does now. She is not in
the least inclined to devotional rhapsodies or to subserviency
to priestcraft, like so many women abroad. She merely appears to
recognize a divine power as she accepts nature, only more reverently
and consciously. I suppose I am an agnostic as much as anything, yet
I should only be too glad to have Stella at my side with such
an expression on her face. I wonder if she will go with me this
afternoon. I will submit to this diplomacy a few days longer, and
shall then end the matter. There is an increasing revulsion of my
whole being from such tactics in my future wife. Beyond a certain
point she shall not be a partner in her father's gambling operations,
and I would have brought the affair to an end at once, were it not for
that limp little woman, his wife, and her child. But I can't sacrifice
my self-respect and Stella's character for them. I must get her out
of that atmosphere, so that her true nature may develop. Sweet Madge
Alden, with your eyes so serious and true, and again so full of mirth
and spirit, what a treasure you will prove some day if there is a man
worthy of you!"

In his deep preoccupation, he forgot his intent regard, until reminded
of it by the slow deepening of her color, which so enhanced her beauty
that he could not at once withdraw his gaze. Suddenly she turned on
him with a half-angry, half-mirthful flash in her eyes, and whispered,
"Looking at girls in church is not good form; but, if you will do it,
look at some other girl."

He was delighted at this little unexpected prick, and replied, "St.
Paul never would have complained of such a thorn." Then he saw Dr.
Sommers looking ominously at him. This factotum of the chapel sat
where he could oversee the miscellaneous little assemblage, and
his eyes instantly pounced upon any offender. Graydon pushed his
insubordination no further than making an irreverent face at the
doctor, and then addressed himself to the minister during the
remainder of the hour.

"We'll arrange it differently next Sunday, Miss Alden," said the
doctor, as Madge passed out; "I'll have Mr. Muir sit with me."

"Try it," whispered Graydon, "and if you don't fall from grace before
meeting is over I'll give you a new trout-pole. Miss Alden can manage
me better than you can."

"No doubt, no doubt. A man must be in a bad way if she couldn't make a
saint of him if she undertook it," was the doctor's laughing reply.

Greatly amused, Graydon repeated the word