fe as I was last night. When confused and upset, it is
one of my impulses to stick to some principle of right, like a mule.
Bless you, I think I have secured you twice over! I have given you a
lien on property worth two hundred thousand in ordinary times."

"You have taught me to lean on you once more, Henry, and that is worth
more than all your other liens."

Mr. Arnault now appeared, and came affably forward, saying, "I am glad
my enforced action did not incommode you to-day."

"Thank you. I trust you are not in trouble, Mr. Arnault;" and there
was a world of quiet satire in the remark.

"Oh, no--only a temporary need, I assure you," was the hasty reply.

"So I supposed;" and as Arnault turned away, the speaker gave Madge a
humorous glance, which made her look of demure innocence difficult to
maintain.

* * * * *

Graydon had enjoyed fair success in fishing, and yet had not been
supremely happy. He found, with the venerated Izaak Walton, that the
"gentle art" was conducive to contemplation; but there were certain
phases in his situation that were not agreeable to contemplate. As he
followed the trout-stream amid the solitudes of nature, the artificial
and conventional in life grew less attractive. In spite of his efforts
to the contrary, Miss Wildmere seemed to represent just these phases.
He recalled critically and dispassionately all the details of their
past acquaintance, and found, with something like dismay, that she had
exhibited only the traits of a society belle--that he could recall
no new ideas or inspiring thoughts received from her. The apparent
self-sacrifice for her father, which he had so unequivocally
condemned, was, after all, about the best thing he knew of her. The
glamour of her beauty had been upon his eyes, and he had credited her
with corresponding graces of heart and mind. What evidence had he of
their existence?

The more he thought of it, the more his pride, also, rebelled at the
ignominious position in the background that he was compelled to take
while the Wall Street diplomacy was prolonged. At last, in anger and
disgust, he resolved that, if he found Arnault in his old position by
Stella's side, he would withdraw at once and forever.

After all, although he was as yet unconscious of it, the secret of his
clarified vision was the influence of Madge upon his mind. She seemed
in harmony with every beautiful aspect of nature--true and satisfying,
while