge then remembered that the next room was occupied by MissWildmere, and her first impulse was to make a noise, that theproximity of some one might be known, but like a flash came thethought, "Chance may have put me in the way of getting information ofvital importance to Henry;" and the next sentence spoken assured herthat this was true, for she heard a voice which she recognized as Mr. Wildmere's say:

"In all human probability Muir will be compelled to suspend to-morrow. Mr. Arnault has placed in his hands a call loan. You know what thatis. Arnault is so alarmed about Muir's condition that he will demandthe money in the morning, and I am perfectly satisfied that Muir can'traise it. You know enough about business to be aware of what willhappen if he cannot. Such is the market now that if Muir goes downhe will be cleaned out utterly, and Graydon will have to begin at thebottom like any other young man without resources. Of course, Arnaultcannot afford to lose the money, and must act like any other businessman. 

"But he did not send me here to tell you this. As his broker I knowabout it, and tell you of my own accord. This is what he did authorizeme to say to you. Had not business interests, which have alreadysuffered from his devotion to you, prevented, he would be here nowto make the offer in person. He says that he will settle upon you onehundred thousand dollars in your own right the day you marry him, andalso give you an elegant home in the city. Now what is your answer?"

"When Henry Muir fails I'll believe all this, " was the sullen reply. 

"Be careful, Stella. Devoted as Arnault is he is not a man to betrifled with. He has made you a munificent offer, but if you show thiskind of spirit he is just the one to withdraw at once and forever. If you love Graydon Muir well enough to share his poverty, I havenot another word to say, although I shall be homeless myself inconsequence. "

"Nonsense, papa! You have been on the eve of ruin more times than Ican remember. Graydon assured me that he was abundantly able to takecare of me, and that his brother was in no danger. I can have all theelegance I want and still follow my own inclination. If Henry Muirfails, of course that ends the matter; and if he is to fail to-morrowit will be time enough to give Mr. Arnault my answer to-morrow night, as he asked that I would. If I give him a favorable one I prefer to doit in person, for I don't wish to appear mercenary. You, I hope, havethe sense to keep this phase out of view. "

"Oh, certainly. Such high-minded people as we are should not bemisjudged, " was the bitter reply. 

"One has to take the world as it is, and one soon learns that all arelooking after their own interests, " was the cynical reply. 

"A beautiful sentiment for one so young! Well, I must return to thecity to-night, and I cannot take your acceptance of Mr. Arnault'soffer?"

"No. I will give my answer in person to-morrow night. I can eitheraccede in a way that will please him, or decline in a manner thatwill keep his friendship. I suppose you believe what you say aboutMr. Muir, but I am sure you are mistaken, and I have set my heart onmarrying Graydon. "

"Your heart?" satirically. 

She made no answer. 

"You are taking no slight risk, " he resumed, after a moment. 

"Either Arnault is misleading you, or Graydon is deceiving me, and Iwould believe him in preference to Arnault any day. I won't be duped. "

"But I tell you, Stella, that under the circumstances Graydon'signorance is not at all strange. He has been absent; he is not inthe firm; and what is swamping Muir is an investment outside of hisregular business. "

"You yourself said within a month that if Henry Muir went through thisbusiness crisis he would represent one of the strongest and wealthiesthouses in the country. If he is in the danger you assert, the factwill soon be manifested. Mr. Arnault has requested my answer to-morrownight. I have not promised to give it; I have only promised him not toaccept Graydon in the meantime. "

"The fact that Mr. Arnault is helping me so greatly counts fornothing, I suppose. "

"Oh, yes; I appreciate it very much, but not enough to marry himunless I must. I am literally following your advice--to choose betweenthese two men. I shall convey to Mr. Arnault the impression that Iam deeply moved by the generosity of his offer. I am. Girls don'tget such offers every day. You can show him that the very fact of myhesitation proves that I am not mercenary; or I can, when I see him. At the same time I am not at all satisfied that Graydon Muir's offeris not a better one, and it is certainly more to my mind--if youdon't like the word heart. This fact, however, may as well not bementioned. "

After some moments' hesitation he said, slowly: "Very well, then. Youare my daughter, although a strange one, and I shall do as well foryou as I can. "

"Yes, please. I parted with sentiment long ago, but I can do well bythose who do well by me. I shall soon be off your hands, and then youwon't have me to worry about. "

He made no response, and Madge heard his step pass into his wife'sroom. A moment later Miss Wildmere also departed, and her voice wassoon heard on the piazza. The conversation had been carried on in acomparatively low tone, and some words had been lost, but those heardmade the sense given above. Circumstances had favored Madge. Theopen window at which she was sitting was near the next window in MissWildmere's room, and within two or three feet there was the customarythin-panelled door which enables the proprietor to throw roomstogether, as required, for the accommodation of families. Therefore, without moving or volition on her part information vital to herrelatives had been brought to her knowledge. She was perfectlyoverwhelmed at first, and sat as if stunned, her cheeks scarlet withshame for the act of listening, even while she felt that for the sakeof the innocent and unsuspecting, to whom she owed loyalty and love, it was right. Soon, however, came the impulse to seek the refuge ofher own room and think of what must be done. She stepped lightly tothe outer door; there was no sound in the corridor, and with all thecomposure she could assume she passed quietly out and gained her ownapartment unobserved. 

CHAPTER XXX

THE STRONG MAN UNMANNED

Madge locked her doors, bathed her hot face, then paced her room ingreat agitation, feeling that not only her own happiness was in peril, but Graydon's also. Her mental distress was greatly enhanced by afeeling that in order to save her relatives she herself had beenguilty of what to her sensitive nature appeared almost like a crime. "Was it right?" she asked herself again and again, and at last reachedthe conclusion that the fealty she owed to her relatives and to theman she loved justified her course--that she should shield them evenat such cost to herself. "It was not curiosity that kept me passive, "she thought, "but the hope, the chance to save Henry from financialruin and Graydon from far worse disaster. " It would indeed be"horrible" for any true man to marry such a girl; and to permit theman she loved to make such a fatal blunder was simply monstrous. Yethow could she prevent it without doing violence to every maidenlyprinciple of her nature?

Should she tell her sister? This impulse passed almost instantly. Maryhad not the tact, nerve, or reticence to meet such an emergency. Itseemed, however, that if something was not done almost immediatelythis callous, selfish girl would cause lifelong wretchedness toGraydon as certainly as to Madge herself. Such a nature could not longmaintain its disguise, and probably would not be at pains to do soafter marriage. The self-sacrifice that she had led Graydon to believein was all deceit. It was self with her, first and last; it would beself always. Madge knew Graydon well enough to be sure that to him, when his illusions were dissipated, the marriage vow would become achain growing heavier with time. 

This absolutely certain phase of the danger was so terrible that atfirst it almost completely dominated her thoughts. "Oh, " she moaned, "I could see him marry a woman who would make him happy, and yetsurvive, but this would be worse than death!"

As she became more calm and could think connectedly, her mind revertedto what had been said about Henry's financial peril; and while she wasinclined to take the same view as Miss Wildmere, she soon began to seethat her brother-in-law should be informed of all references to him. Then the impression grew upon her that it would be wisest to tell himall, and let him save his brother, if possible, from a fate infinitelyworse than lifelong poverty. Would this involve the disclosure to Mr. Muir of her secret? Sometimes she thought that he half suspected heralready, and she feared that she could scarcely speak of a subjectthat touched her heart's interests so closely without revealing tothose keen gray eyes more than she would have them see. But the riskmust be taken to save Graydon. 

"Can it be?" she said, after musing awhile, "that Henry is in anysuch danger as that man asserted, or was it a trumped-up scheme toinfluence the girl? Still, he did say that if she would choose Graydonand poverty he would not interpose. Poverty! I would welcome bondageand chains with Graydon. I would almost welcome Henry's failure, thatI might prove to them my devotion. Every penny of my fortune shouldbe theirs. Henry has looked very anxious and troubled sometimes whenthinking himself unobserved. He keeps everything to himself so--"

Suddenly she sprang up with a flash of joy in her face, and whisperedto herself, excitedly: "Suppose there is truth in what was said bythose speculators. I have a fortune, and it's my own. Henry said itwas so left to me that I could control it after I was eighteen. I canlend Henry the money to pay Arnault. I will give him every penny Ipossess to carry him safely through. Oh, I am so glad he is comingto-night!"

"Come down to supper, " called Mrs. Muir. 

"Why, Madge, " exclaimed the lady, as they sat down under the light ofthe chandelier, "how flushed you are! And your eyes fairly beam withexcitement. I half believe you are feverish. "

"Nonsense! No doses for me now; milk and beefsteak are my remedies. I've been dwelling on some scenes partly imaginary, and you know howwrought-up I get. "

"Oh, yes; now I remember, you asked Miss Thompson for a book, and wentfor it to her room. Of course that was the last seen of you. I nevercould get so carried away by a story. "

"I haven't your even disposition, Mary. "

"Miss Wildmere looks brilliant to-night, also. And if there isn't herfather! This is the first time I've seen him up during the week. Well, I'm glad to see that his daughter can wake up a little for his sake, awell as for some other man. "

Madge looked at her with mingled curiosity and repugnance. "Horridlittle monster!" she thought. "Now she is performing her filial act. As her father said, 'such high-toned people should not be misjudged. '"

"I think you dislike her worse than Henry does, " said Mrs. Muir, witha low laugh. "You look at her as if she were a snake. "

"She is not a girl after my heart, " Madge replied, carelessly; thenadded, under her breath, "She's a vampire, but she shan't drainGraydon's life-blood. "

Miss Wildmere was certainly in a genial mood. The munificent offerreceived from Mr. Arnault had enhanced her self-appreciation, and shefelt that she had met it with rare nerve and sagacity. She had notshown herself dazzled like a village girl, and eager to grasp theprize. Moreover, she had thought, with proud complacency: "The man whocan offer so much is not going to give me up, even should I keep himwaiting months longer. I still believe that Graydon can give me allI want at present, and at the same time a position in society whichArnault could never attain, though worth millions. Arnault is on topof the wave now, but he is a speculator, like papa, and I'm sickof these Wall Street ups and downs. I believe in Henry Muir'sconservatism. Because he is keeping quiet now they think he is goingto fail. He is just the kind of man to be five times as rich as peoplethink. Graydon will succeed to his business and business methods, andwill not only make an immense fortune, but keep it. Papa has givenme the test of all these gloomy warnings. If Henry Muir does not failto-morrow, I won't believe a word of all that's been said. If he does, I'll do the next best thing, and take Arnault. No tenement-house forme, thank you. I've not been in society so long as not to make themost of my chances;" and under the inspiration of thoughts like theseMiss Wildmere condescended to be affable to her parents, and to smileupon the world in general. 

Madge Alden was an exception, however, and for her she had only afrown as she looked across the room at the young girl and saw theadmiration and friendly regard that were so freely bestowed upon her. As was inevitable, the selfish spirit of one girl had repelled and thekindly nature of the other had attracted good-will. Human instinct isquick to recognize the tax-gatherers of society--the people who areever exacting, yet give little except slights, wounds, and criticism. 

"Oh, " thought Miss Wildmere, "if I can only marry Graydon and snubthat girl unmercifully I shall be perfectly happy!"

The late train would not arrive before nine o'clock, and Madgedetermined to go down in the stage to meet Mr. Muir. In the meantimeher quick mind was coping with the emergency. She had often heardit said that in times of financial uncertainty an air of the utmostconfidence should be maintained. Therefore she drew her sister intothe parlor, and managed to place her in a lively and congenial groupof ladies. Mrs. Muir herself was happy in the thought of soon seeingher husband, and appeared cheerfulness embodied. 

Miss Wildmere saw her laughing and chatting with such unforcedgeniality that she muttered: "It's perfectly absurd to imagine thather husband is on the eve of bankruptcy. Even if he tried he couldn'tkeep such trouble utterly from his wife, and I've seen enough ofpeople to be sure she does not dream of danger. The best people of thehouse are ever around her and that Madge Alden. Unless papa returnsto-morrow night with predictions confirmed, the Muirs will have toadmit me hereafter into their charmed circle. 'Sister Madge' looksalso as if something keyed her up tremendously. Perhaps she isthinking that Graydon will return to-morrow to be her escort on longrides again. I'll soon put a spoke in that wheel, my proud minx. In afew hours you may wear a very different expression. "

When the two girls met, however, they were scrupulously polite; butMadge took such pains to make these occasions rare that Miss Wildmereperceived the avoidance, and her vindictive feeling was intensified. Madge saw one or two of her dark looks, but only thought, "I shall nowtake a part in your cruel game, and it may not end as you imagine. "She danced and laughed as if not a care weighed upon her mind. 

When the hour arrived for the stage to meet the train she slippedaway, wrapped herself in a cloak, and said to the driver that she wasgoing to meet a relative. The train, was on time, and Mr. Muir, withothers who were strangers, entered the stage. 

"Why, Madge!" he exclaimed; "you here? This certainly is very kind. "

They sat a little apart, and she whispered: "Don't show any surpriseat this or anything else to-night. I have something to tell you, andyou must manage to give me a private interview without any one knowingit--not even Mary at present. "

"It's about Graydon, " he said, anxiously. 

"It's chiefly about yourself. I've heard something. " She took his handin the darkness, and felt it tremble. "You know how to keep cool anddisguise your feelings, " she resumed. "We can beat them yet. I leftMary in the parlor, the merriest of a merry group. She is happy in thethought that you are coming, and doesn't suspect anything. I am sureyou will know just what to do when I tell you all, and you can avertall danger. Greet Mary as usual, and make the people in the housethink you have no trouble on your mind. "

"All right, Madge. As soon as I've had a little supper, you come to myroom. "

"No, you must take a walk with me outside. I want no walls with earsaround. "

"Is it so very serious?"

"You will know best when I have told you everything. "

A few moments later Mr. Muir walked into the parlor the picture ofserene confidence, and smiling pleasure at meeting his wife, whosprang up, exclaiming: "I declare, I was so enjoying myself that Idid not realize it was time for you to be here. Come, I've ordered asplendid supper for you. "

"I shall reward your thoughtfulness abundantly, " he replied, "for Iam ravenous. " He then greeted Mrs. Muir's friends cordially, said somepleasant words, and even bowed, when retiring, very politely to Mrs. Wildmere, who in her meek, deprecating way sat near the door. 

Two or three gentlemen sought Madge's hand for the next dance, and shewas out upon the floor again, her absence not having been commentedupon. 

Not a feature of this by-play had been lost on Miss Wildmere, and shesmiled satirically. "They thought to dupe me with delusions about Mr. Muir. He has no more idea of failing than I have, and before very longhe shall be Brother Henry to me as well as to Madge Alden. "

After a little while Madge excused herself and joined her relatives inthe dining-room. She found her sister happy in giving all the detailsof what had occurred in her husband's absence, and he was listeningwith his usual quiet interest, while deliberately prolonging his mealto give the impression that his appetite made good his words. ButMadge saw that he was pale and at times preoccupied. 

At last he rose from the table, and Mrs. Muir said, "I will go andhave a look at the children, and then join you on the piazza. "

"Very well, Mary, I'll be there soon. I've sat so long in the carsthat I want to walk a little for a change, so don't hasten or worry ifI'm gone a little longer than usual. After such a splendid supper asyou have secured for me I need a little exercise, and will smokemy cigar on my feet. The fact is, I don't get exercise enough. Come, Madge, you'd walk all day if you had a chance. "

Mrs. Muir thought the idea very sensible. Mr. Muir and Madge passedout through a side door. The former lighted his cigar leisurely, andthey strolled away as if for no other purpose than to enjoy the warmevening. The storm had not come, but clouds were flying wildly acrossthe disk of the moon, and the hurry-skurry in the sky was akin to thethoughts of the quiet saunterers. 

"Where shall we go?" he asked. 

"Not far away. There is an open walk near, where we could see any oneapproach us. "

"Now, Madge, " Mr. Muir began, after reaching the spot, "I havefollowed your suggestions, for I have great confidence in your goodsense. Your words have worried me exceedingly. "

"There is reason for it, Henry, even though there is probably no truthin what has been said about your financial peril. "

"Great God!" he exclaimed, starting, "is that subject talked about?"

"Do you owe money to Mr. Arnault?"

"Yes, " with a groan. 

"Would it hurt you should he demand it to-morrow?"

"Oh, Madge, this is dreadful!" and she saw that he was trembling. 

"Now, Henry, take heart, and be your cool, brave self. "

"Give me a little time, Madge. I've been carrying a heavy load, butthought the worst was over. I believe things have touched bottom, andI was beginning to see my way to safety in a short time. Even now thetide is turning, and I can realize on some things in a few days. Butif this money is demanded to-morrow--Saturday, too, when nearly allmy friends are out of town--it is very doubtful whether I could raiseit. "

"Would it cause your failure?"

"Yes, yes, indeed. A man may be worth a million but if he can't gethold of ready money at the moment it is needed, everything may beswept away. Oh, Madge, this is cruel I With just a little more time Icould be safe and rich. "

"Why have you not told us this?"

"Because I wouldn't touch your money and Mary's under anycircumstances, and I know that you both would have given me no peace, through trying to persuade me to borrow from you. "

"That's just like you, Henry. How much do you owe Mr. Arnault?"

"Madge, I'm not going to borrow your money. "

"Of course not, Henry. Please tell me. "

"You will take no action without my consent?"

"Certainly not. "

"Well, the paltry sum of thirty thousand, if demanded to-morrow, mayinvolve the loss of my fortune. Of course if I could not pay this atonce all the rest would be down on me. How in the world did you gainany knowledge of this affair?"

"Thank God, and take courage. I believe good is going to come out ofthis evil, and I believe you will think so too when you have heard mystory;" and she told him everything. 

"And Graydon has, to all intents and purposes, engaged himself tothis--speculator, " said Mr. Muir, grinding his teeth. "He's no brotherof mine if he does not break with her; and, as it is, I feel as if Icould never trust him with my affairs again. "

Henry Muir was a man not easily moved, but now his concentratedpassion was terrible to witness. His hands worked convulsively; hisrespiration was quick and irregular. His business and his commercialstanding were his idols, and to think that a selfish, scheming girlhad caused the jeopardy of both to further her own petty ambition, and that his brother should be one of her tools, enraged him beyondmeasure. 

"Now, " he hissed, "I understand why that plausible scamp offered tolend me money. He and his confederate Wildmere have been watchingand biding their time. I had to be ruined in order to bring thatspeculator's daughter to a decision, and Graydon has been doing hislevel best to further these schemes. "

"Henry, Henry, do be calm. You are not ruined, and shall not be. "

"It's no use, Madge; I'm foully caught in their devilish toils. "

Madge grasped his arm with a force that compelled his attention. 

