ever changing. Madge was right: the mountains, streams, rocks,
and trees became her allies, suggesting her and not Miss Wildmere.
He would have returned, for the pleasure of her society, but for his
purpose not to appear again until Arnault should have time to arrive
from the city and resume his attentions. If they were received as in
the past, he would write to Miss Wildmere his withdrawal of further
claims upon her thoughts.

It was with something like bitter cynicism that he saw his illusions
in regard to Miss Wildmere fade, and when he drove up to the hotel
after nightfall on Saturday, he was not sure that he cared much what
her answer might be, so apathetic had he become. The force of his old
regard was not wholly spent; but in his thoughts of her, much that was
repugnant to his feelings and ideals had presented itself to his mind,
and he felt that the giving up of his dream of lifelong companionship
with her would almost bring a sense of relief. Without pausing to
analyze the reason of his eagerness to see Madge and hear of her
welfare, he ran up at once to Mrs. Muir's room.

"Madge went to New York!" he echoed, in surprise at Mrs. Muir's
information.

"Yes; why not? She went to do some shopping for herself and me. Miss
Wildmere's here, and, for a wonder, Mr. Arnault is not. What more
could you ask?"

"Hang Mr. Arnault--" He had come near mentioning both in his
irritation.

"When will Madge and Henry arrive?"

"Soon now--on the nine-o'clock train. Oh, by the way, Henry left a
note for you!"

"Very well. I'll go to my room, dress, and meet them."

"He is asking after Madge rather often, it seems to me. She doesn't
compare so very unfavorably with the speculator, after all, even in
his eyes."

On reaching his room he threw himself wearily into a chair, and
carelessly tore open his brother's note. Instantly he bounded to his
feet, approached the light more closely, and saw in his brother's
unmistakable hand the following significant words:

"Read this letter carefully and thoughtfully; then destroy it. Show
your knowledge of its contents by neither word nor sign. Be on your
guard, and permit no one to suspect financial anxieties. Arnault and
Wildmere have struck me a heavy blow. The former has lent me money.
I must raise a large sum in town, but think I can do it, even in the
brief time permitted. If I cannot we lose everything. If I don't have
to suspend to-morrow Miss Wildmere will accept you in th