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hand now, and believe the tide has turned. I real ized ten thousand to-day on a transaction that I will tell you about. I am not doing much business now, only watching things and waiting. It was the suddenness of Arnault's demand that worried me, -on Saturday too, you know. He had about the same as said that I might have the money as long as I wanted it, and I should not have needed it much longer. In ordinary times I wouldn't have given it a thought.

“You can help me more up here. It's growing warm, and Jack isn't improving as I would like. After what has occurred I don't wish Mary and Madge to meet these Wildmeres any longer, so I propose that you and Madge go to the Kaaterskill Hotel on Monday and explore. If you like the place, then you can take Mary and the children. there. I've had a little scare in town, and propose to realize on some more property and make myself perfectly safe. By going to a higher priced hotel we increase our credit also, and add to the impression I made to-day, that we are in no danger.

As the stage drew near the piazza Graydon hastened forward to help Madge out. In doing so he saw Miss Wildmere greeting Arnault cordially. As he passed up the steps with Madge, he caught Stella's swift, appealing look at him. He only bowed politely and passed on. It was Madge's triumphal entry now by the same door at which she had seen him enter with Miss Wildmere but a few weeks before. How complete her triumph was, even Madge did not yet know. While she went to

her room he sought the office and ordered some of the trout he had caught to be prepared for supper. As he stood there Miss Wildmere left Arnault's side, and said, "Mr. Muir, are you not going to shake hands with me?"

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Why, certainly, Miss Wildmere ;" but there was little more than politeness in his tone and manner. As there were many coming and going, she drew away with a reproachful glance. So long as Arnault is with me, he will not be cordial," was her thought.

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She looked around for her father, but he, nervous and apprehensive, had disappeared. He felt that if he should be compelled to disclose the failure of his predictions, she would pass into one of her sullen, unmanageable moods. He feared that things were beyond his control, and decided to let the young men manage for themselves. He was not, however, exceedingly solicitous. He hoped that Arnault, aided by the influence of his munificent offer, would have the skill to push his suit to a prompt conclusion; but he believed that, if this suitor should be dismissed, Graydon would not fail his daughter, and that all might yet end well for her, and perhaps for himself.

The supper-room was again occupied by the late comers, many of whom were accompanied by their families and friends. Mr. Muir's quiet eyes fairly beamed over the group gathered at his table, and he felt that but few moments of his life compared with those now passing. Twenty-four hours before he had seen himself drifting helplessly on a lee

shore, but a little hand had taken the helm when he had been paralyzed, and now he saw clear searoom stretching away indefinitely, with a turning tide and favoring gales. The terrible evils threatening him and his had been averted. The results of his life-work would not be swept away, his idolized commercial standing could now be maintained, his wife's brow remain unclouded by care, his children be amply provided for, Graydon saved from a worse fate than financial disaster, and, last but not least, the young fellow would be cured by Madge of all future tendencies toward the Wildmere type. He never could think of this hope without smiling to himself. He had at last obtained the explanation of Madge's effort and success. By the superb result he measured the strength of the love which had led to it. Great Scott!"-his favorite expletive, he had thought; "what a compass there is in her nature! I had long suspected her secret, but when I touched upon it last night she made my blood tingle by her magnificent resentment. I would sooner have trifled with an enraged empress. Look at her now, smiling, serene, and, although not in the least artful, keeping all her secrets with consummate art. Who would imagine that she was capable of such a volcanic outburst? If Graydon does not lay siege to her now, the name of the future firm should be Henry Muir and idiot.”

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That sagacious young man did not appear at all blighted by the wreck of the hope he had cherished. He turned no wistful glances toward the girl who had so long satisfied his eyes, and, as he

had believed, his heart. He felt much the same as if he had been imposed upon by a cunning disguise. Unknown to her, he had caught a glimpse of what the mask concealed, and his soul was shuddering at the deformities to which he had so nearly allied himself. Her very beauty, with its false promise,

had become hateful to him.

"She is indeed a speculator," he thought, "and I'm a little curious to see how she will continue her game." It afforded him vindictive amusement that she often, yet furtively, turned her eyes toward him as if he were still a factor in it.

She never looked once in Graydon's direction but that Arnault was aware of the act. There was no longer any menace in his deportment toward her,—he was as devoted as the place and time would permit, but in his eyes dwelt a vigilance and a resolution which should have given her warning.

After supper Mr. and Mrs. Muir found a comfortable nook on the piazza, and the banker smoked his cigar with ineffable content.

"Do you feel too tired for a waltz, Madge ?” Graydon asked.

"The idea! when I've rested in the cars half a day."

"O Madge!" he whispered; "dear, sweet little friend, you know I mean sister, only I dare not say it, I'm so glad to be with you again! What makes you look so radiant to-night? You look as though you had a world of happy thoughts behind those sparkling eyes."

"Nonsense, Graydon! You are always imagin

ing things. I have youth, good health, have had my supper,- --a trout supper, too,--and I like to dance, just as a bird enjoys flying."

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You seem a bird-of-paradise.

who coaxes you into his cage!

Happy the man.

Brother or not,

when your beaux become too attentive they will find me a perfect dragon of a critic."

When I meet my ideal, you shall have nothing to say.

'I suppose not. I am at a loss to know where you will find him.”’

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Pardon me

' I sha'n't find him; he must find me." "He will be an idiot if he doesn't. if I don't dance any more to-night. I have had a long tramp over mountain paths, followed by a long, rough ride in a farmer's wagon, and now have a very important act to perform before I sleep. As a proof of my fraternal-I mean friendly-confidence, I will tell you what it is, if you wish.

"I don't propose to fail in any friendly obligations, Graydon, she replied, laughing, as they strolled out into the summer night, followed by Miss Wildmere's half desperate eyes.

As they walked down a path, Graydon said, "Take my arm; the pavement is a little rough. Dear Madge, you look divine to-night.

Every time

you accomThat great,

I see you my wonder increases at what plished out on the Pacific coast. boundless, sparkling ocean has given you something of its own nature.

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Graydon, you must be more sensible.

When a

fellow takes your arm you don't squeeze it against

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