ven
me the test of all these gloomy warnings. If Henry Muir does not fail
to-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 for
me, thank you. I've not been in society so long as not to make the
most of my chances;" and under the inspiration of thoughts like these
Miss Wildmere condescended to be affable to her parents, and to smile
upon the world in general.

Madge Alden was an exception, however, and for her she had only a
frown as she looked across the room at the young girl and saw the
admiration and friendly regard that were so freely bestowed upon her.
As was inevitable, the selfish spirit of one girl had repelled and the
kindly nature of the other had attracted good-will. Human instinct is
quick to recognize the tax-gatherers of society--the people who are
ever exacting, yet give little except slights, wounds, and criticism.

"Oh," thought Miss Wildmere, "if I can only marry Graydon and snub
that girl unmercifully I shall be perfectly happy!"

The late train would not arrive before nine o'clock, and Madge
determined to go down in the stage to meet Mr. Muir. In the meantime
her quick mind was coping with the emergency. She had often heard
it said that in times of financial uncertainty an air of the utmost
confidence should be maintained. Therefore she drew her sister into
the parlor, and managed to place her in a lively and congenial group
of ladies. Mrs. Muir herself was happy in the thought of soon seeing
her husband, and appeared cheerfulness embodied.

Miss Wildmere saw her laughing and chatting with such unforced
geniality that she muttered: "It's perfectly absurd to imagine that
her husband is on the eve of bankruptcy. Even if he tried he couldn't
keep such trouble utterly from his wife, and I've seen enough of
people to be sure she does not dream of danger. The best people of the
house are ever around her and that Madge Alden. Unless papa returns
to-morrow night with predictions confirmed, the Muirs will have to
admit me hereafter into their charmed circle. 'Sister Madge' looks
also as if something keyed her up tremendously. Perhaps she is
thinking that Graydon will return to-morrow to be her escort on long
rides again. I'll soon put a spoke in that wheel, my proud minx. In a
few hours you may wear a very different expression."

When the two girls met, however, they were scrupulously polite; but
Madge took such pains