As has been seen, Wildmere had too much conscience to try to sell his daughter outright, but since she was in a mood for a bargain he had insured the possibility of one remarkably good in his estimation, and was now on his way with very definite offers and statements indeed.

In the late afternoon Madge was speaking about a book to an acquaintance who said, “Go up to my room and get it.”

Madge was not sure whether she cared to read the book or not, and sat down to examine it.  Suddenly she heard distinctly the words, “I don’t believe Henry Muir is in danger of failure.  Graydon scouted the idea.  You and Arnault are seeking to mislead me.”

Madge then remembered that the next room was occupied by Miss Wildmere, and her first impulse was to make a noise, that the proximity of some one might be known, but like a flash came the thought, “Chance may have put me in the way of getting information of vital importance to Henry;” and the next sentence spoken assured her that this was true, for she heard a voice which she recognized as Mr. Wildmere’s say: 

“In all human probability Muir will be compelled to suspend to-morrow.  Mr. Arnault has placed in his hands a call loan.  You know what that is.  Arnault is so alarmed about Muir’s condition that he will demand the money in the morning, and I am perfectly satisfied that Muir can’t raise it.  You know enough about business to be aware of what will happen if he cannot.  Such is the market now that if Muir goes down he will be cleaned out utterly, and Graydon will have to begin at the bottom like any other young man without resources.  Of course, Arnault cannot afford to lose the money, and must act like any other business man.

“But he did not send me here to tell you this.  As his broker I know about it, and tell you of my own accord.  This is what he did authorize me to say to you.  Had not business interests, which have already suffered from his devotion to you, prevented, he would be here now to make the offer in person.  He says that he will settle upon you one hundred thousand dollars in your own right the day you marry him, and also give you an elegant home in the city.  Now what is your answer?”

“When Henry Muir fails I’ll believe all this,” was the sullen reply.

“Be careful, Stella.  Devoted as Arnault is he is not a man to be trifled with.  He has made you a munificent offer, but if you show this kind of spirit he is just the one to withdraw at once and forever.  If you love Graydon Muir well enough to share his poverty, I have not another word to say, although I shall be homeless myself in consequence.”

“Nonsense, papa!  You have been on the eve of ruin more times than I can remember.  Graydon assured me that he was abundantly able to take care of me, and that his brother was in no danger.  I can have all the elegance I want and still follow my own inclination.  If Henry Muir fails, of course that ends the matter; and if he is to fail to-morrow it will be time enough to give Mr. Arnault my answer to-morrow night, as he asked that I would.  If I give him a favorable one I prefer to do it in person, for I don’t wish to appear mercenary.  You, I hope, have the sense to keep this phase out of view.”