have not
trespassed on any one's rights."

He reassured Madge by saying, "Don't worry about it; such things are
only the talk of a day."

They returned during the afternoon. Graydon's manner was courtesy
itself, and but little more; but he was becoming a vigilant student of
his companion, and she soon was dimly aware of the fact.

"I will understand her," he had resolved. "I intend to get my
bearings, and then shape my course, for I cannot help feeling that the
destiny of the little girl who used to sit on my lap, with her head on
my shoulder, is in some way interwoven with mine. Even when I believed
myself in love with another woman she had more power over me than
Stella--more power to kindle thought and awaken my deeper nature. I
begin to think that all her talk about being a friend, good fellow,
etc., is greater nonsense than my fraternal proposals. No friend,
fellow, or sister could make my heart beat as it did to-day. No human
being in mortal peril could have awakened such desperate, reckless
despair as I felt at one time, and" (with a smile to himself) "I never
knew what a kiss was before. I'm not the fool to ignore all these
symptoms. I'll fathom the mystery of this sweet, peerless girl, if it
takes all summer and all my life."

But the fair enigma at his side grew more inscrutable. Neither by tone
nor glance did she indicate that he was more to her than she had said.

"Do you wish to recognize the scenes we passed over this morning?" he
asked, gently, as they approached them.

"No, not yet. I don't wish to think about it any more than I can
help."

"Your wishes are mine."

"Occasionally, perhaps."

"You shall see."

"I usually do," was her laughing answer.

But she began to appear very weary, and when they reached the
Under-Cliff House she went to her room, and did not reappear again
that day.

Graydon made even Dr. Sommers's ruddy cheek grow pale by his brief
narrative, adding, "Perhaps her nerves have received a severer shock
than she yet understands. I wish you would tell Mrs. Muir the story,
making as light of it as you can, and with her aid you can insure that
Miss Alden obtains the rest and tonics she needs. You can also meet
and quiet the rumors that may be flying about, and you know that Miss
Alden has a strong aversion to being talked to or of about personal
affairs."

In youth, health, and sleep Madge found the best restoratives, and the
morning saw her little the worse for the exper