."

Madge grasped his arm with a force that compelled his attention.

"Henry Muir," she said, in low and almost stern tones, "you shall
listen to me. Ignorant girl as I am, I know better, and I demand that
you meet this emergency, not in impotent anger, but with your whole
manhood. I demand it for the sake of my sister and your children, for
your own sake and Graydon's. You explained to me before we left
town that I had sixty thousand dollars in United States bonds, first
mortgage, and other good securities. You also explained that by the
provisions of my father's will I had control of this money after I was
eighteen. You have been so scrupulous that you have not even thought
of 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 earliest
train, and when Arnault asks for his money you shall quietly give it
to 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 scruples
that are now not only absurd but almost criminal? Think of the loss
you will inflict on Graydon, your children, and your wife, by such
senseless refusal. Have you not said that a little time will insure
safety and fortune? And there is my money lying idle, when with
to-morrow's sun it could buy me more happiness than could millions at
another time. I trust to your business judgment fully. Suppose the
money was lost--suppose my whole fortune was lost--do you think I
would care a jot compared with being denied at this critical moment? I
should hate the money you saved for me in this way, and I should never
forgive you for saving it." She stood aloof and faced him proudly, as
she continued: "Do you imagine I fear poverty? Believe me, Henry Muir,
I have brain and muscle to take care of myself and others too if
need be." Then, in swift alternation of mood, she clasped her hands
caressingly upon his arm, and added: "But I have a woman's heart, and
there are troubles worse than poverty. To see you lose the results of
your lifework, and to see Graydon's prospects blighted, would be more
than I could bear. You can give me all the security you wish, if
that will satisfy you better; but if you deny me now, I shall