d in
silence. Before the German began, Graydon passed him several times,
regarding him curiously and with a growing sense of repulsion. He
disliked to think that the relation between this man and the girl he
would marry was so close.

Before the evening was over, Mr. Wildmere saw that his daughter was in
truth pursuing a difficult policy. The angry light in Arnault's eyes
and the grave expression on Graydon's face proved how fraught with
peril it was to his hopes. Neither of her suitors liked Stella's
manner that evening, for it suggested traits which promised ill for
the future. Graydon, who understood her the less, was the more lenient
judge.

"Not only Arnault," he thought, "but her father also, has been
pressing her toward a course from which she revolts, and she is half
reckless in consequence."

He endeavored by his quiet and observant attention, by the grave and
gentle expression of his eyes, to assure her once more that she could
find a refuge in him the moment that she would decide absolutely in
his favor. She understood him well, and was enraged that she could not
that 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, I
must see you before you give Mr. Muir further encouragement;" and she,
feeling that it might be among her last chances, for the present, of
showing Graydon favor, was lavish of it. But it was not the preference
of strong, true, womanly choice; it was rather the half-defiant aspect
with which forbidden fruit might be regarded.

As the great clock was about to chime the hour of midnight the dancing
ceased. Arnault seemed determined to have the last word, and Graydon
interposed no obstacle. The former walked on the piazza by Stella's
side for a few turns in moody silence. Her father still sat at his
post 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 your
remarkable power for entertainment any longer. I will now join papa,
and retire."

"Very well, Stella," was the quiet reply; "but before we part I shall
speak more to the point than if I had talked hours. By this time
another 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 for
some moments her averted and half-sullen fa