r, in any case, misled. Her anger and worry increased
momentarily, especially since Graydon, beyond a little furtive
observation, completely ignored her. She naturally ascribed his course
to resentment at her first greeting of Arnault, his continued presence
at her side, and the almost deferential manner with which he was
treated by her father, who had joined his family at supper, when no
queries could be made.

"I'll prove to Graydon by my manner that I am for him," was her
thought; but he either did not or would not see her increasing
coldness toward Arnault.

Her purpose and tactics were all observed and thoroughly understood by
the latter, however, but he gave few obvious signs of the fact. In his
words, tones, compliments he proved that he was making good all that
he had promised; but the changing expression in his eyes grew so
ominous that Mr. Wildmere saw his suppressed anger with alarm.

Miss Wildmere felt sure that before the evening was over she could
convey to Graydon her decision, and chafed every moment over the
leisurely supper that Mr. Arnault persisted in making, especially as
she saw that it was not his appetite that detained him. The Muir group
had passed out, and to leave him and her father would not only be an
act of rudeness, but also would appear like open pursuit of Graydon.
When at last she reached the parlor, to decline Arnault's invitation
to dance would be scarcely less than an insult; yet, with intensifying
anger and fear, she saw that circumstances were compelling her to
appear as if she had disregarded Graydon's warnings and expectations.
So far from being dismissed, Arnault was the one whom she had first
greeted and to whom she was now giving the evening.

While she was dancing with Arnault, Graydon, with Madge, appeared
upon the floor. She was almost reckless in her efforts to secure his
attention. In this endeavor she did not fail, but she failed signally
in winning any recognition, and the ill-concealed importunity of her
eyes hastened Graydon's departure with Madge, and gave time for the
long interview described in the previous chapter. She grew cold with
dread. It was the impulse of her self-pleasing nature to want that
most which seemed the most denied, and she reasoned, "He is angry
because Arnault is at my side as usual, in spite of all he said. He
is determined to bring me to a decision, and won't approach me at
Arnault's side. Yet I dare not openly shake Arnault off, and he's