She had, moreover, the persistence of a small nature, and longed to humiliate the Muir pride, and to spite Madge Alden, who she half believed cherished more than a sisterly regard for Graydon.

As for her father, she did little more than resent his words and the humiliating disquietude they had caused.

They had sorely wounded her vanity, and presented a painful alternative.
As the day passed, and old habits of mind resumed sway, she began to concentrate her thoughts on three questions: Should she accept Graydon and take her chances with him?
Should she accept Mr.Arnault, with his wealth, and be safe?
or should she hesitate a little longer, in the hope that she could secure Graydon and wealth also?
The persistence of a will that had always had its own way decided finally in favor of the last course of action.

She would not give Graydon up unless she must, and not until she must.

Accustomed to consult self-interest, she believed that her father was doing the same, that he was favoring Arnault because the latter would be more useful to him, and that for this reason he was exaggerating the Muirs' peril, if not inventing it.