e treason to think
otherwise--but she is carrying it off rather boldly to keep Arnault so
complacent at the same time. As far as Madge is concerned, I've been
a fool and made a mess of it. How in the mischief has she been able to
divine my very thoughts! She is wrong in one respect, however. If she
had felt and acted toward me like a sister I would have been loyal
to her, and would have compelled even Miss Wildmere to recognize her
rights. I am not so far gone but that I can act in a straightforward,
honorable way. My acceptance of her action was an afterthought, a
philosophical way I have of making the best of everything. I now
believe that it has turned out for the best, but I have been guilty
of no coldblooded calculation. Very well, I'll treat her as a simple,
natural girl and my very good friend, and see how this course works.
Not that she is a simple girl. I've met too many of that kind, and
of those also who enshroud themselves in a cloud of little feminine
mysteries, all transparent enough to one of experience; but Madge
does puzzle me. She has not explained herself with her fine burst of
indignation. Jove! how handsome she was! She ever gives the impression
that there is something back of all she says and does. Even Henry
feels it in his dim way, but that lightning flash made it clear
that it is something of which she need not be ashamed. Since she
has learned to read me so understandingly, I will try to fathom her
thoughts. Perhaps friendship does mean more to her than to others. If
so, I'll be as true a friend to her as she to me. If I grant Stella
such broad privileges with Arnault, she must admit mine with one of
whom it would be absurd to be jealous;" and, with cogitations like the
above, he also pretended to read his paper, and finished his cigar.

CHAPTER XVII

NOT STRONG IN VAIN

Graydon dreaded embarrassment when meeting Madge at dinner, but was
agreeably disappointed. There was nothing in the young girl's manner
which suggested a vexed consciousness of their recent interview,
neither were there covert overtures, even in tones, toward more
friendly relations. He saw that if any were made he must make them.
Madge was merely too well bred to show anger in public, or occasion
surmises that would require explanations. During the meal she spoke
of missing her horseback exercise, and said that she meant to ask Dr.
Sommers if he did not know of a good animal that might be hired for a
few weeks. Gr