“Rest assured I’m the same fellow, and ever shall be.”

He had dismounted, and they were walking slowly toward the stable.  “Bless me!” cried Madge, “where am I going with no better protection than a sunshade?  I’m always a little off when a horse like that is at hand.  I say, Graydon,” she added, in a wheedling tone, “mount and put him through his paces.  I can’t resist the fun, no matter what the dowagers say.”

He vaulted lightly into the saddle, and the horse reared and dashed toward the stable, but was soon pulled up.  Then Graydon made him prance, curvet, and trot, Madge looking on with parted lips, and eyes glowing with delicious anticipation.  If a close observer had been present he might have seen that the rider, with his fine easy grace and mastery, was, after all, the chief attraction.

She walked back to the house, thinking, “I’ll have some bright hours before the skies grow gray.  Oh, kindly fate! prosper Mr. Arnault here and in Wall Street, too, for all I care.”

“Oh, Mr. Muir, teach me to ride,” said Miss Wildmere, when he joined her in the deserted parlor.  “You have such a superb horse! and you sat on him as if you were a part of him.”

“I will teach you with pleasure,” said Graydon.  “Nothing would give me more enjoyment, for I am very fond of riding, and we could explore the mountain roads far and near.”

“Can I ride your horse?”

“That was not my horse.  He belongs to Miss Alden.”

“Oh, indeed,” began Miss Wildmere, hastily, yet coldly; “I wouldn’t think of it, then.”

“She would lend him to you readily, if it were safe; but only an expert should ride that horse.  As it is, I shall run him four or five miles before I let her mount him.  He is awfully high-strung and a little vicious.  I’ll get you a quiet, safe lady’s horse, suitable for a beginner.  You will soon acquire confidence and skill.  I wouldn’t have you incur any risks for all the world.”

“Wouldn’t you?” she asked, with a fascinating and incredulous smile.

“You know well that I would not.”

“I shall scarcely know what I know when I see you galloping away with Miss Alden.”

“Come, Miss Stella, we may as well get through with that phase of the question at once.  Madge Alden came into our family when I was scarcely more than a boy, and she but a child.  She is still one of the family.  The idea of your being concerned about her makes me smile audibly.  I only wish you girls would be good friends.  It would save awkwardness and embarrassment.  Madge is a sister to me in everything but name, and ever will be.  I’m proud of her, as I ought to be, and a distant manner would be absurd toward a member of our household.  Why should I affect it when I’m truly fond of her jolly good company?  Don’t you think I am setting you a good example?  I’m patient over your good times with Mr. Arnault, who is an open suitor.”

“I have not said they were good times.”