rdized his prestige before the world,
or interfered with his scheme of success, she would meet rock-like
obduracy, both before and after marriage. She knew that Graydon had
a sincere affection for her, and a faith in her which, even in her
egotism, 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 in
his eye since his return this evening that, even while it angered her
somewhat, convinced her that he would not be trifled with. His suit
was that of a man who had an advantage which she dared not ignore, and
her father's manner increased this impression. She felt that her game
was becoming delicate and hazardous, but she would not forego its
delicious excitement, or abandon the hope that Graydon might still
be in a position to warrant her preference. Therefore she proposed to
yield to Arnault as far as she could without alienating Muir, hoping
that the former would soon return to town again, and thus more time be
secured for her final decision.

Before the first evening of his rivals advent had passed, Graydon felt
that he must appear to the people in the house as supplanted, and his
pride was beginning to be touched. Mrs. Muir's words had added to his
irritation. The episode with Madge had left a decidedly unpleasant
impression. He felt not only that he had failed to understand her, but
that he might be treating her with a neglect which she had a right to
resent. Her appearance and manner during the storm had almost startled
him; 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 Miss
Wildmere. It began to seem strange that the girl who had apparently
waited for him so long, and who had permitted such unequivocal words
and manner on his part that day, should now, before his very eyes, be
accepting attentions even more unmistakable from another man. She had
tried to explain and prepare him for all this, but there was more than
he was prepared for. She not only danced oftener with Arnault than
with any one else, but also strolled with him on the dusky piazza,
which, by reason of the dampness due to the storm, was almost
deserted. Graydon had permitted his brow to become clouded, and was so
perturbed by the events of the evening that he