Miss Wildmere saw her laughing and chatting with such unforced geniality that she muttered:  “It’s perfectly absurd to imagine that her husband is on the eve of bankruptcy.  Even if he tried he couldn’t keep such trouble utterly from his wife, and I’ve seen enough of people to be sure she does not dream of danger.  The best people of the house are ever around her and that Madge Alden.  Unless papa returns to-morrow night with predictions confirmed, the Muirs will have to admit me hereafter into their charmed circle.  ‘Sister Madge’ looks also as if something keyed her up tremendously.  Perhaps she is thinking that Graydon will return to-morrow to be her escort on long rides again.  I’ll soon put a spoke in that wheel, my proud minx.  In a few hours you may wear a very different expression.”

When the two girls met, however, they were scrupulously polite; but Madge took such pains to make these occasions rare that Miss Wildmere perceived the avoidance, and her vindictive feeling was intensified.  Madge saw one or two of her dark looks, but only thought, “I shall now take a part in your cruel game, and it may not end as you imagine.”  She danced and laughed as if not a care weighed upon her mind.

When the hour arrived for the stage to meet the train she slipped away, wrapped herself in a cloak, and said to the driver that she was going to meet a relative.  The train, was on time, and Mr. Muir, with others who were strangers, entered the stage.

“Why, Madge!” he exclaimed; “you here?  This certainly is very kind.”

They sat a little apart, and she whispered:  “Don’t show any surprise at this or anything else to-night.  I have something to tell you, and you must manage to give me a private interview without any one knowing it—­not even Mary at present.”

“It’s about Graydon,” he said, anxiously.

“It’s chiefly about yourself.  I’ve heard something.”  She took his hand in the darkness, and felt it tremble.  “You know how to keep cool and disguise your feelings,” she resumed.  “We can beat them yet.  I left Mary in the parlor, the merriest of a merry group.  She is happy in the thought that you are coming, and doesn’t suspect anything.  I am sure you will know just what to do when I tell you all, and you can avert all danger.  Greet Mary as usual, and make the people in the house think you have no trouble on your mind.”

“All right, Madge.  As soon as I’ve had a little supper, you come to my room.”

“No, you must take a walk with me outside.  I want no walls with ears around.”

“Is it so very serious?”

“You will know best when I have told you everything.”

A few moments later Mr. Muir walked into the parlor the picture of serene confidence, and smiling pleasure at meeting his wife, who sprang up, exclaiming:  “I declare, I was so enjoying myself that I did not realize it was time for you to be here.  Come, I’ve ordered a splendid supper for you.”