Arnault
was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous,
and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything
had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen. He
inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were
indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a
mere acquaintance.

Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made
Wildmere shiver.

"Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the
breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

"Certainly," replied Arnault, with cool politeness, and he followed
Mr. Wildmere to a deserted part of the piazza.

"You made a very kind and liberal offer to my daughter," the latter
began.

"And received my final answer last night," was the cold, decisive
reply. "It would be impossible to imagine more definite assurance that
Miss Wildmere has no regard for me than was given within the time I
stipulated. I have accepted such assurance as final. Good-morning,
sir," and with a polite bow he turned on his heel and went to his
room.

Mr. Wildmere afterward learned that he took the first train to New
York.

"Arnault has a clear field now," Graydon had thought, cynically, while
at breakfast. "I can scarcely wish him anything worse than success;"
and then he looked complacently around the family group to which
he belonged, and felicitated himself that Wildmere traits were
conspicuously absent. His eyes dwelt oftenest on Madge. At this early
meal she always made him think of a flower with the morning dew upon
it. Even her evening costumes were characterized by quiet elegance;
but during the earlier hours of the day she dressed with a simplicity
that was almost severe, and yet with such good taste, such harmony
with herself, that the eye of the observer was always rested and
satisfied. Gentlemen who saw her would rarely fail to speak about her
afterward; few would ever mention her dress. Miss Wildmere affected
daintiness and style; Madge sought in the most quiet and modest way to
emphasize her own individuality. As far as possible she wished to be
valued for what she actually was. The very fact that there was so much
in her life that must be hidden led to a strong distaste for all that
was misleading in non-essentials.

"I am going to church with you to-day," said Graydon, "and I shall try
to behave."

"Try to! You cannot sit with me unless you promise to be