CHAPTER XVI.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Mrs.Muir came into Madge's room for a bit of the gossip that she dearly loved, but, as usual, obtained little information or surmise from the young girl.

"I'm glad you came down," she said, "if only to prove to Graydon that you were not moping upstairs." "Why should I mope upstairs ?" Madge asked, with a keen look at her sister.
"No reason that I know of, only Graydon has been slightly spoiled by his success among ladies, and society men are always imagining that girls are languishing for them." "Have I given him or anyone such an impression ?" Madge again inquired, indignantly.
"Oh, no, indeed! On the contrary, you seem so indifferent as not to be quite natural.

Even Graydon feels it, and is perplexed and troubled.
He was inquiring for you during the evening, and I told him you were kindly caring for Jack, so that I might have a little fresh air with Henry on the piazza." "There it is again--perplexed and troubled.

I'm sick of being misunderstood so ridiculously.

The scraps of time that he gives me when Miss Wildmere does not fill his eyes and thoughts are employed in criticism.