“I think you dislike her worse than Henry does,” said Mrs. Muir, with a low laugh.  “You look at her as if she were a snake.”

“She is not a girl after my heart,” Madge replied, carelessly; then added, under her breath, “She’s a vampire, but she shan’t drain Graydon’s life-blood.”

Miss Wildmere was certainly in a genial mood.  The munificent offer received from Mr. Arnault had enhanced her self-appreciation, and she felt that she had met it with rare nerve and sagacity.  She had not shown herself dazzled like a village girl, and eager to grasp the prize.  Moreover, she had thought, with proud complacency:  “The man who can offer so much is not going to give me up, even should I keep him waiting months longer.  I still believe that Graydon can give me all I want at present, and at the same time a position in society which Arnault could never attain, though worth millions.  Arnault is on top of the wave now, but he is a speculator, like papa, and I’m sick of these Wall Street ups and downs.  I believe in Henry Muir’s conservatism.  Because he is keeping quiet now they think he is going to fail.  He is just the kind of man to be five times as rich as people think.  Graydon will succeed to his business and business methods, and will not only make an immense fortune, but keep it.  Papa has given me the test of all these gloomy warnings.  If Henry Muir does not fail to-morrow, I won’t believe a word of all that’s been said.  If he does, I’ll do the next best thing, and take Arnault.  No tenement-house for me, thank you.  I’ve not been in society so long as not to make the most of my chances;” and under the inspiration of thoughts like these Miss Wildmere condescended to be affable to her parents, and to smile upon the world in general.

Madge Alden was an exception, however, and for her she had only a frown as she looked across the room at the young girl and saw the admiration and friendly regard that were so freely bestowed upon her.  As was inevitable, the selfish spirit of one girl had repelled and the kindly nature of the other had attracted good-will.  Human instinct is quick to recognize the tax-gatherers of society—­the people who are ever exacting, yet give little except slights, wounds, and criticism.

“Oh,” thought Miss Wildmere, “if I can only marry Graydon and snub that girl unmercifully I shall be perfectly happy!”

The late train would not arrive before nine o’clock, and Madge determined to go down in the stage to meet Mr. Muir.  In the meantime her quick mind was coping with the emergency.  She had often heard it said that in times of financial uncertainty an air of the utmost confidence should be maintained.  Therefore she drew her sister into the parlor, and managed to place her in a lively and congenial group of ladies.  Mrs. Muir herself was happy in the thought of soon seeing her husband, and appeared cheerfulness embodied.