Ardent and impatient lover of another woman as he was, one thing remained true--he could neither forget nor placidly ignore the girl who had ceased to be his sister, and who yet was not very successful in playing the part of a young lady friend.
When the dancing began, the storm was approaching its culmination.
More vivid than the light from the chandeliers, the electric flashes dazzled startled eyes with increasing frequency.

Miss Wildmere at first tried to show cool indifference in the spirit of bravado, and maintained her place upon the floor with Mr.Arnault and a few others.
She soon succumbed, with visible agitation, as a thunderous peal echoed along the sky.

Madge danced on with Graydon as if nothing had occurred.

He only felt that her form grew a little more tense, and saw that her eyes glowed with suppressed excitement.
"Are you not afraid ?" he asked, as soon as his voice could be heard.
"See, the ladies are scattering or huddling together, while many look as if the world were coming to an end." "The world is coming to an end to some every day," she replied.
"That remark is as tragic as it is trite, Madge.

What could have suggested it ?" "Trite remarks cannot have serious causes." "Account for the tragic phase, then." "I'm in no mood for tragedy, and commonplace does not need explanation." "What kind of mood are you in to-night, Madge?
You puzzle me;" and he looked directly into her eyes.