as practically given me this length of time, and I shall
take him at his word." Therefore, she was very sweet to him during the
morning hours, and prepared him to submit to her drive with Graydon in
the afternoon.

Arnault felt that he had given his ultimatum, and was resolved to
abide by it. At the same time he knew that it would be a terrible
wrench to give up the girl. The very difficulty of winning her had
stimulated to the utmost his passion for attainment. She was the best
that existed in his superficial world, and fulfilled his ideal. Her
delicate yet somewhat voluptuous beauty completely intoxicated him.

He too thought, and made his decision during the day. If he won her at
all it must be speedily, and it should be done by promises of devotion
and wealth if possible, and by breaking the Muirs down if this should
become necessary. The time had come for decisive action. It was
evident that her father was in sore straits; the man's appearance
confirmed this belief. Arnault was almost certain that Henry Muir was
in his power. He would not play the latter card unless he must, but he
would watch so vigilantly as to be promptly aware of the necessity. He
decided to spend several days of the present week in the mountains and
so keep himself informed how the game went here, and while in the city
he would not only be observant, but would also drop a few words
to weaken Mr. Muir's credit. One thing, however, was settled--the
problematical issue of his matrimonial scheme must soon be made
known, and he rather relished its congenial elements of speculative
uncertainty, being conscious that so much depended upon his skill and
power to pull unseen wires.

Seeing that Arnault was at Miss Wildmere's side, Graydon accompanied
his relatives to church, and soon found himself looking over the
same hymn-book with Madge. The choir were present, and she now merely
delighted Graydon with her rich alto; and so rich and true was it that
he often felt his nerves thrilling at her tones. He did not become
absorbed in the service or sermon, but thought a little wonderingly:
"Here is a faith ever finding expression all over the world, while I
ignore it. How much truth does it represent? It's evidently a reality
to Madge, although she makes so little parade of the fact. I don't
believe she would do anything contrary to its teachings as she
understands them. We men may think what we please, but we have
confidence in a woman who looks as she