"Henry Muir, " she said, in low and almost stern tones, "you shalllisten to me. Ignorant girl as I am, I know better, and I demand thatyou meet this emergency, not in impotent anger, but with your wholemanhood. I demand it for the sake of my sister and your children, foryour own sake and Graydon's. You explained to me before we lefttown that I had sixty thousand dollars in United States bonds, firstmortgage, and other good securities. You also explained that by theprovisions of my father's will I had control of this money after I waseighteen. You have been so scrupulous that you have not even thoughtof asking for the use of it, but I demand of you, as an honest man, what right have you to prevent me from doing what I please with it?"

"You cannot make me take it, Madge. "

"I can and will. I shall go to the city with you by the earliesttrain, and when Arnault asks for his money you shall quietly give itto him, and no one but ourselves shall know anything about the matter. If you pay this money promptly, will it not help your credit at once?"

"Certainly, Madge, but--"

"Oh, Henry, " she cried, "why will you cloud all our lives by scruplesthat are now not only absurd but almost criminal? Think of the lossyou will inflict on Graydon, your children, and your wife, by suchsenseless refusal. Have you not said that a little time will insuresafety and fortune? And there is my money lying idle, when withto-morrow's sun it could buy me more happiness than could millions atanother time. I trust to your business judgment fully. Suppose themoney was lost--suppose my whole fortune was lost--do you think Iwould care a jot compared with being denied at this critical moment? Ishould hate the money you saved for me in this way, and I should neverforgive you for saving it. " She stood aloof and faced him proudly, asshe continued: "Do you imagine I fear poverty? Believe me, Henry Muir, I have brain and muscle to take care of myself and others too ifneed be. " Then, in swift alternation of mood, she clasped her handscaressingly upon his arm, and added: "But I have a woman's heart, andthere are troubles worse than poverty. To see you lose the results ofyour lifework, and to see Graydon's prospects blighted, would be morethan I could bear. You can give me all the security you wish, ifthat will satisfy you better; but if you deny me now, I shall loseconfidence in you, and feel that you have failed me in the mostdesperate emergency of my life. "

"The most desperate emergency of _your_ life, Madge?"

"Yes; of _my_ life, " she replied, her voice choking with sobs, for thestrain was growing too great for her nerve-force to resist. "You giveway to senseless anger; you inveigh against Graydon, when he hasonly acted honorably, and has been deceived; you refuse to do the onesimple, rational thing that will avert this trouble and bring safetyto us all. "

"Why, Madge, if I fail, this speculator will drop Graydon at once. Scott! this fact alone would be large compensation. "

"If you were cool--if you were yourself--you could save Graydon inevery way. I want to see him go on in life, prosperous and happy, notthwarted and disheartened almost at its beginning. Oh, why won't you?Why _won't_ you?" and she wrung her hands in distress. 

"Is Graydon so very much to you, Madge?" he asked, in a wonderingtone. 

"Hush!" she said, imperiously; "there are things which no man or womanshall know or appear to know unless I reveal them. It's enough thatI am trying to save you all, and my own peace of mind. Henry Muir, Iwill not be denied. There are moments when a woman feels and _knows_what is right, while a man, with his narrow, cast-iron rules, wouldruin everything. You _must_ carry out my wish, and Graydon must know_nothing_ about it. Oh, God! that I were a man!"

"Thank God, you are a woman! Child as you are, compared with my yearsand experience, you shall have your own way. I will this once put mylifelong principle under my feet, and if the future house of Muir &Brother is saved, you shall save it. "

"Oh, thank you, thank you, Henry! Now see how happy I am. I have butone stipulation--the 'brother' must not know it. We shall go on thefirst train, shall we not?"

"Yes. You can say you want to do some shopping. Come, we have beenaway from Mary too long already. Oh, Madge, Madge, would that therewere more girls like you!"

CHAPTER XXXI

CHECKMATE

"Well, " exclaimed Mrs. Muir, when they appeared at last; "I thoughtyou and Madge had eloped!"

"We are going to to-morrow by first train, " said the young girl. "Henry says he must return to town for the day, and I shall accompanyhim to do some shopping. "

"Now, Henry, this is too bad, and I've scarcely seen you thisevening. "

"I'm truly sorry, Mary; I did look forward to a good quiet day withyou, but there is an important matter which I neglected to see toto-day, and which must be attended to. Graydon will soon be ready torelieve me a great deal. "

"Well, I shall be glad when he can do something besides waiting on Mr. Arnault's convenience for the privilege of seeing Miss Wildmere. Itwill be a terribly long, fatiguing day for you, Madge--for you both, indeed!"

"Oh, I shan't mind it in the least! It won't be half so fatiguing asone of my long rides. You spoke of wanting some things, and I can shopfor you, too. "

Mrs. Muir had long since given up the idea of objecting seriously toanything for which business was the alleged reason. The chance to dosome shopping by proxy soon occupied her mind, and when Miss Wildmeretook occasion to pass and repass, the only apparent topic of interestin the Muir group was the prospect of purchasing some expensive goods. 

Madge retired early to prepare for her journey. Mrs. Muir soonfollowed, and her husband remarked that he would merely remain downlong enough to write a note to Graydon. This missive was brief, butwas charged with dynamite. 

On the morrow, long before Miss Wildmere waked from the golden dreamswhich that day should realize, Madge and Mr. Muir were on their wayto the city. The young girl had said: "Don't let us do anything byhalves. I have read that in the crisis of a battle timid measuresare often fatal. Let me give you everything that you can use ascollateral. How much is there?"

"Sixty thousand available at once. As I have said, you shall have yourown way. "

"Well, for once a woman is wiser than Solomon. "

They went immediately to the trust company which had her property inkeeping, and, having complied with the forms, obtained the entire sum, then parted on Broadway, to rendezvous at the train. Mr. Muir gave theradiant girl a look which she valued more than the money. He then wentto his bank. The official whom he accosted had been rather cold andshy of late, but when he received the securities he grew perceptiblyurbane. 

On reaching his office Mr. Muir found that a transaction whichhad been greatly delayed was now consummated, and that another tenthousand in cash was available. This also was sent to the bank atonce. Several business men were present when a confidential clerk fromArnault appeared, and asked for a private interview. 

"Well, really you must excuse me to-day. I'm very busy, and expect toleave town in an hour or two. Please state what you have to say in fewwords, or else I will see you next week. "

"Mr. Arnault, " began the clerk, in a metallic tone, "says that he iscompelled to call in the loan he recently made you. "

"Oh, certainly, certainly! Have you the securities I gave him ascollateral?"

"No, sir, but I can get them, " said the man. 

"Do so, and I will give you my check. Thank Mr. Arnault for theaccommodation, and say I have thirty or forty thousand to spare shouldhe be hard pressed. Be quick. "

The Wall Street men present looked at one another significantly, andone of them remarked, "You are forehanded for these times, Muir. "

"If this absurd lack of confidence would only pass, " was thecareless reply, "I should have more money on hand than I could investprofitably;" and then he appeared absorbed in other matters. 

Arnault received the message from his clerk with something likedismay, and turning on Mr. Wildmere, who was present, he said, almostsavagely, "You have been misleading me. "

"Indeed I have not, sir--not intentionally. I can't understand it. "

"Well, I can. Muir is an old fox in business. I was a fool to thinkthat a paltry thirty thousand would trouble him. Well, there isnothing to do but to close the matter up. "

"What, in regard to my daughter?" said Mr. Wildmere, inadvertently. 

"Oh, no; confound it! What has she got to do with this affair?"replied Arnault, with an irritation that he could not disguise. "Icertainly have made Miss Wildmere a fair offer; some would regard itas more. I shall go up to-night and receive her answer, as I promised. I am one who never fails in a promise to man or woman, and I am readyto make good all that I have authorized you to say to your daughter, and more. "

"Let me add, " said Mr. Wildmere, with some assumption of dignity, "that as far as I have influence it is absolutely yours. I have everprided myself on my fidelity to those who trust me. "

"Thanks, " replied Arnault, with a little menacing coldness in histone. "I hope I shall have proof of the fact this evening. If so, allshall go swimmingly. "

Poor Wildmere bowed himself out with trepidation at heart, and Arnaultfollowed him with a dark look, muttering, "Let them both beware. "

Mr. Muir met Madge at the depot, and was quietly jubilant. Bothlaughed heartily over the experiences of the day. 

"You are a blessed little woman, Madge. I was never so off my balancebefore in my life as I was last night. When confused and upset, it isone of my impulses to stick to some principle of right, like a mule. Bless you, I think I have secured you twice over! I have given you alien on property worth two hundred thousand in ordinary times. "

"You have taught me to lean on you once more, Henry, and that is worthmore than all your other liens. "

Mr. Arnault now appeared, and came affably forward, saying, "I am gladmy enforced action did not incommode you to-day. "

"Thank you. I trust you are not in trouble, Mr. Arnault;" and therewas a world of quiet satire in the remark. 

"Oh, no--only a temporary need, I assure you, " was the hasty reply. 

"So I supposed;" and as Arnault turned away, the speaker gave Madge ahumorous glance, which made her look of demure innocence difficult tomaintain. 

 * * * * *

Graydon had enjoyed fair success in fishing, and yet had not beensupremely happy. He found, with the venerated Izaak Walton, that the"gentle art" was conducive to contemplation; but there were certainphases in his situation that were not agreeable to contemplate. As hefollowed the trout-stream amid the solitudes of nature, the artificialand conventional in life grew less attractive. In spite of his effortsto the contrary, Miss Wildmere seemed to represent just these phases. He recalled critically and dispassionately all the details of theirpast acquaintance, and found, with something like dismay, that she hadexhibited only the traits of a society belle--that he could recallno new ideas or inspiring thoughts received from her. The apparentself-sacrifice for her father, which he had so unequivocallycondemned, was, after all, about the best thing he knew of her. Theglamour of her beauty had been upon his eyes, and he had credited herwith corresponding graces of heart and mind. What evidence had he oftheir existence?

The more he thought of it, the more his pride, also, rebelled at theignominious position in the background that he was compelled to takewhile the Wall Street diplomacy was prolonged. At last, in anger anddisgust, he resolved that, if he found Arnault in his old position byStella's side, he would withdraw at once and forever. 

After all, although he was as yet unconscious of it, the secret of hisclarified vision was the influence of Madge upon his mind. She seemedin harmony with every beautiful aspect of nature--true and satisfying, while ever changing. Madge was right: the mountains, streams, rocks, and trees became her allies, suggesting her and not Miss Wildmere. He would have returned, for the pleasure of her society, but for hispurpose not to appear again until Arnault should have time to arrivefrom the city and resume his attentions. If they were received as inthe past, he would write to Miss Wildmere his withdrawal of furtherclaims upon her thoughts. 

It was with something like bitter cynicism that he saw his illusionsin regard to Miss Wildmere fade, and when he drove up to the hotelafter nightfall on Saturday, he was not sure that he cared much whather answer might be, so apathetic had he become. The force of his oldregard was not wholly spent; but in his thoughts of her, much that wasrepugnant to his feelings and ideals had presented itself to his mind, and he felt that the giving up of his dream of lifelong companionshipwith her would almost bring a sense of relief. Without pausing toanalyze the reason of his eagerness to see Madge and hear of herwelfare, he ran up at once to Mrs. Muir's room. 

"Madge went to New York!" he echoed, in surprise at Mrs. Muir'sinformation. 

"Yes; why not? She went to do some shopping for herself and me. MissWildmere's here, and, for a wonder, Mr. Arnault is not. What morecould you ask?"

"Hang Mr. Arnault--" He had come near mentioning both in hisirritation. 

"When will Madge and Henry arrive?"

"Soon now--on the nine-o'clock train. Oh, by the way, Henry left anote for you!"

"Very well. I'll go to my room, dress, and meet them. "

"He is asking after Madge rather often, it seems to me. She doesn'tcompare so very unfavorably with the speculator, after all, even inhis eyes. "

On reaching his room he threw himself wearily into a chair, andcarelessly tore open his brother's note. Instantly he bounded to hisfeet, approached the light more closely, and saw in his brother'sunmistakable hand the following significant words:

"Read this letter carefully and thoughtfully; then destroy it. Showyour knowledge of its contents by neither word nor sign. Be on yourguard, and permit no one to suspect financial anxieties. Arnault andWildmere have struck me a heavy blow. The former has lent me money. I must raise a large sum in town, but think I can do it, even in thebrief time permitted. If I cannot we lose everything. If I don't haveto suspend to-morrow Miss Wildmere will accept you in the evening. Shehas been waiting till those two precious confederates, her father andArnault, did their worst, so that she could go over to the winningside. You are of course your own master, but permit me, as yourbrother, affectionately and solemnly to warn you. Stella Wildmerewill never bring you a day's happiness or peace. She loves herselfinfinitely more than you, her father, or any one else. Be true to me, and you shall share my fortunes. If you follow some insane notion ofbeing true to her, you will soon find you have been false to yourself. Again I warn you. Speak to no one of all this, and give no sign ofyour knowledge. HENRY. "

Graydon read this twice, then crushed the paper in his hand as hemuttered, "Fool, dupe, idiot! Now at last I understand her game andallusions. She was made to fear that Henry was about to fail, andshe would not accept me until satisfied on this point. Great God! myinfatuation for her has been inciting Arnault in these critical timesto break my brother down, and her father has been aiding and abetting, in order that I might be removed out of the way. She was so falseherself that she suspected her own father, also Arnault, of deceivingher, and so kept putting me off, that she might learn the truth oftheir predictions or the result of their efforts. How clear it allbecomes, now that I have the key! Well, I should be worse than aheathen if I did not thank God for such an escape. "

CHAPTER XXXII

MADGE IS MATTER-OF-FACT

"Well, I have come back to civilization and all its miseries, " thoughtGraydon. "I was among scenes that know not Wildmeres or Arnaults. 'Oh, my prophetic soul!' I felt that there was something wrong, in spite ofher superb acting. Sweet Madge, dear sister Madge, as you ever will beto me, the more I think of it the more clearly I see that you are theone who first began to shatter my delusion. Since that morning whenI brought you home from your long vigil, and you revealed to me yourtrue, brave heart Stella Wildmere has never seemed the same, and therevolt of my nature has been growing ever since. "

His wish now was to avoid seeing every one until he had met hisbrother. While the thought of his escape was uppermost in his mind, he was consumed with anxiety to learn the result of Henry's efforts intown. His commercial instincts were also very strong, and the thoughtof what might happen fairly made him tremble. 

He slipped down a back stairway and out into the darkness, then benthis rapid steps to the depot, at which he arrived half an hour beforethe train was due. Remembering that excited pacing up and down therewould not be very intelligent obedience to his brother's injunctions, he started down a country road in the direction from which the trainwould come, and paced to and fro in his strong excitement. At last thetrain arrived, and his first glimpse of Henry's face and Madge'swas reassuring. The moment the former saw him he called out, "Hello, Graydon! Have you a trout supper for us?"

"Yes, " was the hearty response; and he hastened forward and shookhands cordially, saying, in an aside, "Oh, Madge! I am so glad to seeyou again!"

"You are! Tell that to the marines. The length of your stay proves itto be a fish story. "

"Here, Madge, we'll put you in the stage. I'll rest myself by walkingto the house with Graydon. "

"Henry, you are all right?" said Graydon, eagerly, as soon as theywere out of earshot. 

"Yes, " was the quiet reply; "I raised the money, paid Arnault in full, and have a good surplus in the bank. "

"Thank Heaven! How did you raise it? How has all this knowledgereached--"

"Patience, Graydon, patience. As soon as you are in the firm I shallhave no secrets from you. Until you are, you must let me manage in myold way. "

"I have indeed little claim on your confidence. I have been deceived, and have acted like a fool. But it's all over now. Henry, you maynot believe me, but my nonsense would have ended to-night if I hadn'treceived your letter, and all this had not occurred. I had beendisgusted with this Arnault business for some time, and had let MissWildmere know my views. As I thought it over while away it all grewso detestable to me that I resolved, if Arnault appeared again andrenewed his attentions, I would never renew mine. He's here again, asyou may have seen. "

"Oh, yes; and I have talked with him. Please show no resentment. Iobtained my information in a way unknown to him, and there is nothingunusual in our transaction on its face. How was it that you began togrow critical toward Miss Wildmere?"

"Well, I don't mind telling you. There was not a ring of truth ora stamp of nobility about her words and manner, and I have beenassociating with a girl who is truth itself and twice as clever andaccomplished. Miss Wildmere was growing commonplace in contrast. Ilearned to love Madge as a sister before she went away, and now no manever admired and loved a sister more. "

Mr. Muir smiled broadly to himself in the darkness, and said: "Truly, Graydon, you are giving satisfactory proofs of returning sanity. We may as well conclude with the old saying, 'All's well that endswell. '"

"I think I had better go to town Monday and resume business. It's timeI did something to retrieve myself. "

"No, Graydon, not yet. I have everything in hand now, and believe thetide has turned. I realized ten thousand to-day on a transaction thatI will tell you about. I am not doing much business now, only watchingthings and waiting. It was the suddenness of Arnault's demand thatworried me--on Saturday, too, you know. He had about the same as saidthat I might have the money as long as I wanted it, and I should nothave needed it much longer. In ordinary times I wouldn't have given ita thought. 

"You can help me more up here. It's growing warm, and Jack isn'timproving as I would like. After what has occurred I don't wish Maryand Madge to meet these Wildmeres any longer, so I propose that youand Madge go to the Kaaterskill Hotel on Monday and explore. If youlike the place, then you can take Mary and the children there. I'vehad a little scare in town, and propose to realize on some moreproperty and make myself perfectly safe. By going to a higher-pricedhotel we increase our credit also, and add to the impression I madeto-day, that we are in no danger. "

As the stage drew near the piazza Graydon hastened forward tohelp Madge out. In doing so he saw Miss Wildmere greeting Arnaultcordially. As he passed up the steps with Madge, he caught Stella'sswift, appealing look at him. He only bowed politely and passed on. Itwas Madge's triumphal entry now by the same door at which she had seenhim enter with Miss Wildmere but a few weeks before. How complete hertriumph was, even Madge did not yet know. While she went to her roomhe sought the office and ordered some of the trout he had caught tobe prepared for supper. As he stood there Miss Wildmere left Arnault'sside, and said, "Mr. Muir, are you not going to shake hands with me?"

"Why, certainly, Miss Wildmere;" but there was little more thanpoliteness in his tone and manner. As there were many coming andgoing, she drew away with a reproachful glance. "So long as Arnault iswith me, he will not be cordial, " was her thought. 

