Seeing that Arnault was at Miss Wildmere’s side, Graydon accompanied his relatives to church, and soon found himself looking over the same hymn-book with Madge.  The choir were present, and she now merely delighted Graydon with her rich alto; and so rich and true was it that he often felt his nerves thrilling at her tones.  He did not become absorbed in the service or sermon, but thought a little wonderingly:  “Here is a faith ever finding expression all over the world, while I ignore it.  How much truth does it represent?  It’s evidently a reality to Madge, although she makes so little parade of the fact.  I don’t believe she would do anything contrary to its teachings as she understands them.  We men may think what we please, but we have confidence in a woman who looks as she does now.  She is not in the least inclined to devotional rhapsodies or to subserviency to priestcraft, like so many women abroad.  She merely appears to recognize a divine power as she accepts nature, only more reverently and consciously.  I suppose I am an agnostic as much as anything, yet I should only be too glad to have Stella at my side with such an expression on her face.  I wonder if she will go with me this afternoon.  I will submit to this diplomacy a few days longer, and shall then end the matter.  There is an increasing revulsion of my whole being from such tactics in my future wife.  Beyond a certain point she shall not be a partner in her father’s gambling operations, and I would have brought the affair to an end at once, were it not for that limp little woman, his wife, and her child.  But I can’t sacrifice my self-respect and Stella’s character for them.  I must get her out of that atmosphere, so that her true nature may develop.  Sweet Madge Alden, with your eyes so serious and true, and again so full of mirth and spirit, what a treasure you will prove some day if there is a man worthy of you!”

In his deep preoccupation, he forgot his intent regard, until reminded of it by the slow deepening of her color, which so enhanced her beauty that he could not at once withdraw his gaze.  Suddenly she turned on him with a half-angry, half-mirthful flash in her eyes, and whispered, “Looking at girls in church is not good form; but, if you will do it, look at some other girl.”

He was delighted at this little unexpected prick, and replied, “St. Paul never would have complained of such a thorn.”  Then he saw Dr. Sommers looking ominously at him.  This factotum of the chapel sat where he could oversee the miscellaneous little assemblage, and his eyes instantly pounced upon any offender.  Graydon pushed his insubordination no further than making an irreverent face at the doctor, and then addressed himself to the minister during the remainder of the hour.

“We’ll arrange it differently next Sunday, Miss Alden,” said the doctor, as Madge passed out; “I’ll have Mr. Muir sit with me.”

“Try it,” whispered Graydon, “and if you don’t fall from grace before meeting is over I’ll give you a new trout-pole.  Miss Alden can manage me better than you can.”