that his brother's prejudice should count for nothing
in this case. His preference was entitled to respect, and must be
respected. Of course the group chatted courteously, as well-bred
people do in public, but Miss Wildmere felt that the atmosphere was
chilly. She was much too politic to permit the slightest tinge of
coldness in her manner toward those with whom she meditated such close
relations should the barring "if" melt out of the way.

The people were forming for the lancers, and Mr. Henderson asked Madge
to help make up a set. She complied without hesitation. Nor was she
unmindful of the fact that Graydon sat in a position which commanded a
view of the floor. He had seen her glide out in the waltz with a grace
second only to that of Miss Wildmere, even in his prejudiced eyes. Now
he again observed her curiously, and his disappointment and bitterness
at heart increased, even while she compelled his wondering admiration.
He saw that, though she lacked Miss Wildmere's conventional finish,
she had a natural grace of her own. He admitted that he had never seen
so perfect a physical embodiment of womanhood. She was slightly taller
than her rival in his thoughts, and her costume gave an impression of
additional height. Apparently she was in the best of spirits, laughing
often with her partner and an elderly gentleman who danced opposite
to her, and who was full of old-time flourishes and jollity. At last
Graydon thought, resentfully, "She is indeed changed. That's the style
of life she is looking forward to, and she wishes no embarrassment or
advice from me. That dancing-jack, Henderson, and others of his sort
are to be her 'friends' also, no doubt. Very well, I know how to
console myself;" and he turned his eyes resolutely to Miss Wildmere.

In the galop that followed he naturally danced with his quondam
sister, and Mr. Henderson with Miss Wildmere. Graydon was the last
one to show feeling in public or do anything to cause remark. Now that
Madge possessed in her partner the same advantage that Miss Wildmere
had enjoyed, the admiring lookers-on were at a loss to decide which of
the two girls bore the palm; and Graydon acknowledged that the former
invalid's step had a lightness and an elasticity which he had never
known to be surpassed, and that she kept time with him as if his
volition were hers. She showed no sign of weariness, even after he
began to grow fatigued. As he danced he remembered how he had carried
"the li