She looked around for her father, but he, nervous and apprehensive, had disappeared. He felt that if he should be compelled to disclosethe failure of his predictions, she would pass into one of her sullen, unmanageable moods. He feared that things were beyond his control, and decided to let the young men manage for themselves. He was not, however, exceedingly solicitous. He hoped that Arnault, aided by theinfluence of his munificent offer, would have the skill to push hissuit to a prompt conclusion; but he believed that, if this suitorshould be dismissed, Graydon would not fail his daughter, and that allmight yet end well for her, and perhaps for himself. 

The supper-room was again occupied by the late comers, many of whomwere accompanied by their families and friends. Mr. Muir's quiet eyesfairly beamed over the group gathered at his table, and he felt thatbut few moments of his life compared with those now passing. Twentyfour hours before he had seen himself drifting helplessly on alee shore, but a little hand had taken the helm when he had beenparalyzed, and now he saw clear sea-room stretching away indefinitely, with a turning tide and favoring gales. The terrible evils threateninghim and his had been averted. The results of his lifework would not beswept away, his idolized commercial standing could now be maintained, his wife's brow remain unclouded by care, his children be amplyprovided for, Graydon saved from a worse fate than financial disaster, and, last but not least, the young fellow would be cured by Madge ofall future tendencies toward the Wildmere type. He never could thinkof this hope without smiling to himself. He had at last obtained theexplanation of Madge's effort and success. By the superb resulthe measured the strength of the love which had led to it. "GreatScott!"--his favorite expletive--he had thought; "what a compass thereis in her nature! I had long suspected her secret, but when I touchedupon it last night she made my blood tingle by her magnificentresentment. I would sooner have trifled with an enraged empress. Lookat her now, smiling, serene, and, although not in the least artful, keeping all her secrets with consummate art. Who would imagine thatshe was capable of such a volcanic outburst? If Graydon does not laysiege to her now, the name of the future firm should be Henry Muir andidiot. "

That sagacious young man did not appear at all blighted by the wreckof the hope he had cherished. He turned no wistful glances toward thegirl who had so long satisfied his eyes, and, as he had believed, his heart. He felt much the same as if he had been imposed upon by acunning disguise. Unknown to her, he had caught a glimpse of whatthe mask concealed, and his soul was shuddering at the deformities towhich he had so nearly allied himself. Her very beauty, with its falsepromise, had become hateful to him. 

"She is indeed a speculator, " he thought, "and I'm a little curiousto see how she will continue her game. " It afforded him vindictiveamusement that she often, yet furtively, turned her eyes toward him asif he were still a factor in it. 

She never looked once in Graydon's direction but that Arnault wasaware of the act. There was no longer any menace in his deportmenttoward her--he was as devoted as the place and time would permit--butin his eyes dwelt a vigilance and a resolution which should have givenher warning. 

After supper Mr. And Mrs. Muir found a comfortable nook on the piazza, and the banker smoked his cigar with ineffable content. 

"Do you feel too tired for a waltz, Madge?" Graydon asked. 

"The idea! when I've rested in the cars half a day. "

"Oh, Madge!" he whispered; "dear, sweet little friend--you know I meansister, only I dare not say it--I'm so glad to be with you again! Whatmakes you look so radiant to-night? You look as though you had a worldof happy thoughts behind those sparkling eyes. "

"Nonsense, Graydon! You are always imagining things. I have youth, good health, have had my supper--a trout supper, too--and I like todance, just as a bird enjoys flying. "

"You seem a bird-of-paradise. Happy the man who coaxes you into hiscage! Brother or not, when your beaux become too attentive they willfind me a perfect dragon of a critic. "

"When I meet my ideal, you shall have nothing to say. "

"I suppose not. I am at a loss to know where you will find him. "

"I shan't find him; he must find me. "

"He will be an idiot if he doesn't. Pardon me if I don't dance anymore to-night. I have had a long tramp over mountain paths, followedby a long, rough ride in a farmer's wagon, and now have a veryimportant act to perform before I sleep. As a proof of my fraternal--Imean friendly--confidence, I will tell you what it is, if you wish. "

"I don't propose to fail in any friendly obligations, Graydon, "she replied, laughing, as they strolled out into the summer night, followed by Miss Wildmere's half-desperate eyes. 

As they walked down a path, Graydon said, "Take my arm; the pavementis a little rough. Dear Madge, you look divine to night. Every timeI see you my wonder increases at what you accomplished out on thePacific coast. That great, boundless, sparkling ocean has given yousomething of its own nature. "

"Graydon, you must be more sensible. When a fellow takes your arm youdon't squeeze it against your side and say, 'Dear Tom, ' 'Sweet Dick, 'or 'Divine Harry, ' no matter how good friends they may be. Friendsdon't indulge in sentimental, far-fetched compliments. "

"I certainly never did with any friends of mine. On this very walk youtold me that you were not my sister, and added, 'There is no use intrying to ignore nature. ' See how true this last assertion is proving, now that I am again under your influence, and so enjoy your societythat I cannot ignore nature. During all those years when you weregrowing from childhood to womanhood I treated you as a sister, thoughtof you as such. It was nature, or rather the accord of two natures, that formed and cemented the tie, and not an accident of birth. Even when you were an invalid, and I was stupid enough to call you'lackadaisical, ' your presence always gave me pleasure. Often when Ihad been out all the evening I would say, with vexation, 'I wish I hadstayed at home with the little ghost. ' How you used to order me aboutand tyrannize over me from your sofa when you were half child and halfwoman! I can say honestly, Madge, it was never a bore to me, for youhad an odd, piquant way of saying and doing things that always amusedme; your very weakness was an appeal to my strength, and a claim uponit. You always appeared to have a sister's affection for me, and yourwords and manner proved that I brought some degree of brightness intoyour shadowed life. In learning to love you as a sister in all thoseyears, wherein did I ignore nature? During my absence my feelings didnot change in the least, as I proved by my attempts at correspondence, by my greeting when we met. Then you perplexed and worried me morethan you would believe, and I imagined all sorts of ridiculous thingsabout you; but on that drive, after your vigil with that poor, dyinggirl, I felt that I understood you fully at last. Indeed, ever sinceyour rescue of the little Wilder child from drowning my old feelingshave been coming back with tenfold force. I can't help thinking ofyou, of being proud of you. I give you my confidence to-night justas naturally and unhesitatingly as if we had been rocked in thesame cradle. I am not wearying you with this long explanation andpreamble?"

"No, Graydon, " she replied, in a low tone. 

"I am very glad. I don't think well of myself to-night at all, and Ihave a very humiliating confession to make--one that I could make onlyto such a sister as you are, or rather would have been, were therea natural tie between us. I would not tell any Tom, Dick, and Harryfriends in the world what I shall now make known to you. If I didn'ttrust you so, I wouldn't speak of it, for what I shall say involvesHenry as well as myself. Madge, I've been duped, I've been made botha fool and a tool, and the consequences might have been grave indeed. Henry, who has so much quiet sagacity, has in some way obtainedinformation that proved of immense importance to him, and absolutelyvital to me. I shudder when I think of what might have happened, andI am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of my escape. I toldyou that Miss Wildmere was humoring that fellow Arnault to save herfather, and consequently her mother and the child. This impression, which was given me so skilfully, and at last confirmed by plain words, was utterly false. Henry has been in financial danger; Wildmere knewit, and he also knew that Arnault had lent Henry money, which to-daywas called in with the hope of breaking him down. They would havesucceeded, too, had he not had resources of which they knew nothing. You, of course, can't realize how essential a little ready moneysometimes is in a period of financial depression; but Henry left anote which gave me an awful shock, while, at the same time, it madeclear Miss Wildmere's scheme. She had simply put me off, that shemight hear from Wall Street. If Henry had failed she would havedecided for Arnault, and I believe my attentions led to his trickytransaction--that he loaned the money and called it in when hebelieved that Henry could not meet his demand. I must be put outof his way, for he reasoned justly that the girl would drop me ifimpoverished. Thus indirectly I might have caused Henry's failure--ablow from which I should never have recovered. Henry is safe now, heassures me; and, oh, Madge, thank God, I have found her out beforeit was too late! I had fully resolved while oft trouting that I wouldbreak with her finally if I found Arnault at her side again. Now hemay marry her, for all I care, and I wish him no worse punishment. I shall go to my room now and write to her that everything is overbetween us. The fact is, Madge, you spoiled Miss Wildmere for me onthat morning drive the other day. After leaving your society and goinginto hers I felt the difference keenly, and while I should then havefulfilled the obligations which I had so stupidly incurred, I hadlittle heart in the affair. Her acting was consummate, but a truewoman's nature had been revealed to me, and the glamour was gone fromthe false one. Now you see what absolute confidence I repose in you, and how heavily this strange story bears against myself. Could I havegiven it to any one for whom I had not a brother's love, and in whom Idid not hope to find a sister's gentle charity? I show you how unspentis the force of all those years when we had scarcely a thought whichwe could not tell each other. I have little claim, though, to be aprotecting brother, when I have been making such an egregious fool ofmyself. You have grown wiser and stronger than I. You won't think veryharshly of me, will you, Madge?"

"No, Graydon. "

"And you won't condemn my fraternal affection as contrary to nature?"

She was sorely at a loss. She had listened with quickened breath, afluttering pulse, and in a growing tumult of hope and fear, to thisundisguised revelation of his attitude toward her. She almost thoughtthat she detected between the lines, as it were, the beginning of adifferent regard. He believed that he had been frankness itself, and his words proved that he looked upon his fraternal affection andconfidence as the natural, the almost inevitable, sequence of thepast. She could not meet him on the fraternal ground that he wastaking again, nor did she wish him to occupy it in his own mind. Tomaintain the attitude which she had adopted would require as muchdelicacy as firmness of action, or he would begin to query why shecould not go back to their old relations as readily as he could. Shehad listened to the twice-told tale of the events of the past fewdays with almost breathless interest, because his words revealedthe workings of his own mind, and she had not the least intentionof permitting him to settle down into the tranquil affection of abrother. 

While she hesitated, he asked, gently, "Don't you feel a little ofyour old sisterly love for me?"

"No, Graydon, I do not, " she replied, boldly. "I suppose you willthink me awfully matter-of-fact. I love Mary as my sister, I have thestrongest esteem and affection for Henry as my brother-in-law, and Ilike you for just what you are to me, neither more nor less. The truthis, Graydon, when I woke up from my old limp, shadowy life I had tolook at everything just as it was, and I have formed the habit of sodoing. I think it is the best way. You did not see Miss Wildmere asshe was, but as you imagined her to be, and you blame yourself tooseverely because you acted as you naturally would toward a girl forwhom you had so high a regard. When we stick to the actual, we escapemistakes and embarrassment. Every one knows that we are not brotherand sister; every one would admit our right to be very good friends. I have listened to you with the deep and honest sympathy that isperfectly natural to our relations. I think the better of you forwhat you have told me, but I'm too dreadfully matter-of-fact, " sheconcluded beginning to laugh, "to do anything more. "

He sighed deeply. 

"Now, there is no occasion for that sigh, Graydon. Recall that morningdrive to which you have alluded. What franker, truer friendship couldyou ask than I gave evidence of then? Come now, be sensible. Youlive too much in the present moment, and yield to your impulses. MissWildmere was a delusion and a snare, but there are plenty of truewomen in the world. Some day you will meet the right one. She won'tobject to your friends, but she probably would to sisters who are notsisters. "

Graydon laughed a little bitterly as he said, "So you imagine thatafter my recent experience I shall soon be making love to anothergirl?"

"Why not? Because Miss Wildmere is a fraud do you intend to spiteyourself by letting some fair, true girl pass by unheeded? That mightbe to permit the fraud to injure you almost as much as if she hadmarried you. "

He burst out laughing, as he exclaimed, "Well, your head is level. "

"Certainly it is. My head is all right, even though I have not muchheart, as you believe. I told you I could be a good fellow, and Idon't propose to indulge you in sentiment about what is past andgone--natural and true as it was at the time--or in cynicism for thefuture. I shall dance at your wedding, and you won't be gray, either. Come; the music has ceased, and it must be almost Sunday morning. "

"Very well. On the day when you rightly boxed my ears, and I asked youto make your own terms of peace, I resolved to submit to everythingand anything. "

"You don't 'stay put, ' is the trouble. Did I look and act so verycross that morning?"

"You looked magnificent, and you spoke with such just eloquentindignation that you made my blood tingle. No, my brave, truefriend--I may say that, mayn't I?--it was not a little thing foryou to go away alone to fight so heroic a battle and achieve such avictory; and, Madge, I honor you with the best homage of my heart. Youhave taught me how to meet trouble when it comes. "

As they went up the steps, Arnault, with a pale, stern face, andlooking neither to the right nor to the left, passed them and strodeaway. 

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE END OF DIPLOMACY

Mr. Arnault's manner as he passed struck both Graydon and Madge asindicating strong feeling and stern purpose. In order to account forhis action, it is necessary to go back in our history for a shortperiod. While Madge was receiving such rich compensation for havingbecome simply what she was, Miss Wildmere had been gathering therewards of diplomacy. As we have seen, she had reached the finalconclusion that if Mr. Muir did not fail that day she would acceptGraydon at once; and, during its earlier hours, she had beencomplacency itself, feeling that everything was now in her own hands. Mr. Muir's appearance and manner the previous evening had nearlyconvinced her that he was in no financial difficulties whatever--thather father and Mr. Arnault were either mistaken or else were deceivingher. "If the latter is the case, " she had thought, "they have sobungled as to enable me to test the truth of their words withintwenty-four hours. 

"I am virtually certain, " she said, with an exultant smile, "that Ishall be engaged to Graydon Muir before I sleep to-night. "

In the afternoon it began to trouble her that Graydon had notappeared. As the hours passed she grew anxious, and with the shadow ofnight there fell a chill on her heart and hope. This passed into alarmwhen at last Graydon arrived with his brother and Madge, and greetedher with the cold recognition that has been described. She had met Mr. Arnault cordially at first, because there were still possibilities inhis favor; but when her father promptly disappeared, with the evidentpurpose to avoid questions, and Mr. Muir and his family at supper gaveevidence of superb spirits instead of trouble, she saw that she hadbeen duped, or, in any case, misled. Her anger and worry increasedmomentarily, especially since Graydon, beyond a little furtiveobservation, completely ignored her. She naturally ascribed his courseto resentment at her first greeting of Arnault, his continued presenceat her side, and the almost deferential manner with which he wastreated by her father, who had joined his family at supper, when noqueries could be made. 

"I'll prove to Graydon by my manner that I am for him, " was herthought; but he either did not or would not see her increasingcoldness toward Arnault. 

Her purpose and tactics were all observed and thoroughly understood bythe latter, however, but he gave few obvious signs of the fact. In hiswords, tones, compliments he proved that he was making good all thathe had promised; but the changing expression in his eyes grew soominous that Mr. Wildmere saw his suppressed anger with alarm. 

Miss Wildmere felt sure that before the evening was over she couldconvey to Graydon her decision, and chafed every moment over theleisurely supper that Mr. Arnault persisted in making, especially asshe saw that it was not his appetite that detained him. The Muir grouphad passed out, and to leave him and her father would not only be anact of rudeness, but also would appear like open pursuit of Graydon. When at last she reached the parlor, to decline Arnault's invitationto dance would be scarcely less than an insult; yet, with intensifyinganger and fear, she saw that circumstances were compelling her toappear as if she had disregarded Graydon's warnings and expectations. So far from being dismissed, Arnault was the one whom she had firstgreeted and to whom she was now giving the evening. 

While she was dancing with Arnault, Graydon, with Madge, appearedupon the floor. She was almost reckless in her efforts to secure hisattention. In this endeavor she did not fail, but she failed signallyin winning any recognition, and the ill-concealed importunity of hereyes hastened Graydon's departure with Madge, and gave time for thelong interview described in the previous chapter. She grew cold withdread. It was the impulse of her self-pleasing nature to want thatmost which seemed the most denied, and she reasoned, "He is angrybecause Arnault is at my side as usual, in spite of all he said. Heis determined to bring me to a decision, and won't approach me atArnault's side. Yet I dare not openly shake Arnault off, and he's soattentive that I must do it openly if at all. Graydon's manner wasso very strange and cold that I feel that I should do something toconciliate him at once; and yet how can I when Arnault is bent uponmonopolizing the whole evening? He gives me no chance to leave himunless I am guilty of the shameful rudeness of telling him to leaveme. Oh, if I could only see Graydon alone, even for a moment!"

Arnault was indeed a curious study, and yet he was actingcharacteristically. He had virtually given up hope of ever winningStella Wildmere. He had wooed devotedly, offered wealth, and playedhis final card, and in each had failed. When he left the city hestill had hope that his promise of immediate wealth and Mr. Wildmere'snecessity and influence might turn the scale in his favor; and hebelieved that having secured her decision she, as a woman of theworld, would grow content and happy in the future that he couldprovide for her. But, be his fate what it might, both his pride andhis peculiar sense of honor made it imperative that he should be hersuitor until the time stipulated for his answer should expire. Up totwelve o'clock that night he would not give her the slightest causefor resentment or even complaint. Then his obligation to her ceasedutterly, and she knew that it would. 

He had been irritated and despondent ever since Mr. Muir, throughMadge's aid, had so signally checkmated him. But Stella's greetinghad reassured him, and Graydon's manner toward her gave the impressionthat she had not been extending encouragement to him. This promisingaspect of affairs speedily began to pass away, however, when he sawher step to Graydon's side and ask if he was not going to shake handswith her. He knew how proud the girl was, and by this high standardmeasured the strength of the regard which impelled to this advance. He had since noted every effort that she had made to secure Graydon'sattention, and the truth became perfectly clear. She had utterly lostfaith in his and her father's predictions of financial disaster toHenry Muir, and would accept Graydon at the earliest opportunity. He saw that his defeat in Wall Street insured his defeat in theCatskills, and feared that Graydon had guessed his strategy, and, therefore, would not approach the girl while he was at her side. Therewas no use in his playing lover any longer--he had no desire to doso--for even he now so clearly recognized the mercenary spirit whichmight have brought her to his arms, that such manhood as he hadrevolted at it. If she had given him her hand it would have beensecured purely through a financial trick, and even his Wall Streetsoul experienced a revulsion of disgust at the thought of a wife thusobtained. If he could have detected a little sentiment toward him, some kindly regret that she could not reward his long-continued andunstinted devotion, he would have parted from her more in sorrow thanin anger; but now he knew that she was wild to escape from him, thatshe would instantly break her promise not to accept Muir before theclose of the week, and, to his punctilious business mind, the week didnot end until twelve o'clock Saturday night. 

