She is just as fond of him as he is of her, and in just the same way; but if I had his chance I'd soon have it a different way;" and the good lady was complacency itself over her penetration, as she bade Graydon good-night.

No one could see and report the surface of affairs more accurately than she.
As he descended to the hall, Arnault and Miss Wildmere entered.

The latter hastened forward and gave him her hand most cordially, saying, "Why, Mr.Muir, I'm ever so glad to see you; you have been away an age." "A day, Miss Wildmere.

Your appearance indicates that you have survived admirably." "The moon is so bright that we could drive fast, and I'm always happy when in rapid motion." "You have had the advantage of me then; yet I've been in rapid motion a good part of the day on express trains." "I feared you were not going to return to-day," she said, as she strolled out with him on the piazza.
"Feared ?" "Yes, why not ?" "It strikes me that I might ask, Why ?" "Surely you would not have me lose such an evening as this, Mr.Muir ?" she said, a little reproachfully.
"I would have you follow your own heart." "I shall follow it as soon as possible," she replied, so earnestly that he was disarmed--especially as the glance which accompanied the words was full of soft allurement and appeal.

Of her own accord she put her hand on his arm, and spoke in low, contented tones, as if she had at last found rest and refuge.