The angry light in Arnault's eyes and the grave expression on Graydon's face proved how fraught with peril it was to his hopes.

Neither of her suitors liked Stella's manner that evening, for it suggested traits which promised ill for the future.

Graydon, who understood her the less, was the more lenient judge.
"Not only Arnault," he thought, "but her father also, has been pressing her toward a course from which she revolts, and she is half reckless in consequence." He endeavored by his quiet and observant attention, by the grave and gentle expression of his eyes, to assure her once more that she could find a refuge in him the moment that she would decide absolutely in his favor.

She understood him well, and was enraged that she could not that night go out with him into the moonlight, put her hand in his, and end her suspense.
Her father had whispered, significantly, when they met, "Stella, I must see you before you give Mr.Muir further encouragement;" and she, feeling that it might be among her last chances, for the present, of showing Graydon favor, was lavish of it.

But it was not the preference of strong, true, womanly choice; it was rather the half-defiant aspect with which forbidden fruit might be regarded.
As the great clock was about to chime the hour of midnight the dancing ceased.