With a sort of grim vindictiveness he had muttered, "She shall keepher promise. Neither she nor Muir shall be happy till my time hasexpired. "

Later in the evening, Graydon not returning, the thought occurredto Arnault, "Perhaps he too has recognized the sharp game she hasplayed--perhaps Henry Muir has said to him, 'She has been putting youoff to see the result of the sudden calling in of Arnault's loan, 'and now young Muir proposes to console himself with that handsome MissAlden;" and a gleam of pleasure at the prospect illumined his facefor a moment. Meanwhile he maintained his mask before the world soadmirably that even Miss Wildmere little guessed the depth of hisrevolt. He was the last one to reveal his bitter disappointment andhumiliating defeat to the vigilant gossips of the house. Those who sawhis smiling face and gallantries, and heard his breezy, half-cynicalwords, little guessed the storm within. He had been taught in the bestschool in the world how to say and look one thing and mean another. 

At last an acquaintance approached, and said, "Pardon me, Mr. Arnault, but I don't propose to permit you to monopolize Miss Wildmere all theevening;" and then asked for the next dance. 

Stella complied instantly, thinking, "Graydon may return now at anymoment, and if he sees that I am not with Arnault will come to me, asusual. "

Arnault bowed politely, looked at his watch, and invited another ladyto dance. Stella had been on the floor but a few moments when notGraydon, but her father came and said to her partner, "Excuse me, sir. I wish to speak to my daughter. "

Requesting her companion to wait, she followed Mr. Wildmere through anopen window, and when on the piazza he took her hand and put it withinhis arm with a firmness that permitted no resistance. Arnault notedthe proceeding with a cynical smile. 

"Stella, " said her father, in a low, stern tone, "did you not promiseMr. Arnault his answer this evening?"

"Answer my question first, " she replied, bitterly. "Did Henry Muirfail to-day? Of course he did not. You have been deceiving me. "

"I did not deceive you--I was mistaken myself. But I warn you. GraydonMuir is not at your side. He may not return. Arnault is waiting togive you wealth and me safety, but he may not wait much longer. Youare taking worse risks than I ever incurred in the Street, and yourloss may be greater than any I have met with. "

"Bah!" she replied, in anger. "I might have been engaged to GraydonMuir this moment had I not listened to your croakings. I'll manage formyself now;" and she broke away and joined her partner again. 

After the dance was over she said, "Suppose we walk on the piazza; I'mwarm. " She was cold and trembling. Arnault took his stand in the mainhall, where he and she could see the clock should she approach himagain. The last hour was rapidly passing. Miss Wildmere and herattendant strolled leisurely the whole length of the piazza, butGraydon was not to be seen. Then she led him through a hall whenceshe could glance into the reception and reading rooms. The quest wasfutile, and she passed Arnault unheedingly into the parlor, sayingthat she was tired, and with her companion sat down where they couldbe seen from the doorway and windows. But he thought her singularly_distraite_ in her effort to maintain conversation. 

"Oh, " she thought, "he will come soon--he must come soon! I must--I_must_ see him before I retire!"

Arnault meantime maintained his position in the hall, chatting andlaughing with an acquaintance. She could see him, and there was littlein his manner to excite apprehension. He occasionally looked towardher, but she tried to appear absorbed in conversation with the manwhom she puzzled by her random words. Arnault also saw that her eyesrested in swift, eager scrutiny on every one who entered from without, and that the two hands of the clock were pointing closely towardmidnight. 

The parlor was becoming deserted. Those whom the beauty of the nighthad lured without were straggling in, the man at her side was growingcurious and interested, and he determined to maintain his position aslong as she would. 

He was detained but little longer. The clock soon chimed midnight. Arnault gave her a brief, cold look, turned on his heel and wentout, passing Graydon and Madge, who were at that moment ascending thesteps. 

"Oh, pardon me, " said Miss Wildmere, fairly trembling with dread;"I had no idea it was so late!" and she bowed her companion awayinstantly. At that moment she saw Graydon entering, and she went tothe parlor door; but he passed her without apparent notice, andbade Madge a cordial good-night at the foot of the stairs. As he wasturning away Miss Wildmere was at his side. 

"Mr. Muir--Graydon, " she said, in an eager tone, "I wish to speak withyou. "

He bowed very politely, and answered, in a voice that she alone couldhear, "You will receive a note from me at your room within half anhour. " Then, bowing again, he walked rapidly away. 

She saw from his grave face and unsympathetic eyes that she had losthim. 

Half desperate, and with the instinct of self-preservation, she passedout on the piazza to bid Arnault good-night, as she tried to assureherself, with pallid lips, but ready then at last to take any termsfrom him. Arnault was not to be seen. After a moment her fatherstepped to her side and said:

"Stella, it is late. You had better retire. "

"I wish to say good-night to Mr. Arnault, " she faltered. 

"Mr. Arnault has gone. "

"Gone where?" she gasped. 

"I don't know. As the clock struck twelve he came rapidly out andwalked away. He passed by me, but would not answer when I spoke tohim. Come, let me take you to your room. "

With a chill at heart almost like that of death she went with him, andsat down pale and speechless. 

In a few moments a note was brought to Mr. Wildmere's door, and hetook it to his daughter. She could scarcely open it with her nervelessfingers, and when she read the brief words--

 "MISS WILDMERE--You must permit me to renounce all claims upon you now and forever. Memory and your own thoughts will reveal to you the obvious reasons for my action, GRAYDON MUIR, "

she found a brief respite from the results of her diplomacy inunconsciousness. 

CHAPTER XXXIV

BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS

Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to whathe supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hopeand gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at histable as usual. He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnaultwas as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anythinghad occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen. Heinquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they wereindisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to amere acquaintance. 

Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it madeWildmere shiver. 

"Mr. Arnault, " Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left thebreakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

"Certainly, " replied Arnault, with cool politeness, and he followedMr. Wildmere to a deserted part of the piazza. 

"You made a very kind and liberal offer to my daughter, " the latterbegan. 

"And received my final answer last night, " was the cold, decisivereply. "It would be impossible to imagine more definite assurance thatMiss Wildmere has no regard for me than was given within the time Istipulated. I have accepted such assurance as final. Good-morning, sir, " and with a polite bow he turned on his heel and went to hisroom. 

Mr. Wildmere afterward learned that he took the first train to NewYork. 

"Arnault has a clear field now, " Graydon had thought, cynically, whileat breakfast. "I can scarcely wish him anything worse than success;"and then he looked complacently around the family group to whichhe belonged, and felicitated himself that Wildmere traits wereconspicuously absent. His eyes dwelt oftenest on Madge. At this earlymeal she always made him think of a flower with the morning dew uponit. Even her evening costumes were characterized by quiet elegance;but during the earlier hours of the day she dressed with a simplicitythat was almost severe, and yet with such good taste, such harmonywith herself, that the eye of the observer was always rested andsatisfied. Gentlemen who saw her would rarely fail to speak about herafterward; few would ever mention her dress. Miss Wildmere affecteddaintiness and style; Madge sought in the most quiet and modest way toemphasize her own individuality. As far as possible she wished to bevalued for what she actually was. The very fact that there was so muchin her life that must be hidden led to a strong distaste for all thatwas misleading in non-essentials. 

"I am going to church with you to-day, " said Graydon, "and I shall tryto behave. "

"Try to! You cannot sit with me unless you promise to behave. "

"That is the way to talk to men, " said Mrs. Muir, who was completelyunder her husband's thumb. "They like you all the better for showingsome spirit. "

"I am not trying to make Graydon like me better, but only to insurethat he spends Sunday as should a good American. "

"There is no longer any 'better' about my liking for Madge. It's allbest. I admit, however, that she has so much spirit that she inspiresunaffected awe. "

"A roundabout way of calling me awful. "

"Since you won't ride or drive with me to-day, are you too 'awfullygood, ' as Harry says, to take a walk after dinner?"

"It depends on how you behave in church. "

They spent the afternoon in a very different manner, however, for soonafter breakfast Dr. Sommers told them that Tilly Wendall was at rest, and that the funeral would be that afternoon. 

With Dr. Sommers's tidings Graydon saw that a shadow had fallenon Madge's face, and his manner at once became gravely and gentlyconsiderate. There were allusions to the dead girl in the service atthe chapel, where she had been an attendant, and Graydon saw half-shedtears in Madge's eyes more than once. 

She drove out with him in the lovely summer afternoon to the gray oldfarmhouse. The thoughts of each were busy--they had not much to sayto each other--and Madge was grateful, for his quiet considerationfor her mood. It was another proof that the man she loved had not ashallow, coarse-fibred nature. With all his strength he could be agentle, sympathetic presence--thinking of her first, thoughtfullyrespecting her unspoken wishes, and not a garrulous egotist. 

He in turn wondered at his own deep content and at the strange andunexpected turn that his affairs had taken. He not only dwelt on whathad happened, but on what might have happened--what he had hoped forand sought to attain. He remembered with shame that he had evenwished that Madge had not been at the resort, so that he might be lessembarrassed in his suit to Miss Wildmere. From his first waking momentin the morning he had been conscious of an immeasurable sense ofrelief at his escape. He felt now that he had never deeply loved MissWildmere--that she had never touched the best feelings of his heart, because not capable of doing so. But he had admired her. He had been adevotee of society, and she had been to him the beautiful culminationof that phase of life. He saw he had endowed her with the womanlyqualities which would make her the light of a home as well as of theballroom, but he had also seen that the woman which his fancyhad created did not exist. There is a love which is the result ofadmiration and illusion, and this will often cling to its imperfectobject to the end. Such was not the case with Graydon, however. Hisfirst motive had been little more than an ambition to seek the mostbrilliant of social gems with which to crown a successful life; but hewas too much of a man to marry a belle as such and be content. He mustlove her as a woman also, and he had loved what he imagined StellaWildmere to be. Now he felt, however, like a lapidary who, whilegloating over a precious stone, is suddenly shown that it is worthlesspaste. He may have valued it highly an hour before; now he throws itaway in angry disgust. But this simile only in part explains Graydon'sfeelings. He not only recognized Miss Wildmere's mercenary characterand selfish spirit, but also the power she would have had to thwarthis life and alienate him from his brother and Madge. While she wasnot the pearl for which he might give all, she could easily havebecome the active poison of his life. 

"Oh, " he thought, "how blessed is this content with sweet sisterMadge--sister in spite of all she says--compared with brief, feverishpleasure in an engagement with such a sham of a woman, or the madchaos of financial disaster which my suit might have brought about!"and he unconsciously gave a profound sigh of satisfaction. 

"Oh, Graydon, what a sigh!" Madge exclaimed. "Is your regret so great?You were indeed thinking very deeply. "

"So were you, Madge--so you have been during the last half hour. Mysigh was one of boundless relief and gratitude. If you will permitme, I will tell you the thoughts that occasioned it as a proof of myfriendly confidence. May I tell you?"

"Yes, if you think it right, " she said, with slightly heightenedcolor. 

"It seems to me both right and natural that I should tell you;" and heput the thoughts which preceded his sigh into words. 

"Yes, " she replied, gravely; "I think you have escaped much that youwould regret. Please don't talk about it any more. "

"What were you thinking about, Madge?" he asked, looking into herflushed and lovely face. 

"I have thought a great deal about Tilly and what passed between us. That is the house there, and it will always remain in my mind as adistinct memory. "

Farm wagons and vehicles of all descriptions were gathering atthe dwelling. They were driven by men with faces as rugged andweather-beaten as the mountains around them. By their sides wereplain-featured matrons, whose rustic beauty had early faded under thestress of life's toil, and apple-cheeked boys and girls, with facescomposed into the most unnatural and portentous gravity. There was asprinkling of young men, with visages so burned by the sun that theymight pass for civilized Indians. They were accompanied by young womenwho, in their remote rural homes, had obtained hints from the world offashion, and after the manner of American girls had arrayed themselveswith a neatness and taste that was surprising; and the fresh pink andwhite of their complexions made a pleasing contrast with their swains. Although the occasion was one of solemnity, it was not without itspleasurable excitement. They all knew about poor Tilly, and to-daywas the culmination of the little drama of her illness, the details ofwhich had been discussed for weeks among the neighbors--not in callouscuriosity, but with that strange blending of gossip and sympathy whichis found in rural districts. The conclusion of all such talk had beena sigh and the words, "She is prepared to go. "

The people as yet were gathered without the door and in groups underthe trees. Tilly's remains were still in her own little room, Mrs. Wendall taking her farewell look with hollow, tearless eyes. A fewfavored ones, chiefly the watchers who had aided the stricken mother, were admitted to this retreat of sorrow. 

When Dr. Sommers saw Madge and Graydon he came to them and said, "Mrs. Wendall requested that when you came you and whoever accompanied youshould be brought to her. Tilly, before she died, expressed the wishthat you should sit with her mother during the funeral. No, no, Mr. Muir, Mrs. Wendall would have no objection to any of Miss Alden'sfriends. I can give you a seat here by this window. The other roomswill be very crowded with those who are strangers to you. "

Graydon found himself by the same window at which Madge had sat in herlong vigil. The bed had been removed, and in its place was a plainyet tasteful casket. Mr. Wendall, with his head bowed down, sat at itsfoot, wiping away tears from time to time with a bandana handkerchief. Two or three stanch friends and helpers sat also in the room, for itwould appear that the Wendalls had no relatives in the vicinity. 

As Madge sat down by Mrs. Wendall, so intent was the mother's gazeupon her dead child that she did not at first notice the young girl'spresence. Madge took a thin, toil-worn hand caressingly in both herown, and then the tearless eyes were turned upon her, and the lightof recognition came slowly into them, as if she were recalling herthoughts from an immense distance. 

"I'm glad you've come, " she said, in a loud, strange whisper. "Shewanted you to be with me. She said you had trouble, and would know howto sustain me. She left a message for you. She said, 'Tell dear Madgethat the dying sometimes have clear vision--tell her I've prayed forher ever since, and she'll be happy yet, even in this world. Tell herthat I only saw her a little while, but she belongs to those I shallwait for to welcome. ' You'll stay by me till it's all over, won'tyou?"

Madge was deeply agitated, but she managed to say distinctly, "Tillyalso said something to me, and I want you to think of her wordsthrough all that is to come. She said, 'Think where I have gone, anddon't grieve a moment. '"

"Yes, I'll come to that by and by; but now I can think of only onething--they are going to take away my baby;" and she laid her headon the still bosom with a yearning in her face which only God, whocreated the mother's heart, could understand. 

What followed need not be dwelt upon. The mother and father took theirlast farewell, the casket was carried to the outer room, the simpleservice was soon over, the tearful tributes paid, and then the slowprocession took its way to a little graveyard on a hillside among themountains. 

"I can't go and see Tilly buried, " said Mrs. Wendall, in the sameunnatural whisper. "I will go to her grave some day, but not yet. Iam trying to keep up, but I don't feel that I could stand on my feet aminute now. "

"I'll stay with you till they come back, " Madge answered, tenderly;and at last she was left alone in the house, holding the tearlessmother's hand. She soon bowed her young head upon it, bedewing it withher tears. The poor woman's deep absorption began to pass away. Thewarm tears upon her hand, the head upon her lap, began to waken theinstincts of womanhood to help and console another. She stroked thedark hair and murmured, "Poor child, poor child! Tilly was right. Trouble makes us near of kin. "

"You loved Tilly, Mrs. Wendall, " Madge sobbed. "Think of where she'sgone. No more tears; no more pain; no more death. "

Her touch of sympathy broke the stony paralysis; her hot tears meltedthose which seemed to have congealed in the breaking heart, and themother took Madge in her arms and cried till her strength was gone. 

When Mr. Wendall returned with some of the neighbors, Madge met him atthe door and held up a warning finger. The overwrought woman had beensoothed into the blessed oblivion of restoring sleep, the first shehad for many hours. A motherly-looking woman whispered her intentionof remaining with Mrs. Wendall all night. Mr. Wendall took Madge'shand in both his own, and looked at her with eyes dim with tears. Twice he essayed to speak, then turned away, faltering, "When I meetyou where Tilly is, perhaps I can tell you. "

She went down the little path bordered by flowers which the dead girlhad loved and tended, and gathered a few of them. Then Graydon droveher away, his only greeting being a warm pressure of her hand. 

At last Madge breathed softly, "Think where I have gone. Where isheaven? What is it?"

His eyes were moist as he turned toward her. "I don't know, Madge, " hesaid. "I know one thing, however, I shall never, as you asked, say aword against your faith. I've seen its fruits to-day. "

CHAPTER XXXV

A NEW EXPERIMENT

Stella Wildmere would not leave the seclusion of her room. As thehours passed the more overwhelming grew her disappointment andhumiliation, and her chief impulse now was to get away from a placethat had grown hateful to her. She had bitterly reproached her fatheras the cause of her desolation, but thus far he had made no replywhatever. She had passed almost a sleepless night, and since had shutherself up in her room, looking at the past with a fixed stare andrigid face, over which at times would pass a crimson hue of shame. 

Mrs. Wildmere went down to dinner with her husband, and then learnedthat Mr. Arnault had breakfasted with him. This fact she told Stellaon her return, and the girl sent for her father immediately. 

"Why did you not tell me that Mr. Arnault was here this morning?" sheasked, harshly. 

He looked at her steadily, but made no reply. 

"Why don't you answer me?" she resumed, springing up in her impatienceand taking a step toward him. 

He still maintained the same steadfast, earnest look, which began togrow embarrassing, for it emphasized the consciousness which she couldnot stifle, that she alone was to blame. 

She turned irritably away, and sat down on the opposite side of theroom. 

"It's just part and parcel of your past folly, " she began. "If I hadknown he was here, and could have seen him or written to him--"

She still encountered the same searching eyes that appeared to belooking into her very soul. 

"Oh, well, if you have nothing to say--"

"I have a great deal to say, " answered her father, quietly, "but youare not ready to hear it yet. "

"More lecturing and fault-finding, " said Stella, sullenly. 

"I have not lectured or found fault. I have warned you and tried tomake you see the truth and to help you. "

"And with your usual success. When can we leave this house?"

"We _must_ leave it to-morrow. I will speak in kindness and truth whenyou are ready to listen. I know the past; I have little left now butmemory. "

He waited some moments, but there was no relenting on her part, and hepassed out. 

All the afternoon conscience waged war with anger, shame, pride andfear--fear for the future, fear of her father, for she had neverbefore seen him look as he had since he had met her on the piazzathe evening before. He had manifested none of his usual traits ofirritability alternating with a coldness corresponding to her own. Heseemed to have passed beyond these surface indications of troubleto the condition of one who sees evils that he cannot avert and whorallies sufficient manhood to meet them with a dignity that borderedon despair. 

As Stella grew calmer she had a growing perception of this truth. Heno longer indulged in vague, half-sincere predictions of disaster. Hisaspect was that of a man who was looking at fate. 

