aces. I can't resist the fun, no matter what the
dowagers say."

He vaulted lightly into the saddle, and the horse reared and dashed
toward the stable, but was soon pulled up. Then Graydon made him
prance, curvet, and trot, Madge looking on with parted lips, and eyes
glowing with delicious anticipation. If a close observer had been
present he might have seen that the rider, with his fine easy grace
and mastery, was, after all, the chief attraction.

She walked back to the house, thinking, "I'll have some bright hours
before the skies grow gray. Oh, kindly fate! prosper Mr. Arnault here
and in Wall Street, too, for all I care."

"Oh, Mr. Muir, teach me to ride," said Miss Wildmere, when he joined
her in the deserted parlor. "You have such a superb horse! and you sat
on him as if you were a part of him."

"I will teach you with pleasure," said Graydon. "Nothing would give me
more enjoyment, for I am very fond of riding, and we could explore the
mountain 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't
think of it, then."

"She would lend him to you readily, if it were safe; but only an
expert should ride that horse. As it is, I shall run him four or five
miles before I let her mount him. He is awfully high-strung and a
little vicious. I'll get you a quiet, safe lady's horse, suitable for
a beginner. You will soon acquire confidence and skill. I wouldn't
have 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 with
Miss Alden."

"Come, Miss Stella, we may as well get through with that phase of the
question at once. Madge Alden came into our family when I was scarcely
more 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. I
only wish you girls would be good friends. It would save awkwardness
and embarrassment. Madge is a sister to me in everything but name, and
ever will be. I'm proud of her, as I ought to be, and a distant manner
would be absurd toward a member of our household. Why should I affect
it when I'm truly fond of her jolly good company? Don't you think I am
setting you a good example? I'm patient over your good times with Mr.
Arnault, who is a