to make these occasions rare that Miss Wildmere
perceived the avoidance, and her vindictive feeling was intensified.
Madge saw one or two of her dark looks, but only thought, "I shall now
take a part in your cruel game, and it may not end as you imagine."
She danced and laughed as if not a care weighed upon her mind.

When the hour arrived for the stage to meet the train she slipped
away, wrapped herself in a cloak, and said to the driver that she was
going to meet a relative. The train, was on time, and Mr. Muir, with
others who were strangers, entered the stage.

"Why, Madge!" he exclaimed; "you here? This certainly is very kind."

They sat a little apart, and she whispered: "Don't show any surprise
at this or anything else to-night. I have something to tell you, and
you must manage to give me a private interview without any one knowing
it--not even Mary at present."

"It's about Graydon," he said, anxiously.

"It's chiefly about yourself. I've heard something." She took his hand
in the darkness, and felt it tremble. "You know how to keep cool and
disguise your feelings," she resumed. "We can beat them yet. I left
Mary in the parlor, the merriest of a merry group. She is happy in the
thought that you are coming, and doesn't suspect anything. I am sure
you will know just what to do when I tell you all, and you can avert
all danger. Greet Mary as usual, and make the people in the house
think you have no trouble on your mind."

"All right, Madge. As soon as I've had a little supper, you come to my
room."

"No, you must take a walk with me outside. I want no walls with ears
around."

"Is it so very serious?"

"You will know best when I have told you everything."

A few moments later Mr. Muir walked into the parlor the picture of
serene confidence, and smiling pleasure at meeting his wife, who
sprang up, exclaiming: "I declare, I was so enjoying myself that I
did not realize it was time for you to be here. Come, I've ordered a
splendid supper for you."

"I shall reward your thoughtfulness abundantly," he replied, "for I
am ravenous." He then greeted Mrs. Muir's friends cordially, said some
pleasant words, and even bowed, when retiring, very politely to Mrs.
Wildmere, who in her meek, deprecating way sat near the door.

Two or three gentlemen sought Madge's hand for the next dance, and she
was out upon the floor again, her absence not having been commented
upon.

Not a feature of this by-play had been lost