A cold dread began to creep over her. What was in prospect? Was he, not Henry Muir, to lose everything? After all, he was her father, herprotector, her only hope for the future. As reason found chance to beheard, she saw how senseless was her revolt at him. She could not goon ignoring him any longer. Perhaps it would be best to hear what hehad to say. 

This feeling was intensified by her mother, who at last came in andsaid, in a weak, half-desperate way, "Stella, there is no use of yourgoing on in this style any longer. Distressed and worried as I am, I can see that we can't help matters now by just wringing our hands. Your father says we must leave as early as possible to-morrow. I can'tdo everything to get ready. I'm so unnerved I can scarcely stand now. Do come down to supper with us, or else let a good supper be broughtto you, and then let us act as if we had not lost our senses utterly. Your father looks and is so strange that I scarcely know him. "

"I'll not go down again. Nothing would tempt me to meet GraydonMuir and the curious stare of the people. I suppose they are full ofsurmises. If you will have a supper sent to me I will take it and doall the packing myself. Please tell papa that I wish to see him aftersupper. "

She then made a toilet suitable for her task, and waited impatiently. Her father soon appeared with a dainty and inviting supper. As soon asthey were alone Stella began:

"Now, papa, tell me the worst--not what you fear, but just what isbefore us. "

"Eat your supper first. "

"No; I wish to learn the absolute truth. You said you had a great dealto say to me. I'm calm now, and I suppose I've acted like a fool longenough. "

"I have much to say, but not many words. _I_ must begin again, Heavenonly knows how or where. I am about at the end of my resources. Ishall not do anything rash or silly. I shall do my best while I havepower to do anything. I do not propose to reproach you for the past. It's gone now, and can't be helped. My proposal to you is that _you_begin also. You have tried pleasing yourself and thinking of selffirst pretty thoroughly. You know what it is to be a belle. Now, whynot try the experiment of being a true, earnest, unselfish woman, whose first effort is to do right. Believe me, Stella, there is a Godin heaven who thwarts selfishness and punishes it in ways oftenleast expected. The people with whom we associate soon recognizethe self-seeking spirit, and resent it. You have had a terrible andpractical illustration of what I say. Are you not a girl of too muchmind to make the same blunder again? With your youth you need notspoil your life, or that of others, unless you do it wilfully. "

She leaned back in her chair, and bitter tears came into her eyes. 

"Yes, " she faltered, "my lesson has been a terrible one; but perhapsI never should have become sane without it. I have been exacting andreceiving all my life, and yet to-night I feel that I have nothing. Oh, " she exclaimed, with passionate utterance, "I have been such a_fool_. Nothing, nothing to show for all those gay, brilliant years, not even a father's love and little claim upon it. "

He came to her side and kissed her again and again. 

"You don't know anything about a father's love, " he said. "It surviveseverything and anything, and your love would save me. "

Never, even under the eyes of Graydon Muir, had she been so consciousof her heart before. Had he seen her when she departed on the earliesttrain in the morning he would have witnessed a new expression on herface. 

CHAPTER XXXVI

MADGE ALDEN'S RIDE

Methodical Henry Muir found that the events of the last few days hadresulted in a reaction and weariness which he could not readily shakeoff, and he had expressed an intention of sleeping late on Monday andtaking the second train. When he and his family gathered at breakfast, the removal to Hotel Kaaterskill was the uppermost theme, and it wasagreed that Madge and Graydon should ride thither on horseback, andreturn by a train, if wearied. Mr. Muir then went to the city, wellprepared to establish himself on a safer footing. Graydon and Madgesoon after were on their way through the mountain valleys, the latterwith difficulty holding her horse down to the pace they desired tomaintain. 

After riding rapidly for some distance, they reached long, lonelystretches, favorable for conversation, and Graydon was too fond ofhearing Madge talk to lose the opportunity. He looked wonderinglyat her flushed face, with the freshness of the morning in it; herbrilliant eyes, from which flashed a spirit that nothing seemedto daunt; the sudden compression of her lips, as with power andinimitable grace she reined in her chafing steed. Never before hadshe appeared so vital and beautiful, and he rode at her side withsomething like exultation that they were so much to each other. Hewas turning his back on a past fraught with peril, over which hung theshadow of what must have been a lifelong disappointment. 

"The girl who would have taken me, as Henry chooses among commercialsecurities, cannot now make me an adjunct to her self-pleasingcareer, " he thought. "I am free--free to become to Madge what I was inold times. No one now has the right to look askance at our affectionand companionship. What an idiot I was to endure Stella's criticismwhile she was playing it so sharp between Arnault and myself! Nowonder crystal Madge said she and Stella were not congenial!

"I call Madge crystal, yet I don't understand her fully, and have notsince my return. She has had some deep, sad experience, which she ishiding from all. From what Mrs. Wendall said at the funeral yesterday, Madge must have revealed more of it to that dying girl than to anyone else. How my heart thrilled at those strange whispered words! Howdearly I would love to help her and bring unalloyed happiness into herlife! But whatever it was referred to I cannot touch upon till sheof her own accord gives me her confidence. Could she have formed whatpromises to be a hopeless love in her Western home, and is she nowhiding a wound that will not heal, while bravely and cheerfully facinglife as it is? Perhaps her purpose to return to Santa Barbara provesthat she does not regard her love as utterly hopeless. Well, whateverthe truth may be, she hides her secret with consummate skill, and Ishall not pry into even her affairs. I only know that as I feel now Ishould prize her friendship above any other woman's love. "

"What are you thinking of so deeply?" she asked, meeting his eyes. 

"My thought just then was that I should prize your friendship aboveany other woman's love, and I had been felicitating myself that StellaWildmere would never have the right to criticise the fact. "

"Oh, Graydon, what a man of moods and tenses you are!" Then she added, laughing, "There has been indeed a kaleidoscopic turn in affairs. Mr. Arnault disappeared yesterday, and Mary learned that the Wildmeresleft by the early train this morning. "

"Yes, Miss Wildmere followed Arnault promptly. They are near of kin, but not too near to marry. Their nuptials should be solemnized in WallStreet, under flowers arranged into a dollar symbol. "

"I feel sorry for Mr. And Mrs. Wildmere, though; especially theformer. I think he might have been quite different had the fates beenkinder. "

"I would rather dismiss them all from my mind as far as possible. Don't think me callous about Stella. If she had decided for me at onceand been true I would have been loyal to her in spite of everything;but the revelation of her cold, mercenary soul makes me shudder when Ithink how narrowly I escaped allying myself to it. "

"You have indeed had an escape, " Madge replied, gravely. "If she werea young, thoughtless, undeveloped girl her womanhood might have cometo her afterward. I hope I am mistaken, but she has made a singularimpression on me. "

"Please tell me it. You have insight into character that in one soyoung is surprising. "

"I have no special insight. I simply feel people. They create anatmosphere and make some dominant impression with which I alwaysassociate them. "

"I am eager to know what impression Miss Wildmere has made. "

"I fear this would be true of her, even after she becomes a maturewoman. A man might be almost perishing at her side from mental troubleof some kind, and, so far from feeling for him and sympathizing, shewouldn't even know it, and he couldn't make her know it. She wouldlook at him quietly with her gray eyes as she would at a problem inthe calculus, and with scarcely more desire to understand him, andwith perhaps less power to do so. She would turn from him to a newdress, a new admirer, or a new phase of amusement, and forget him, andthe fact that he was her husband would not make much difference. Somedeep experience of her own may change her, but I don't know. I fearanother's experience would be like a tragedy without the walls whileshe was safe within. "

"Oh, Madge, think of a man with a strong, sensitive nature beating hisvery heart to death against such pumice-stone callousness!"

"I don't like to think of it, " she replied. "Come, I ask with you nowthat we forget her as far as possible. She may not disappoint aman like Arnault. Let them both become shadows in the background ofmemory. Here's a level place. Now for a gallop. "

When at last they pulled up, Graydon said, "Your horse is awfullystrong and restless to-day. "

"Yes; he has not been used enough of late. He'll be quiet beforenight, for I am enjoying this so much that I should like to return inthe same way. "

"I am delighted to hear you say so. My spirits begin to rise themoment I am with you, and you are the only woman I ever knew fromwhose side I could not go with the feeling, 'Well, some other timewould suit me now. '"

Her laugh rang out so suddenly and merrily that her horse sprang intoa gallop, but she checked him speedily, and thought, with an exultantthrill, "Graydon now has surely revealed an unmistakable symptom. " Tohim she said:

"You amuse me immensely. You are almost as outspoken as little Harry, and, like him, you mistake the impression of the moment for theimmutable. "

"Now, that's not fair to me. I've been constant to you. Own up, Madge, haven't I?"

With a glance and smile which she never gave to others, and rarely tohim, she said:

"I own up. I don't believe a real brother would have been half sonice. ". 

"Let the past guarantee the future, then. Shake hands against allfuture misunderstandings. "

She was scarcely ready to shake hands on such a basis, but of coursewould have complied. In the slight confusion her hand relaxed itsgrasp on the curb-rein, and at the same moment a locomotive, comingalong the side of the opposite mountain, blew a shrill whistle. Instantly her horse had the bit in his teeth, and was off at a furiouspace. 

At first she did not care, but soon found, with anxiety, that hepaid no attention to her efforts to check him, and that his pace waspassing into a mad run. The gorge was growing narrower, and the loftymountains stood, with their rocky feet, nearer and nearer together. She could see through the intervening trees that the road andrail-track were becoming closely parallel, and at last realized thather horse was unmanageable. 

When the engineer of the train saw Madge's desperate riding hesurmised that her horse was not under control, and put on extra steamin order to take the exciting cause of the animal's terror out of theway. He thought he could easily reach the summit of the clove wherethe carriage-drive crossed the track before Madge, and then passswiftly over the down-grade beyond; but he had not calculated on theterrific speed of the horse; and when at last the track and roadwaywere almost side by side the frantic beast, with his pale rider, wasabreast of the train. For a moment the engineer was irresolute, andthen, too late, as he feared, "slowed up. "

The narrow road, with a precipitous mountain on the left, was so nearto the flying train that the passengers in an open car could almosttouch Madge, and she was to them like a strange and beautifulapparition, with her white face and large dark eyes filled with anunspeakable dread. 

"Oh, stop the train!" she cried, and her voice, with the whole powerof her lungs, rang out far above the clatter of the wheels, wakeningdespairing echoes from the mountains impending on either side. 

The speed of the cars was perceptibly checked; the passengers sawthe foam-flecked brute, with head stubbornly bent downward and eye offire, pass beyond them. An instant later, to their horrified gaze andthat of Graydon's, who was following as fast as a less swift horsecould carry him, Madge and the locomotive appeared to come together. The young man gave a hoarse, inarticulate cry between a curse and ashout, and whipped his horse forward furiously. 

The speed of the train was renewed, and he saw through the open carthat Madge must have passed unharmed before the engine, just grazingit. It also appeared that she was gaining the mastery, for her horsewas rearing; then cars of ordinary make intervened and hid her fromview a moment, and the train clattered noisily on. 

When he crossed the track Madge was not where he had last seen her. The road beyond ran at a greater distance from the railway, and waslined with trees and bushes. Through an opening among these he sawthat the horse had resumed his old mad pace, that Madge was stillmounted, but that she was no longer erect, and sat with her head bowedand her whip-hand clutching the mane. He also saw, with a sinkingheart, that the road curved a little further on, and evidently crossedthe track again. 

A moment later--Oh, horror! An opening in the foliage revealed Madgedashing headlong, apparently, into the train. He grew so faint that healmost fell from his horse, and was scarcely conscious, until, witha strong revulsion of hope, he found himself under the track which, about an eighth of a mile from the previous crossing, passes justabove the roadway. Not aware of this fact, and with vision broken byintervening trees, he could not have imagined anything else than acollision, which must have been fatal in its consequences. 

With hope his pulse quickened, his strength returned, and he againurged his jaded horse forward, at the same time sending out his voice:

"Madge, Madge, keep up a little longer. "

The road had left the car-track, the noise of the train was dying awayin the distance. At last, turning a curve, he saw that Madge's horsehad come down to a canter, and that she was pulling feebly at therein. 

As he approached he shouted "Whoa!" with such a voice of command thatthe horse stopped suddenly and she almost fell forward. 

"Quick, Graydon, quick!" she gasped. 

He sprang to the ground, and a second later she was an unconsciousburden in his arms. 

He laid her gently on a mossy bank under an oak; then, with aface fairly livid with passion, he drew a small revolver from hiship-pocket, stepped back to the horse that now stood trembling andexhausted in the road, and shot him dead. 

He now saw that they had been observed at a neighboring farmhouse, and that people were running toward them. Gathering Madge again inhis arms, he bore her toward the dwelling, in which effort he was soonaided by a stout countryman. 

The farmer's wife was all solicitude, and to her and her daughter'sministrations Madge was left, while Graydon waited, with intenseanxiety, in the porch, explaining what had occurred, with a mannermuch distraught, in answer to many questions. 

"The cursed brute is done for now, " he concluded. 

Madge's faint proved obstinate, and at last Graydon began to urge thefarmer to go for a physician. 

The daughter at last appeared with the glad tidings that the younggirl was "coming to nicely. "

Graydon breathed a fervent "Thank God!" and sank weak and limp intoa seat on the porch. The farmer brought him a glass of cool milk fromthe cellar, and then Graydon sent in word that he would like to seethe lady as soon as possible. 

When he entered the "spare room" of the farmhouse Madge, with a smilethat was like a ray of sunshine, extended her hand from the lounge onwhich she was reclining, and said:

"You didn't fail me, Graydon. I couldn't have kept up a moment longer. I should have fainted before had I not heard your voice. How good Godhas been!"

He held her hand in both his own, his mouth twitched nervously, buthis emotion was too strong for speech. 

"Don't feel so badly, Graydon, " she resumed, and her voice wasgentleness itself; "I am not hurt, nor are you to blame. "

"I am to blame, " he said, hoarsely. "I gave you that brute, but he'sdead. I shot him instantly. Oh, Madge, if--if--I feel that I wouldhave shot myself. "

"Graydon, please be more calm, " she faltered, tears coming into hereyes. "There, see, you are making me cry. I can't bear to see you--Ican't bear to see a man--so moved. Please now, you look so pale thatI am frightened. I'm not strong, but shall get better at once if I seeyou yourself. "

"Forgive me, Madge, but it seems as if I had suffered the pangs ofdeath ten times over--there, I won't speak about it till we both haverecovered from the shock. Dear, brave little girl; how can I thank youenough for keeping up till I could reach you!"

She began to laugh a little too nervously to be natural. Her heart wasglad over her escape, and in a gladder tumult at his words and manner. He was no shadow of a man, nor did ice-water flow in his veins. Hisfeeling had been so strong that it had almost broken her self-control. 

"Some day, " she exulted, "some day God will turn his fraternalaffection into the wine of love. "

"I'm so nervous, " she said, "that I must either laugh or cry. What aplight we are in! How shall we go forward or backward?"

"We shall not do either very soon. Mrs. Hobson is making you a cup oftea, and then you must rest thoroughly, and sleep, if possible. "

"What will you do?"

"Oh, I'll soothe my nerves with a cigar, and berate myself on theporch! When you are thoroughly rested I'll have Mr. Hobson drive us onto the nearest station. We are in no plight whatever, if you receivedno harm. "

"I haven't. Promise me one thing. "

"Anything--everything. "

"Do no berating. I'm sorry you killed the horse; but he did actvilely, and I suppose you had to let off your anger in some way. I wasangry myself at first--he was so stupid. But when I found I couldn'thold him at all I thought I must die--Oh, how it all comes back tome! What thoughts I had, and how sweet life became! Oh, oh--" and shebegan sobbing like a child. 

"Madge, please--I can't endure this, indeed I can't. "

But her overwrought nerves were not easily controlled, and he kneltbeside her, speaking soothingly and pleadingly. "Dear Madge, dearsister Madge. Oh, I wish Mary was here!" and he kissed her again andagain. 

"Graydon, " she gasped, "stop! There--I'm better;" and she did seem torecover almost instantly. 

"Law bless you, sir, " said Mrs. Hobson, who had entered with the tea, "your sister'll be all right in an hour or so. "

Graydon sprang to his feet, and there was a strong dash of color inhis face. As for the hitherto pallid Madge, her visage was like apeony, and she was preternaturally quiet. 

"Try to sleep, Madge, " said Graydon, from the doorway, "and I won't'worry or take on' a bit;" and he disappeared. 

There was no sleep for her, and yet she felt herself wonderfullyrestored. Was it the potency of Mrs. Hobson's tea? or that which hehad placed upon her lips?

CHAPTER XXXVII

"YOU ARE VERY BLIND"

As a general rule Graydon was not conscious of nerves, and hadreceived the fact of their existence largely on faith. But to-day theyasserted themselves in a manner which excited his surprise and somerather curious speculation. He found his heart beating in a waydifficult to account for on a physiological basis, his pulsesfluttering, and his thoughts in a luminous haze, wherein nothing wasvery distinct except Madge's flushing face, startled eyes, looking aprotest through their tears. It was not so much an indignant protestas it was a frightened one, he half imagined. And why was he soconfused and disturbed that, instead of sitting quietly down in theporch, as he had intended, he was impelled to walk restlessly toa neighboring grove! For one so intensely fraternal he felt he wascontinuing to "take on" in a very unnecessary style. 

"Confound that woman!" he muttered. "Why did she have to come in justthen, and why should I blush like a schoolgirl because she caught mekissing one that I regard as a sister? And why did the word sistersound so unnatural when spoken by Mrs. Hobson? 'Great Scott!' as Henrysays, I hope I'm not growing to love Madge. She would overwhelm mewith ridicule, infused, perhaps, with a spice of contempt, if I gaveher the impression that I had fallen out of love one week and in thenext. Hang it! I'm all broken up from this day's experience. I hadbetter get on my feet mentally, and then I shall be able to find outwhere I stand. "

The demon of restlessness soon drove him back to the house again, andhe learned that there would be a train in about two hours. They wouldstill have time to dine at the Kaaterskill and return before night. Hetherefore made arrangements to be driven to the station, also to havethe horse he had ridden and the saddles taken back to the Under-CliffHouse. 

There was a faint after-glow on Madge's cheeks when she joined him atthe substantial repast which Mr. And Mrs. Hobson insisted upon theirpartaking before departure; but in all other respects she appearedand acted as usual. With a fineness of tact she was at home among herplain entertainers, and put them at ease. Mrs. Hobson continued tospeak of her as Graydon's sister, and he had darted a humorous glanceat the girl; but it met such grave impassiveness of expression that hefeared she was angry. 

