With amusement he thought: "She is not even that to me now.
Hanged if I know what she is to me beyond a pretty, vexatious puzzle!" Miss Wildmere's strategy had accomplished one thing, however.
Believing that he was absolved by Madge's course from everything beyond cordial politeness, he had resolved to carry out her rival's wishes.

It was no great cross to forego Madge's society, and if Miss Wildmere saw that he was not consoling himself during the hours she spent with Arnault, she would shorten them in his behalf.
After reaching a certain point he suggested: "Instead of scaling that rocky height after the rest of the party, suppose we follow this grassy wood-road to parts unknown.

It will be easier for you than climbing, and you are better society than a crowd." She assented smilingly, and Madge did not see Graydon again until they met at dinner.
She was pale, and looked weary.

"Oh," she thought, "perhaps my hopes are already vain! They have been alone all the morning.

He may have spoken; he looks so happy and content that he must have spoken and received the answer he craved.