on Miss Wildmere, and she
smiled satirically. "They thought to dupe me with delusions about Mr.
Muir. He has no more idea of failing than I have, and before very long
he shall be Brother Henry to me as well as to Madge Alden."

After a little while Madge excused herself and joined her relatives in
the dining-room. She found her sister happy in giving all the details
of what had occurred in her husband's absence, and he was listening
with his usual quiet interest, while deliberately prolonging his meal
to give the impression that his appetite made good his words. But
Madge saw that he was pale and at times preoccupied.

At last he rose from the table, and Mrs. Muir said, "I will go and
have a look at the children, and then join you on the piazza."

"Very well, Mary, I'll be there soon. I've sat so long in the cars
that I want to walk a little for a change, so don't hasten or worry if
I'm gone a little longer than usual. After such a splendid supper as
you have secured for me I need a little exercise, and will smoke
my cigar on my feet. The fact is, I don't get exercise enough. Come,
Madge, you'd walk all day if you had a chance."

Mrs. Muir thought the idea very sensible. Mr. Muir and Madge passed
out through a side door. The former lighted his cigar leisurely, and
they strolled away as if for no other purpose than to enjoy the warm
evening. The storm had not come, but clouds were flying wildly across
the disk of the moon, and the hurry-skurry in the sky was akin to the
thoughts of the quiet saunterers.

"Where shall we go?" he asked.

"Not far away. There is an open walk near, where we could see any one
approach us."

"Now, Madge," Mr. Muir began, after reaching the spot, "I have
followed your suggestions, for I have great confidence in your good
sense. Your words have worried me exceedingly."

"There is reason for it, Henry, even though there is probably no truth
in what has been said about your financial peril."

"Great God!" he exclaimed, starting, "is that subject talked about?"

"Do you owe money to Mr. Arnault?"

"Yes," with a groan.

"Would it hurt you should he demand it to-morrow?"

"Oh, Madge, this is dreadful!" and she saw that he was trembling.

"Now, Henry, take heart, and be your cool, brave self."

"Give me a little time, Madge. I've been carrying a heavy load, but
thought the worst was over. I believe things have touched bottom, and
I was beginning to see my way to safety in a short ti