When parting from her hostess Madge spoke words which left a genialexpression on the good dame's face for hours thereafter, and at thestation Graydon put in Mr. Hobson's hand more than he could havegathered from his stony farm that day, although he had been calledfrom the harvest field. 

During the first mile or two in the cars Madge was very quiet, andseemed almost wholly engrossed with the scenery. At last Graydonleaned toward her and asked, "Are you vexed with me, Madge?"

"I find that I must maintain my self-control when with you, Graydon, "was the grave reply. 

"Forgive me, Madge. I scarcely knew what I was doing. Let yourthoughts take my part a little. Remember that within the hour I hadbelieved I had lost you. I haven't had a chance to tell you yet, butwhen you passed under the train you appeared from where I was to dashinto it, and I nearly fainted and fell off my horse. Think what ahorrible shock I had. I also was nervous and all broken up--the firsttime in my life that I remember being so. I couldn't cry as you did, and when off my balance kissing you was just as natural to me as--"Madge's mouth had been twitching, and now, in spite of herself, herlaugh broke forth. 

"Please forgive me, Madge;" and he held out his hand. 

"On condition that you will never do so again, or speak of it again. "

"Never?" he repeated, ruefully. 

"Never!" she said, with severe emphasis. 

"I won't make any such promise, " he replied, stubbornly. 

"Oh, very well!" and she turned to the window. 

"Confound it!" he thought; "I'm not going to tie myself up by any suchpledge. I'm not sure of myself, or sure of anything, except that I'm afree man, and that Madge won't be my sister. I shall remain free. Sheherself once said in effect that I could take a straight coursewhen once I got my bearings, and I shall permit no more promises ortrammels till I do get them. "

They passed speedily on to the end of their journey, and were theperfection of quiet, well-bred travellers, he disguising a slightlyvexatious constraint and sense of unduly severe punishment, and shesecretly exulting over the fact that he would not make the promise. 

When leaving the Kaaterskill station her eyes first rested on theadjacent lake, and its wide extent suggested the opportunity to pullan oar to some purpose. As the stage surmounted the last approachto the hotel, and the valley of the Hudson, with the river windingthrough it like a silver band, broke upon her vision, the apparentcloud passed from her brow, and her pleasure was unaffected. A fewinquiries and the study of a map of the vicinity made it evident thatthe region abounded in superb walks and drives, while from thefront piazza there was a panorama that would never lose its changinginterest and beauty. A suite of rooms was selected, with theunderstanding that they should be occupied on Wednesday. 

Madge soon found herself the object of no little curiosity andinterest. The story of her mad ride had reached the house, and shewas recognized by some who had been on the train; but Graydon metinquiries in such a way that they were not pushed very far. To areporter he said, "Is this affair ours or the public's? We have nottrespassed on any one's rights. "

He reassured Madge by saying, "Don't worry about it; such things areonly the talk of a day. "

They returned during the afternoon. Graydon's manner was courtesyitself, and but little more; but he was becoming a vigilant student ofhis companion, and she soon was dimly aware of the fact. 

"I will understand her, " he had resolved. "I intend to get mybearings, and then shape my course, for I cannot help feeling that thedestiny of the little girl who used to sit on my lap, with her head onmy shoulder, is in some way interwoven with mine. Even when I believedmyself in love with another woman she had more power over me thanStella--more power to kindle thought and awaken my deeper nature. Ibegin to think that all her talk about being a friend, good fellow, etc. , is greater nonsense than my fraternal proposals. No friend, fellow, or sister could make my heart beat as it did to-day. No humanbeing in mortal peril could have awakened such desperate, recklessdespair as I felt at one time, and" (with a smile to himself) "I neverknew what a kiss was before. I'm not the fool to ignore all thesesymptoms. I'll fathom the mystery of this sweet, peerless girl, if ittakes all summer and all my life. "

But the fair enigma at his side grew more inscrutable. Neither by tonenor glance did she indicate that he was more to her than she had said. 

"Do you wish to recognize the scenes we passed over this morning?" heasked, gently, as they approached them. 

"No, not yet. I don't wish to think about it any more than I canhelp. "

"Your wishes are mine. "

"Occasionally, perhaps. "

"You shall see. "

"I usually do, " was her laughing answer. 

But she began to appear very weary, and when they reached theUnder-Cliff House she went to her room, and did not reappear againthat day. 

Graydon made even Dr. Sommers's ruddy cheek grow pale by his briefnarrative, adding, "Perhaps her nerves have received a severer shockthan she yet understands. I wish you would tell Mrs. Muir the story, making as light of it as you can, and with her aid you can insure thatMiss Alden obtains the rest and tonics she needs. You can also meetand quiet the rumors that may be flying about, and you know that MissAlden has a strong aversion to being talked to or of about personalaffairs. "

In youth, health, and sleep Madge found the best restoratives, and themorning saw her little the worse for the experiences of the previousday. The hours passed quickly in preparations for departure and ina call on Mr. And Mrs. Wendall, who gave evidence that they werebecoming more resigned. 

"I am at work again, " said the farmer, "and so is Nancy. There'snothing else for us to do but plod toward home, where Tilly is. "

Regret was more general and sincere than is usual when the transientassociations of a resort are broken. Dr. Sommers's visage could notlengthen literally, and yet it approached as nearly to a funerealaspect as was possible. He brightened up, however, when Madge slippedsomething into his hand "for the chapel. "

They were soon comfortably established in their new quarters, and inthe late afternoon Madge was so rested that she took a short walkwith Graydon to Sunset Rock, and saw the shadows deepen in the vast, beautiful Kaaterskill Clove. Then they returned by the ledge path. At last they entered the wonderful Palenvilie Road, a triumph ofpractical engineering, and built by a plain mountaineer, who, from thebase of the mountain to the summit, made his surveys and sloped hisgrades by the aid of his eye only. They had been comparatively silent, and Graydon finally remarked: "It gives me unalloyed pleasure, Madge, to look upon such scenes with you. There is no need of my pointing outanything. I feel that you see more than I do, and I understand betterwhat I do see from the changing expression of your eyes. Don't youthink such unspoken appreciation of the same thing is the basis oftrue companionship?"

"Oh, Graydon, what an original thought!"

He bit his lip, and remarked that the evening was growing cool. 

At supper and during the evening his vigilance was not rewarded inthe slightest degree. Madge appeared in good spirits, and talkedcharmingly, even brilliantly at times, but she was exceedinglyimpersonal, and it was now his policy to follow her slightest lead ineverything. He would prove that her wish was his, as far as he knewit. 

"Some day, " he thought, "I shall find a clew to her mystery. "

The next morning Graydon went to the city, and would not return tillFriday evening of the following week, for it was now his purpose toresume business. In the evening he and his brother discussed theiraffairs, which were beginning to improve all along the line. Thentheir talk converged more upon topics connected with this story, andamong them was Mr. Wildmere's suspension. 

"His failure don't amount to very much, " Henry remarked; "he hasalways done business in a sort of hand-to-mouth way. "

"I am surprised that Arnault permitted him to go down, " Graydon said;"it couldn't have taken very much to keep him up. "

"It is said that Arnault will have nothing to do with him, and thatthis fact has hastened his downfall. "

"Well, so she played it too sharp on him, also. I was in hopes thatshe would marry and punish him. I don't wonder at his course, though;for if he has a spark of spirit he would not forgive her treatmentafter she learned that you had not failed. Oh, how blind I was!"

"Yes, Graydon, you are very blind, " said Mr. Muir, inadvertently. 

"'Are?' Why do you use the present tense?"

"Did I?" replied Mr. Muir, a little confusedly. "Well, you see, Madgeand I understood Miss Wildmere from the first. "

"Oh, hang Miss Wildmere! Do you think Madge--"

"Now stop right there, Graydon. I think Madge is the best and mostsensible girl I ever knew, and that's all you will ever get out ofme. "

"Pardon me, Henry. I spoke from impulse, and not a worthy one, either. I tell you point blank, however, that Madge Alden hasn't her equal inthe world. I would love her in a moment if I dared. Would to HeavenI could have spent some time with her immediately after my return! Inthat case there would have been no Wildmere folly. I declare, Henry, when I thought she must be killed the other day I felt that the endof my own life had come. I can't tell you what that girl is to me; butwith her knowledge of the past how can I approach her in decency?"

"Well, " said Mr. Muir, shrugging his shoulders and rising to retire, "you are out of the worst part of your scrape, and Madge is aliveand well. This is not a little to be thankful for. I shall confine myadvice to business matters. Still, were I in your shoes, I know what Ishould do. 'Faint heart, ' you know. Good-night. "

Graydon did not move, or scarcely answer, but, with every faculty ofmind concentrated, he thought, "Henry's explanation of his use of thepresent tense does not explain, and there is more meaning in what heleft unsaid in our recent interview than in what he said. Can it bepossible? Let me take this heavenly theory and, as we were taught atcollege, see how much there is to support it. Was there any change inher manner toward me before we parted years since? Why, she was takenill that night when she first met Miss Wildmere, and I stayed awayfrom her so long--idiot!"

From that hour he went forward, scanning everything that had occurredbetween them, until he saw again her flushing face and startled eyeswhen he kissed her, and his belief grew strong that it was his immensegood-fortune to fulfil the prediction that Madge should be happy. 

The thought kept him sleepless most of that night, and made the timewhich must intervene before he could see her again seem long indeed. He did his utmost to get the details of his department well in handduring business hours; but after they were over his mind returned atonce to Madge, and never did a scientist hunt for facts and hints insupport of a pet theory so eagerly as did Graydon scan the past forconfirmation of his hope, that long years of companionship had givenhim a place in Madge's heart which no one else possessed, and thathis blindness or indifference to the truth was the sorrow of her life. This view explained why she would not regard herself as his sister, and could not permit the intimacy natural to the relation. 

When he examined the attitude of his own heart toward her he was notsurprised that his affection was passing swiftly into a love deeperand far more absorbing than Stella Wildmere had ever inspired. 

"The old law of cause and effect, " he said, smiling to himself, "andI can imagine no effect in me adequate to the cause. Even when shescarcely cast a shadow she was more companionable than Stella, but itnever occurred to me to think of her in any other light than that oflittle sister Madge. Almost as soon as the thought occurred to me, and I had a right to love her, love became as natural as it wasinevitable. Even in the height of my infatuation for Stella, Madge waswinning me from her unconsciously to myself. "

Such thoughts and convictions imparted a gentle and almost caressingtone to his words when Madge welcomed and accompanied him to his latesupper on his return to the mountains. 

[Illustration: "PROMISE ME YOU WILL TAKE A LONG REST. "]

This significant accent was more marked than ever when she promenadedwith him for a brief time on the piazza. Nor did a little brusquenesson her part banish the tone and manner which were slight indeed, butunmistakable to her quick intuition. 

"Could Henry have given him a hint?" she queried; and her browcontracted and her eyes flashed indignantly at the thought. 

As a result of the suspicion, she left him speedily, and in themorning was glad to hope, from his more natural bearing, that she hadbeen over-sensitive. 

The sagacious Graydon, however, was maturing a plan which he hopedwould bring her the happiness which it would be his happiness toconfer. 

"She is so proud and spirited, " he thought, "that only when surprisedand off her guard will she reveal to me a glimpse of the truth. If Iconsulted my own pride I wouldn't speak for a long time to come--nottill she had ceased to associate me with Stella Wildmere; but if sheis loving me as I believe she would love a man, she shall not doubt anhour longer than I can help, that I and my life's devotion are hers. Sweet Madge, you shall make your own terms again!"

CHAPTER XXXVIII

"CERTAINLY I REFUSE YOU"

Having heard that one of the finest views among the mountains was tobe had at Indian Head, a vast overhanging precipice facing toward theentrance to the Kaaterskill Clove, Graydon easily induced Madge toexplore with him the tangled paths which led thither. 

How his eyes exulted over her as she tripped on before him down thesteep, winding, rocky paths! As he followed he often wondered whereher feet had found their secure support, so rugged was the way. Yet onshe glanced before him, swaying, bending to avoid branches, or pushingthem aside, her motions instinct with vitality and natural grace. 

Once, however, he had a fright. She was taking a deep descent swiftly, when her skirt caught on a stubborn projecting stump of a sapling, and it appeared that she would fall headlong; but by some surprising, self-recovering power, which seemed exerted even in the act offalling, she lay before him in the path, almost as if reclining easilyupon her elbow, and was nearly on her feet again before he could reachher side. 

"Are you hurt?" he asked, most solicitously, brushing off the dustfrom her dress. 

"Not in the least, " she replied, laughing. 

"Well, " he exclaimed, "I don't believe you or any one else could dothat so handsomely again if you tried a thousand times! Don't try, please. I carried you the other day some little distance, and foundthat you were no longer a little ghost. "

"You carried me, Graydon? I thought the people from the farmhousecame. "

"Oh, I didn't wait for them! I was half beside myself. "

"Evidently, " she replied, a little coolly. 

Her tone made him falter in his purpose, and when at last they reachedIndian Head, she was so resolutely impersonal in her talk, and had somuch to say about the history and the legends of the region ofwhich she had read, that he felt that she was in no mood for what heintended to say. As the time passed he grew nervously apprehensiveover his project, and at last they started on their return with hisplan unfulfilled. They agreed to try a path to their left, which wasscarcely distinguishable, and it soon appeared to end at a point thatsloped almost perpendicularly to a wild gorge that ran up between thehills. 

"That must be what is down on the map as Tamper Clove, " said Madge;"and do you know, some think that it was up that valley Irving madepoor Rip carry the heavy keg? Oh, I wish we could get down into it andgo back that way!"

"Let me explore;" and he began swinging himself down by the aid ofsaplings and smaller growth. "Some one has passed here recently, " hecalled back, "for trees are freshly blazed and branches broken. Yes, "he cried, a moment later; "here is a well-defined path leading up theclove toward the hotel. Do you think you dare attempt it?"

"Certainly, " she answered; and before he could reach her she washalf-way down the descent. 

"Madge!" he cried, in alarm. 

"Oh, don't worry, " she said; "I was over worse places in the West. "

"Well, what can't she do!" he exclaimed, as she stood beside him inthe path. 

"I can't give up my own way very easily, " she replied. "You have foundthat out. "

"That don't trouble me in the least. I don't wish you to give up yourown way. It's warm down here, and our walk won't be so breezy as if wehad followed the ridge. "

"We will take it leisurely and have a rest by and by. "

The gorge grew narrower and wilder. They passed an immense tree, underwhich Indians may have bivouacked, and in some storm long past thelightning had plowed its way from the topmost branch to its gnarledroots. 

At last the path crossed a little rill that tinkled with a faintmurmur among the stones, making a limpid pool here and there. Immensebowlders, draped with varied-hued mosses and lichens, were scatteredabout, where in ages past the melting glacier had left them. The treesthat densely shaded the place seemed primeval in their age, loftiness, and shaggy girth. 

"Oh, what a deliciously cool and lovely spot!" cried Madge, throwingdown her alpenstock. "Get me some oak leaves, Graydon, and I will makeyou a cup and give you a drink. "

In a moment she made a fairy chalice with the aid of little twigs, andwhen she handed it to him, dripping with water, his hand trembled ashe took it. 

"Why, Graydon, " she exclaimed, "what on earth makes you so nervous?"

"I am not used to climbing, and I suppose my hand has a little tremorfrom fatigue. "

"You poor thing! Here is a mossy rock on which you can imitate Rip. You have only to imagine that my leaf goblet is the goblin flagon ofIrving's legend. "

"Where and what would you be after twenty years?"

"Probably a wrinkled spinster at Santa Barbara. "

"You wouldn't go away and leave me?"

"Certainly I would, if I couldn't wake you up. "

He looked into her mirthful eyes and lovely face. Oh, how lovely itwas, flushed from heat and climbing! "Madge, " he said, impetuously, "you have waked me--every faculty of my soul, every longing of myheart. Will you be my wife?"

Her face grew scarlet. She sprang to her feet, and asked, with halfserious, half comic dismay, "Will I be your _what!_"

"I asked you to be my wife, " he began, confusedly. 

"Oh, Graydon, this is worse than asking me to be your sister!" shereplied, laughing. "Your alternations fairly make me dizzy. "

"Truly, Madge, " he stammered, "a man can scarcely pay a woman agreater compliment--"

"Oh, it's a compliment!" she interrupted. 

"No, " he burst out, with more than his first impetuosity; "I'min earnest. You, who almost read my thoughts, know that I am inearnest--that--"

By a strong yet simple gesture she checked him. 

"You scarcely realize what you are asking, Graydon, " she said, gravely. "I have no doubt your present emotion is unforced andsincere, but it requires time to prove earnestness. You were equallysure you were in earnest a short time since, and I had little place, comparatively, in your thoughts. "

"But I did not know you then as I do now. "

"You thought you did. You had vivid impressions then about me, andmore vivid about another woman. You are acting now under anotherimpression, and from impulse. If I ever give myself away it shall notbe in response to an impulse. "

"Madge, you misjudge me--" he began, hotly. 

"I think I know most of the facts, and you know how matter-of-factI am. You may think I do not know what love is, but I do. It is apriceless thing. It is a woman's life, and all that makes a truewoman's life. It is something that one cannot always give at will, orwisely; but if I had the power to give it at all, it should be to aman who had earned the right to ask it, and not to one who, within afew short days, had formed new impressions about me. Love is not theaffection of a friend, or even of a sister. There is no necessity forme to marry. "

"Then you refuse me?" he said, a little stiffly. 

"Certainly I refuse you, Graydon. Has my manner led you to think thatI was eager for a chance to accept you?"

"Oh, no, indeed! You have checked my slightest tendencies towardsentiment. "

"Thank you for the assurance. I do not care in the least forsentiment. "

His airy fabric of hope, of almost certainty, had been shattered sosuddenly that he was overwhelmed. There seemed but one conclusion. 

"Madge, " he said, in a low, hoarse voice, "answer me, yes or no. Youloved some one at Santa Barbara who did not return your love? That isyour trouble of which Mrs. Wendall spoke--I could not help hearing herwords--that is the mystery about you which has been haunting me withincreasing perplexity; that was the sorrow I heard in your voice theevening you sang in the chapel, and which has vaguely, yet strongly, moved me since? Tell me, is it not so? Tell me, as a friend, that Imay be a truer friend. "

She had turned away in a manner that confirmed his thought. 

"You are suggesting a humiliating confession, Graydon. "

"Yes, humiliating to the man who saw you, knew you, yet did not loveyou. Tell me, Madge. It will make my own course clearer. "

"Yes, then, " she replied. 

He sighed deeply, and was silent for a few moments. 

"Madge, " he at last resumed, "look at me. I wish to tell yousomething. "

She turned slowly toward him, and he saw that her lip was trembling, and that tears were gathering in her eyes. 

"You may think me cruel in wringing such a confession from you, butperhaps you will forgive me when you hear all I have to say. You maylook upon me now as a creature of impulses and impressions. The memoryof my recent infatuation is fresh in your mind, but you yourself saidI could be straightforward when once I got my bearings. I have themnow, and I take my course. As a friend you have revealed to me much ofyour woman's nature, and, having known the best, I shall not look foranything less than yours. I shall be devoted to you through life. Iwill be to you all that I can be--all that you will permit. It is saidthat time heals all wounds. Perhaps some day--well, if it ever can be, I should be content to take what you could give. You said I was kindand patient with the little ghost. I should be far kinder, gentler--"

She had felt herself going fast, and had almost yielded to the impulseto exclaim, "You, Graydon, are the one who did not return my love; andalthough your love has been so brief and untested compared with mine, I will trust you;" when voices were heard on the same path bywhich they had come, and the figures of other ramblers were seenindistinctly through the foliage. 

She gave his hand a strong pressure, seized her alpenstock, andhastened swiftly forward. The path soon afterward emerged on thepublic road. The breeze cooled her hot cheeks, kissed away her tears, and half an hour later they approached the hotel, chatting as quietlyas the strictest conventionality would require. 

CHAPTER XXXIX

MY TRUE FRIEND

They found that Mr. Muir had arrived, and no family party in the longsupper-room appeared more free from disturbing thoughts and memoriesthan the one gathered at the banker's table. In Madge the keen-eyedman could detect nothing that was unusual, and in Graydon only a traceof the dignity and seriousness which would inevitably follow somedeep experience or earnest purpose. They all spent the evening and thegreater part of the following day together, and Madge was touched morethan once by observing that Graydon sought unobtrusively to complywith even her imagined wishes and to enhance the point and interest ofher spoken thoughts. 

In answer to his direct question she had acknowledged the absolutetruth, and yet it had proved more misleading than all the disguiseswhich her maidenly reserve had compelled her to adopt. It seemed nowthat she would have no further trouble with him--that he had definedhis purpose, and would abide by it. She was glad that she had notyielded to his appeal and rewarded him in the first consciousnessof his new regard for her. This feeling had seemed too recent, tumultuous, and full of impulse, and did not accord with her earnest, chastened spirit, that had attained the goal of its hope by suchpatient endeavor. She preferred that the first strong outflow fromhis heart should find wide, deep channels, and that his love for hershould take the same recognized place in his life that her love hadoccupied so long in her own. She also had a genuine and femininereluctance that the suitor of Stella Wildmere should be known as herlover so speedily, and something more and deeper than good taste wasthe cause of her aversion. 

Yet she was exceedingly happy. The hope that had sustained her solong, that had been so nearly lost, now seemed certain of fulfilment, and no one but she and God knew how much this truth meant. Only He hadbeen her confidant, and she felt that she had been sustained in herstruggle from weakness to strength by a Power that was not human, andguided during the past weeks by a wisdom beyond her own. 

"He has proved to me a good Father, " was her simple belief. "He ledme to do the best I could for myself, and then did the rest. I alsoam sure He would have sustained me had I failed utterly. That my lifewould not have been vain and useless was shown when I saved littleNellie Wilder. "

Thus it may be seen that she was quite unlike many good people. In herconsciousness God was not a being to be worshipped decorously and thencounted out from that which made her real life and hope. 

The future now stretched away full of rest and glad assurance. Graydon's manner already began to fulfil his promise. He would quietlyaccept the situation as he understood it, and she saw already thesteadying power of an unselfish, unfaltering purpose. He appeared byyears an older and a graver man, and when he sat by her during theservice in the wide parlor, there was not a trace of his old flippantirreverence. Whatever he now believed, he had attained the higherbreeding which respects what is sacred to others. 

She had but little compunction over his self-sacrificing mood. Itwas perfectly clear that by quiet, manly devotion he proposed to help"time heal the wound" made by that "idiot" at Santa Barbara, andshe that she could gradually reveal to him so much improvement thatequanimity and at last hope would find a place in his mind. 

They parted Monday morning with a brief, strong pressure ofhands, which Graydon felt conveyed volumes of sympathy and mutualunderstanding. She had said that he could write to her, and he foundhe had so much to say that he had to put a strong constraint uponhimself. 

Mr. Muir had watched them curiously during his stay in the mountains, and felt that something had occurred which he could not fathom. Graydon's manner at parting and since, during business hours, hadconfirmed this impression. He was almost as grave and reticent as thebanker himself, and the latter began to chafe and grow irritable overthe problem which he was bent on seeing solved in but one way. Helooked askance and discontentedly at Graydon during dinner in theevening. When they were alone he was fidgety and rather curt in hisremarks. At last he burst out, "Confound it! What has happened betweenyou and Madge?"

"She has refused me, that's all, " was the quiet reply. 

Mr. Muir gave a low whistle. 

"Oh, I understood you the other evening, " resumed Graydon. "Thephenomenal penetration on which you so pride yourself is at fault foronce. "

The banker was so nonplused that he permitted his cigar to go out, buthe soon reached the conclusion, "He has bungled. " "Well, " he asked atlast, "what do you propose to do?"

"To be to her all that she will ever permit, and die a bachelor forher sake if I must. "

Mr. Muir lighted his Havana again and puffed in silence for a while, then said, "I like that. Your purpose is clearly defined. In businessand everything else there is solid comfort in knowing what you candepend upon. "

Madge's replies to Graydon's letters were scarcely more than notes, but they were breezy little affairs, fragrant with the breath of themountains, and had an excellent tonic effect in the hot city. Theyusually contained a description of what she had seen or of somelocality visited. On one occasion she wrote:

"Late in the afternoon there had been a shower, not gentle andpattering, but one of those frightful, passionate outbursts which arenot infrequent in these mountains. The wind appeared to drive blackmasses of clouds from all directions save one, which, meeting over theheight occupied by the hotel, discharged torrents of rain. At lastthe wind left the writhing trees in peace, and carried the deeplyshadowing cloud away beyond the hills. The sun broke forth, andnature began some magic work. Calling the mist fairies to her aid, she gathered from every ravine and clove delicate airy clouds, whichformed a large and rapidly increasing mass of vapor. Soon the plainbelow--the wide Hudson valley--was entirely shut out, as though agreat white curtain had dropped from the sky to the mountain's base. Just then the setting sun, which had been temporarily obscured, shoneforth in glorious brightness, casting on the beautiful cloud-curtainthe dark, clearly defined shadow of the mountain-top, with its crownof buildings, even the towers and turrets showing with startlingdistinctness. It was like a mammoth, well-cut cameo, or a giganticmagic lantern effect, with the sun as a calcium light. 

"The spectacle lasted only a few moments. Then the cloudy curtainparted, and the valley of the Hudson was seen again, spanned by arainbow. "

The days lengthened into weeks, Graydon coming every Friday afternoon, and wondering slightly at the demurely radiant face that greetedhim. "Truly, " he thought, "in the words of the old hymn she 'puts acheerful courage on. '"

At times, however, she would be a little pensive. Then his tones wouldhave a greater depth and gentleness, and his sympathy was very sweet, although she felt a little guilty because she was in no need of it. She could stifle her compunction by thinking:

"There was such a long, weary time when I did need it, and wasdesolate because of its absence, that I must have a little now tooffset those gray, lonely days. "

She had thought she loved him before, but as she saw him patiently andunselfishly seeking to brighten her life in every possible way, withno better hope than that at some time in the indefinite future shemight give him what was left of her heart after the old fire haddied out, her former affection seemed as pale and shadowy as she washerself when first she learned that she had a woman's heart. 

Late one Friday afternoon he startled her by asking abruptly, "Madge, what has become of that fellow out West?"

"Please don't speak about that again, " she faltered. 

"Oh, well, certainly not, if you don't wish me to; but I thought ifthere was any chance--"

"Chance for what, Graydon?"

"Confound him! I don't suppose I could do anything. I want to make youhappy, Madge. I feel just like taking the idiot by the ear, bringinghim to you, and saying, 'There, you unconscionable fool, look atthat girl--' You know what I mean. I'm suggesting the spirit, not theletter of my action. But, Madge, believe me, if I could help you atany cost to myself--"

"Is your regard for me, of which you spoke, so slight that you couldgo to work deliberately to bring that man to me?"

"There is no regard about it. My _love_ for you is so great that Iwould do anything to make you happy. "

"Madge, " called the voice of Mrs. Muir, who was following them withher husband, "where are you and Graydon?"

"Here!" cried Madge, springing up. Then she gave her hand to him, and he saw that there were tears in her eyes. "Graydon, " she said, "I couldn't ask a stronger test than that. I can't tell you how Iappreciate it. I shall never impose any such task upon you. "

"Don't hesitate on my account. I admit that it would be harder thanone of the labors of Hercules, but you command me now and always. Nothing is so bad as to know that you are unhappy. "

"Do I seem very unhappy?"

"No, you brave little woman! but who could guess the truth if youwere? My knowledge is not derived from your usual manner. "

"It is a pity if I cannot be patient when you set me so good anexample, " she said, as Mr. And Mrs. Muir approached. 

When they were alone again for a brief time during the ramble, Graydonresumed: "I wish to make sure of your confidence, Madge; I wish you totake me at my word. I don't think you have been quite just to me. I amnot a cold-blooded fellow, and, no doubt, am given to impressions andimpulses; but I think constancy is one of my traits. I never waveredin my affection for you until I misunderstood you immediately aftermy return, and then that very misapprehension kept me worried andperplexed much of the time. I was true to Miss Wildmere as longas there was anything to be constant to, and yet for years she wasscarcely anything more than a fancy, a preference. Since my returnyou know just what she was to me. Nothing is more certain than that Inever loved her. I did not know what the word meant then. There is achapter in your history that I don't know much about, but I am sureI could make good my word to do anything within my power to bring youhappiness. I have imagined that a little management, guided by tactand absolute fidelity--"

"Don't say anything more about that, Graydon, " she said, firmly. "Notif my heart broke a thousand times would I seek a man or permit him tobe sought for me in any such way as you suggest. "

"That's settled, then. "

"That's settled forever. "

"Well, in that case, " he said, with a short, nervous laugh, "there maybe a chance for me within the next hundred years. "

"Are you so willing to take a woman who had once given her heart toanother?"

"I don't know anything about '_a_ woman. ' I would take _you_, Madge, under any circumstances that I can imagine. "

"Graydon, " said Mrs. Muir, suddenly appearing around a turn in thewalk, "what is the matter with you? Why can't you and Madge keep withus more? For some reason we are getting separated all the time. Thisis a lovely spot. Let us sit down here like a family party and have alittle music. I just long to get back home, so that Madge may singfor us as much as we wish. Here she would attract the attention ofstrangers, and that ends the matter; and so I feel as if I had a raresinging bird, but never a song. In this secluded place no others willhear you, Madge. "

"Very well. What do you wish? I feel like singing. "

"Make your own choice. "

"I'll give you an old song, then, about friendship;" and with notesrivalling those of a hermit-thrush that had been chanting vespers inthe dense woods near by, she sang a quaint melody, her voice wakeningfaint echoes from the adjacent rocks. When she came to the last linesshe gave Graydon a shy glance, which seemed to signify, "These wordsare for you. "

 "Kinder than Love is my true friend. He'd die for me if that would end My sorrow. Yes, would live for me-- Suffer and live unselfishly, And that for him would harder be Than at my feet to die for me. "

As she ceased she again encountered his steadfast gaze with a glancewhich said, "Have I not done you justice?"

He was satisfied, and felt that the presence of his relatives hadsecured a sweeter answer than might otherwise have been given--ananswer that contained all he could hope for then. 

"Humph!" ejaculated Mr. Muir, very discontentedly. 

"What an appreciative remark, Henry!" said Madge, laughing. 

"It was; and it expressed my views, " said the banker, dryly. "Come, Mary, let us go home to supper. "

"Now, I think the song very pretty, " said Mary, "only there are nosuch people nowadays. "

As Madge followed with Graydon she continued laughing softly toherself. 

"You are not hiding vexation at Henry?" Graydon asked. 

"Oh, no, I understand Henry. You think I am always hiding something. You at least should have understood my song. "

"Yes, Madge, " he said, gravely, "and you also made it clear that youunderstood me. I am content. "

She laughed, imitating the ejaculation. 

"Henry's 'humph!' was too rich for anything. It meant volumes. Whatsentimental fools he thinks us to be!"

"Henry could no more understand such a song than sing it, " wasGraydon's somewhat irritable response. 

"No matter. Such men are invaluable in the world. My nature is verymuch in accord with Henry's, and so far as he has had experience, heis very sound. "

"With your saving clause in mind, I agree with you perfectly aboutHenry, but not about yourself. Your nature, Madge, like your voice, has a wide compass. "

With this one exception there was no other spoken reference duringthe remainder of the summer to the attitude toward her which he nowmaintained in thought and action. The season was drawing to a close, and she had enjoyed the latter part of it beyond her fondest hopes andexpectations. She made a few congenial acquaintances at the hotel, andwith them never wearied in exploring the paths that converged at thegreat caravansary, and in visiting the various outlooks from whichthe same wide landscapes presented ever-changing aspects. Chief amongthese friends was a middle-aged artist, who was deeply imbued with thegenius of the mountains, and who had no little skill in catching andidealizing the lovely effects he saw. He proved her best guide, for hehad long haunted the region, and the majority of the paths were due tohis taste and explorations. In such congenial tasks he acted as agentfor the sagacious and liberal owner of the vast property, who was sowise that in his dealings with nature he employed one that loved andunderstood her. To Madge the artist showed his favorite nooks andhaunts, where the wild beauty of the hills dwelt like a livingpresence, and the scenery not yet painted which, from certainstandpoints, almost composed itself on the canvas. Thus he taughther to see the region somewhat as he did, and to find in the generalbeauty definite, natural pictures that were like flowers in thewilderness. She greatly enjoyed watching with him the wonderfulmoonlight effects on the vast shaggy sides and summit of High Peak, that reared its almost untrodden solitudes opposite the hotel. Thismountain was the favorite haunt of fantastic clouds. Sometimes in theform of detached mists they would pass up rapidly like white spectresfrom the vast chasm of the Kaaterskill. Again a heavy mass wouldsettle on the whole length of the mountain, the outlines of whichwould be lost, and the whole take the semblance of one vast heightcrowned with the moon's radiance. Nothing fascinated Madge more thanto observe how the artist caught the essential elements of beauty inthe changing cloud scenery and reproduced the effects on a fewinches of canvas, and in her better appreciation of similar scenerythereafter, she saw how true it is that art may be the interpreter ofnature. 

The fine music and varied entertainments at the house served also tobeguile her time. On one occasion the young people were arranging aseries of tableaux, and she was asked to personate Jephtha's daughter. When the curtain rose on her lovely face and large, dark eyes, theHebrew maiden and her pathetic history grew into vivid reality againstthe dim background of the past. 

After all, the time that intervened between Monday and Fridayafternoon was spent in waiting, and even the hours toward the lastwere counted. The expression in Graydon's dark blue eyes was alwaysthe same when he greeted her, and recalled the line:

 "Kinder than Love is my true friend. "

On Saturdays they took long tramps, seeking objective points farbeyond the range of ordinary ramblers. 

CHAPTER XL

THE END OF THE WOOING

Madge had often turned wistful eyes toward High Peak, and on the lastSaturday before their final return to the city she said to Graydon, "Dare we attempt it? Perhaps if we gave the day to the climb, and tookit leisurely--"

"There's no 'perhaps' about it. We'll go if you wish. I should likenothing better than to get lost with you. "

"There is no danger of getting lost, " she replied, hastily. "The hotelmust be visible from the whole line of its summit, and I am told thatthere is a path to the top of the mountain. "

"I will be ready in half an hour, " he said. 

It was a lovely day in early September. The air was soft, yet cool andbracing enough to make climbing agreeable. Graydon had a lunch basket, which he could sling over his shoulder, well filled, and ordered acarriage. "There is no need of our tramping over the intervening milesof dusty roads which must be passed before we begin our climb, " hesaid, "and the distance we ride will make a pleasant drive for Maryand the children. "

Madge and Graydon reached the summit without any great difficulty, Mary having returned with the assurance that they would find their ownway back to the hotel. 

As the hours passed, Graydon began to gather more hope than he haddared to entertain since his shattered theory had so disheartened him. In spite of his fancied knowledge about Madge, it was hard to believeshe was very unhappy that morning. There was an elasticity to herstep, a ring of genuine gladness in her tones and laugh, which did notsuggest that she was consciously carrying a heavy burden. 

"She certainly is the bravest and most unselfish girl I everimagined, " he thought, as they left the highest point after enjoyingthe view. "With an art so inimitable as to be artless, she has triedto give me enjoyment. Instead of regarding herself as one to beentertained, she has been pouring forth words, fancies, snatchesof song like sparkling wine, and I am exhilarated instead of beingwearied. "

When at last they found a spring at which to eat their lunch, he toldher so, concluding, "This mountain air does you good, Madge. "

"So do you, " she replied, with a piquant nod. "Don't be conceited whenI tell you that you are good company. "

"No; but I can't help being happy. "

"Oh, indeed! It doesn't seem to take much to make you happy. "

"Not very much from you. "

"Pass me a biscuit, Graydon; I want something more substantial thanfine speeches after our climb. Isn't all this truly Arcadian--thismossy rug on which we have placed our lunch, the trees whisperingabout us overhead, and the spring there bubbling over with somethingconcerning which it murmurs so contentedly?"

"I wonder what they think of us! I can imagine one thing. "

"You are always imagining. The idea of your being a banker! Well, there is a loud whisper from the trees. What was remarked?"

"That yonder little girl doesn't look so very unhappy. "

"No, Graydon, " she said, earnestly, "you make Saturdays and Sundaysvery bright to me. No girl ever had a truer friend than you arebecoming. "

"Have become, Madge. "

"Graydon, " she said, eagerly, as if hastening from dangerous ground, "the hotel is there just opposite to us. Don't you think we couldscramble down the mountain here, and return by Kaaterskill Clove andthe Falls? It would be such fun, and save such a very long distance!"

"We'll try it, " he said. 

"Come, " she resumed, brusquely, "you are spoiling me. You say yes toeverything. If you don't think it safe or best you must not humor me. "

"We can soon learn whether it's safe and practicable, and there is nodanger of losing our way. We have only to return over the mountain inorder to strike the path somewhere at right angles. "

"Let us hasten, then. I am in the mood to end our sojourn in theCatskills by an hour or two of contact with nature absolutelyprimitive. The scenes we shall pass through will be so pleasant tothink of by a winter fire. "

"Winter fire? That's capital! You are not going back to Santa Barbara, Madge?"

"I haven't promised that--I haven't promised anything. "

"No; I have done all the promising. "

"You did so of your own free will. "

"And of my own free will shall keep my promises. No, don't let usleave any remnants of our lunch. Should we get lost you will wantsomething more substantial than fine speeches. "

"I shall indeed. "

Graydon filled from the spring the bottle which had contained milk;and then packing his little hamper he led the way downward, overand through obstacles which often involved no little difficulty, andsometimes almost danger. 

"May I help you all I please?" he asked. 

"Yes, when I can't help myself. "

Then he began to rejoice over the ruggedness of the way, which made itproper to take her hand so often, and at times even to lift her over afallen tree. 

"What fun it is!" cried Madge. 

"The best I ever had, " he replied, promptly. But they had not realizedthe difficulty of their attempt; for when little more than half-wayto the foot of the mountain they came to a ledge down which thereappeared no place for safe descent. As they were skirting thisprecipice perilously near the edge, he holding Madge's hand, someloose debris gave way beneath his feet. 

Instead of instinctively clinging to Madge's hand, even in the act offalling he threw it up and around a small tree, which she grasped, andregained her footing, while he went down and disappeared. 

At first she was so appalled that she could do no more than clutch thetree convulsively and look with blank horror at the spot where she hadseen him last. Then came the thought, "His life may now depend uponme. "

The distance he had fallen would not be necessarily fatal, and belowthe ledge there were low scrubby trees that might have broken theimpetus of his descent. She called in tones that might have evokedan answer even from the lips of death; then, with a resolution in herpallid face which nothing could daunt, she sought to reach her side. 

At first Graydon was utterly unconscious. At last, like a dim lightentering a darkened room, thought and memory began to revive. Heremembered that he had been at Madge's side, and had fallen; he hadgrasped at branches of trees as he passed through them, and then allhad become dark. He tried to speak, to call his companion, but foundbe could not. He almost doubted whether he was alive in the flesh. Ifhe were he must have received some terrible injury that had caused astrange paralysis. 

His confused thoughts finally centred wholly on Madge. Had she fallen?The thought of her, perhaps injured, possibly lying unconscious ordead near him, and he helpless, caused a dull, vague dread, like acold tide, to overwhelm his very soul. He tried to move, to springup, but only his mind appeared free. Then he thought he recognizedher voice calling in the distance. Soon, with alternations of hopeand fear, he heard her steps and voice draw nearer. She had evidentlyfound a way down the ledge, and was coming along its base towardhim--coming swiftly, almost recklessly. 

She was at his side. Her low, terror-stricken cry chilled his heart. Was he dead? and was it his soul only, lingering in the body, that wascognizant of all this?

Her hand was on his pulse, then inside his vest against his heart. 

"Oh, " she moaned, "can he be dying or dead? I can't find his pulse, nor does his heart seem to beat. He is so pale, so deathly pale, evento his lips. "

He knew that she was lifting him into a different and easier position, and wondered at the muscular power she exerted, even under excitement. 

"Why, why, " she exclaimed in horror, "he is cold, strangely cold! Hishands and brow are almost like ice, and wet with the dew of death. "

She was not aware of the fact that extreme coldness and a clammyperspiration would be among the results of such a severe shock. 

"Graydon, " she gasped, "Graydon!" Then after a moment: "O God, if heshould never know!"

She chafed his hands and wrists, opened the lunch basket, and foundthat the bottle containing water was not broken, for he felt dropsdashed on his face, and his lips moistened; but the same stonyparalysis enchained him. Then she sent out her voice for help, andthere was agony, terror, and heart-break in her cry. 

Realizing the futility of this on the lonely mountainside, she soonceased, and again sought, with almost desperate energy, to restorehim, crying and moaning meanwhile in a way that smote his heart. Atlast she threw herself on his breast with the bitter cry:

"Oh, Graydon, Graydon, are you dying? Will you _never_ know? Oh, myheart's true love, shall I never have a chance to tell you that itwas you I loved--you only! It was for you I went away alone to die, Ifeared. For you I struggled back to life, and toiled and prayed thatI might be your fair ideal; and now you may never know. Graydon, Graydon, I would give you the very blood out of my heart--O God, Ican't restore him!" she moaned, in a choking voice, and then he knewfrom her dead weight upon his breast that she had fainted. 

This mental anguish and the effort he put forth to respond tothese words caused great beads of sweat to start out upon his face. Suddenly, as if a giant hand was lifted, the effects of the shockresulting from his fall passed away. He opened his eyes, and there wasMadge, with her face buried upon his breast, in brief oblivion fromfears that threatened to crush at once hope and life. 

To his great joy he found that he could move. Feebly, and with greatdifficulty, he lifted her head and tried to regain his feet. He foundthis impossible, and soon realized that his leg was broken. He nowsaw that he must act wisely and carefully, or their plight would beserious indeed; and yet his mind was in such a tumult of immeasurablejoy at his discovery that he would not in the least regret theaccident, if assured of her safety. 

At last, in response to his efforts, she began to revive. The senseof responsibility, the necessity for action on her part, had beenso great immediately before she had fainted under the stress of oneoverwhelming fear, that her mind, even during unconsciousness, mayhave put forth effort to regain its hold upon sense. She found herselfleaning against a prostrate tree, and Graydon sitting near, speakingto her in soothing and encouraging tones. 

In response to her bewildered, troubled look of inquiry, he said, cheerfully, and in natural tones, "Don't worry, Madge, or befrightened. "

"What has happened, Graydon?"

"I'll tell you what I know, and you must supply the rest. We wereproceeding along that ledge above us, and trying to find a safe placeto climb down. "

A slow deep color began to take the place of her pallor, showing thather own memory was supplying all that had occurred. 

"You know I fell, Madge. Thank God, I did not carry you down with me!"

"Any other man would, " she said, almost brusquely. "You threw my handback around a tree. "

"Did I?" exclaimed Graydon, very innocently and gladly. "Well, everything became very confused after that. I must have beenunconscious. I do remember grasping at the branches as I passedthrough these low trees above us--"

"You must have caught one of them, Graydon, " she said, eagerly, turning toward him again, "for a large limb had broken off and waslying upon you. "

"Was it so? Perhaps I owe it a good turn, for it may have so brokenmy fall as to have saved my life. Well, in some way, you, true, bravelittle girl, you must have reached me, and, finding that you could notrestore me, and imagining I was dead or dying, you fainted yourselffrom the nervous shock of it all. When I recovered the use of mysenses I found evidence that you had been trying to revive me. Now, Madge, we must both be brave and sensible. We must regain the fullpossession of our wits as soon as possible. Can you be very brave andsensible (to use your favorite word) if I tell you something?"

"Yes, Graydon, " she said. "I can do anything, now that I know you aregoing to live. "

"I am very much alive, and shall be thoroughly conscious of the factfor some time to come. You must keep perfectly cool and rational, forwhat has happened is a very serious affair under the circumstances. "Her scarlet face was turned from him again. "Madge, " he concluded, inquiet tones, "I've broken my leg. "

"Is that all?" she said, with a look of intense relief. 

"Isn't that enough? I'm helpless. "

"I'm not, " and she sprang to her feet "Why, Graydon, it might havebeen a hundred-fold worse. I thought it was immeasurably worse, " shesaid, suppressing a sob. "You might have been killed. See how faryou fell! I feared you might have received some terrible internalinjury--"

"I have; but that's a chronic affair, as you know, " he interrupted, laughing. 

[Illustration: "SO YOU IMAGINE I SHALL SOON BE MAKING LOVE TO ANOTHERGIRL. "]

His mirth and allusion did more to restore her than all else, for heappeared the same friend that she thought she had lost. 

"Now that it is so evident that you will survive all your injuries, "she resumed, with an answering laugh, "I am myself again. You directme what to do. "

"I shall, indeed, have to depend on you almost wholly; and the factthat another must look to you in such a strait will do more tokeep you up than all cordials and stimulants. I can do very littlemyself--"

"Forgive me, Graydon. You know I am not indifferent. Are you in muchpain?" and her voice was very gentle. 

"Not yet. You must act contrary to your instincts for once, and exertall your ingenuity to attract attention. First, we must have a fire;meanwhile I shall light a cigar, which will help me to think andbanish the impression that we are lost babes in the woods. The smoke, you see, will draw eyes to this spot--the smoke of the fire, I mean. "

"I'm following you correctly. "

"You must have followed me very bravely, heroic little woman that youare! You are indeed unlike other girls, who would never have reachedme except by tumbling after--"

"Come, no more reminiscences till you are safe at the hotel, and yourleg mended. "

"Very well. I direct, but you command. As soon as we have a columnof smoke ascending from this point you must try to find an open spacenear here, and wave something white as a signal of distress. "

He had scarcely concluded before she was at work. The prostrate treeagainst which he had managed to place her at such pain to his brokenlimb served as a back-log, and soon a column of smoke was ascending. At times she would turn a shy, half-doubting, half-questioning glanceat him, but he would smile so naturally and speak so frankly that thesuspicion that he had heard her words almost passed from her mind. 

"Madge, " he said, "in finding an outlook toward the hotel or valley, don't go far away, if possible. It makes me awfully nervous to thinkof you climbing alone. "

She found a projecting rock beneath them within calling distance, andon an extemporized pole she fastened the napkins. At his suggestionshe waved them only downward and upward, at the same time sending outher powerful voice from time to time in a cry for help. 

He, left alone, sometimes groaned from an unusually severe twinge ofpain, and again laughed softly to himself over the situation. He knewthat the question of their being sought and found was only one oftime, and he would have been willing to have had all his bones brokenshould this have been needful to secure the knowledge which nowthrilled his very soul with gladness. The past grew perfectly clear, and the pearl of a woman who had given herself to him so long agogained a more priceless value with every moment's thought, "Ah, sweet Madge! I'm the blessed idiot you loved and toiled for at SantaBarbara! I shouldn't have believed that such a thing could happen inthis humdrum world. "

Nor would it seem that the attention of even a fraction of that greatworld could be obtained. The shadows of evening began to gather, andMadge, at Graydon's call, returned, wearied and somewhat discouraged. 

"Cheer up, " he said. "It is only a question of time. We shall soon bemissed, and our signals will be more effective when it is dark. See, we shall not starve. I have been getting supper for you. Keeping theremnants of our lunch wasn't a bad idea, was it?"

"Keeping up your courage and mine is a better one. Graydon, I fear youare suffering very much. "

"Oh, Madge, armies of men have broken their legs! That's nothing but alittle disagreeable prose, while this adventure with you is somethingto talk and laugh over all our lives. I've cut my boot off andbandaged my leg as well as I could, and am now hungry. That's a goodsign. I shall be positively hilarious if you make as good supper asthis meagre spread permits. Take a little water, for your throat mustbe parched. You will have to drink it from the bottle, Pat's fashion, for my rubber cup is broken. "

"Indeed, a little water is all I want at present, and I must gatherwood for the fire before it is darker. "

"Very well, " he said, laughing; "supper shall wait for you. "

The vicinity appeared as if never before visited, and there was anabundance of dead and decaying wood lying about. When she had secureda large quantity of this she came and sat down by the fire, and said, "I will take a little supper now, and then it will be so dark that wecan signal in some other way. "

"Madge, " said Graydon, earnestly, "it has cut me to the heart to liehelplessly here and see you doing work so unsuitable. "

"Nothing could be more suitable under the circumstances. You do thinkwe shall be found soon? Oh, I'm so worried about you!"

"More, then, than I am about myself. I shall have to play invalid forsome time. Won't you be my nurse occasionally?"

"Yes, Graydon, all I can. "

"Why, then, don't worry about me at all. The prospect makes me fairlyhappy. Come, now, eat the whole of that sandwich. "

She complied, looking thoughtfully into the fire meanwhile. By thelight of the flickering blaze he saw the trouble and worry pass fromher brow and the expression of her face grow as quiet and contented asthat of a child's. At last she said, "Well, this does seem cosey andcompanionable, in spite of everything. There, forgive me, Graydon; Iforgot for the moment that you were in pain. "

"Was I? I forgot it, too. Sitting there in the firelight, yousuggested the sweetest picture I ever hope to see. "

"You can't be _in extremis_ when you begin to compliment. "

"Don't you wish to know what the picture was?"

"Oh, yes, if it will help you pass the time!"

"I saw you sitting by a hearth, and I thought, 'If that hearth weremine it would be the loveliest picture the world had known. ' Now yousee what an egotist I am. You look so enchanting in that firelightthat I cannot resist--I would try so hard to be worthy of you, Madge. Make your own terms again, as I said once to you before. "

"My own terms?" she repeated, turning a sudden and searching glanceupon him. "Then tell me, did you hear what I said this afternoon whenI first found you?"

He hesitated a moment, and then said, firmly: "Yes, every word; but, Madge, you must not punish me for what I could not help. It would notbe right. "

"Could you hear me and yet--"

"I could hear you and yet could not move a muscle until you fainted, and then my intense mental excitement and solicitude must have brokenthe paralysis caused by the shock of my fall. Oh, Madge, look at me!Only a false pride can come between us now. My love is not worthy tobe compared with yours, but it is genuine, and it will--it _will_ lastas long as I do. I shall bless this accident and all the pain I mustsuffer if they bring you to me. "

She sprang to his side, and putting her arm around his neck said, "Graydon, on the evening after your return I told you I couldn't beyour sister. You know why now, and you uttered these words, 'I shallhave to take you as you are if I ever find out. ' I meant to win youif I could, but only by being such a girl as I thought you would love. Now you know the mystery of the little ghost, and you can bring to methat 'idiot' who didn't return my love, as often as you choose. "

"Thank Heaven for what I escaped! Thank God for what I have won!" heexclaimed. 

"Won? Nonsense! _You_ have been won, not I. Oh, Graydon, wouldn't youhave been amazed and horrified if you had been told, years ago, thatthe little ghost would go deliberately to work to woo a man and takehim from another girl? Think how dreadful it sounds! but you shall nowknow the worst. "

"It's music that will fill my life with gladness. How exquisitely fineyour nature is, that you could do this with such absolute maidenlyreserve! Suppose I had become Stella Wildmere's bondman?"

"I should have gone back to Santa Barbara, and kept my secret. "

"Horrible!"

"I said you knew all, but I am mistaken. Now, don't be shocked backinto your kind of unconsciousness again. I did another horrid thing. I listened and learned about the plot by which Arnault meant tobring Miss Wildmere to a decision against you;" and she told him thecircumstances, and what had passed between herself and Henry. 

His arm tightened around her almost convulsively. "Madge, " he cried, "you have not only brought me happiness--you have saved me from abitter, lifelong self-reproach far worse than poverty. How can I evershow sufficient devotion in return for all this?"

"By being sensible, and telling me how to make signals, now that it isas dark as it will be this moonlight night. "

"Let me lean on you, as I ever shall figuratively hereafter. We willgo down to the outlook you found, build another fire, and wave burningbrands. "

This was done. Henry Muir, who had grown very solicitous, saw theirsignals, and promptly organized a rescuing party. A wood-road led wellup toward their position, and with the aid of some employés of thehouse he at last rescued them. Graydon was weak and exhausted frompain by the time he reached the hotel, yet felt that his happiness hadbeen purchased at very slight cost. The next day he was taken to hiscity home, and Madge filled the days of his convalescence with suchvaried entertainment that he threatened to break his leg again. Shehad so trained her voice that she read or sang with almost tirelessease. To furnish home music, to shine in the light of her own hearth, had been the dream of her ambition; and to the man she had won shemade that hearth the centre of the gentle force which controlled andblessed his life. 

But little further remains to be said concerning the other charactersof this story. The severe lesson received by Stella Wildmere had apermanent effect upon her character. It did not result in a veryhigh type of womanhood, for the limitations of her nature scarcelypermitted this; but it brought about decided changes for the better. She was endowed with fair abilities and a certain hard, practicalsense, which enabled her to see the folly of her former scheme oflife. Blind, inconsiderate selfishness, which asked only, "What do Iwish the present moment?" had brought humiliation and disaster, and, as her father had suggested, she possessed too much mind to repeatthat blunder. She recognized that she could not ignore naturallaws and duties and go very far in safety. Therefore, instead ofquerulousness and repining, or showing useless resentment towardher father for misfortunes which she had done nothing to avert, shestepped bravely and helpfully to his side, and amid all the chaos ofthe financial storm that was wrecking him he was happier than he hadbeen for years. Her beloved jewelry, and everything that could belegally saved from their dismantled home, was disposed of to the bestadvantage. Then very modest apartments were taken in a suburb, andboth she and her father began again. He obtained a clerkship at asmall salary, and she aided her mother in making every dollar go asfar as possible. 

Arnault had thought, under the impulse of his pride, that he couldrenounce her forever, but found himself mistaken. She would not departfrom such heart as he possessed, nor could he break the spell ofher fascination. His interest grew so absorbing that he kept himselfinformed about the changes she was passing through, and her mannerof meeting them. As a result, his practical soul was filled withadmiration, and he felt that she of all others would be the wife fora man embarked on the uncertain tides of Wall Street. At last he wroteto her and renewed his offer. The reply was characteristic. 

"Your offer comes too late. If, instead of being one of the principalactors in that humiliating little drama of my life, you had stood byme patiently and faithfully, I would have given you at once my deepestgratitude and, eventually, my love. I did not deserve such constancy, but I would have rewarded it to the extent of my ability. You thoughtI was mercenary. I was, and have been punished; but you forget thatyou made my mercenary spirit your ally, and kept me from becomingengaged to the man whom you well knew that I preferred. My regardfor him is not so deep, however, but that I shall survive and facemy altered fortunes bravely. If you had been kind to me during thosebitter days--if you had kept my father from failure, instead ofdeserting him after he had done his best for you--he did do his bestfor you--I should have valued _you_ more than your wealth, and provedit by my life. I have since learned that I am not afraid of poverty, and that I must find truer friends. "

Arnault, like so many others, turned from what "might have been" tohis pursuit of gold, but it had lost its brightness forever. 

An old admirer of Stella's, a plain, sturdy business man, to whom shehad scarcely given a thought in her palmy days, eventually renewed hisattentions, and won as much love as the girl probably could have givento any one. By his aid she restored her father's broken fortunes andestablished them on a modest but secure basis, and she proved to herhusband a sensible wife, always recognizing that in promoting his bestinterests and happiness she secured her own. 

Dr. Sommers is still the genial physician and the Izaak Walton ofthe Catskills. Mr. And Mrs. Wendall are "plodding toward home" with aresignation that is almost cheerful. 

Henry Muir continues devoted to business, and his wife is devotedto him. He rarely permits a suitable opportunity to pass withoutremarking that the two sisters are the "most sensible women in theworld. "