“Oh, yes; and I have talked with him.  Please show no resentment.  I obtained my information in a way unknown to him, and there is nothing unusual in our transaction on its face.  How was it that you began to grow critical toward Miss Wildmere?”

“Well, I don’t mind telling you.  There was not a ring of truth or a stamp of nobility about her words and manner, and I have been associating with a girl who is truth itself and twice as clever and accomplished.  Miss Wildmere was growing commonplace in contrast.  I learned to love Madge as a sister before she went away, and now no man ever admired and loved a sister more.”

Mr. Muir smiled broadly to himself in the darkness, and said:  “Truly, Graydon, you are giving satisfactory proofs of returning sanity.  We may as well conclude with the old saying, ’All’s well that ends well.’”

“I think I had better go to town Monday and resume business.  It’s time I did something to retrieve myself.”

“No, Graydon, not yet.  I have everything in hand now, and believe the tide has turned.  I realized ten thousand to-day on a transaction that I will tell you about.  I am not doing much business now, only watching things and waiting.  It was the suddenness of Arnault’s demand that worried me—­on Saturday, too, you know.  He had about the same as said that I might have the money as long as I wanted it, and I should not have needed it much longer.  In ordinary times I wouldn’t have given it a thought.

“You can help me more up here.  It’s growing warm, and Jack isn’t improving as I would like.  After what has occurred I don’t wish Mary and Madge to meet these Wildmeres any longer, so I propose that you and Madge go to the Kaaterskill Hotel on Monday and explore.  If you like the place, then you can take Mary and the children there.  I’ve had a little scare in town, and propose to realize on some more property and make myself perfectly safe.  By going to a higher-priced hotel we increase our credit also, and add to the impression I made to-day, that we are in no danger.”

As the stage drew near the piazza Graydon hastened forward to help Madge out.  In doing so he saw Miss Wildmere greeting Arnault cordially.  As he passed up the steps with Madge, he caught Stella’s swift, appealing look at him.  He only bowed politely and passed on.  It was Madge’s triumphal entry now by the same door at which she had seen him enter with Miss Wildmere but a few weeks before.  How complete her triumph was, even Madge did not yet know.  While she went to her room he sought the office and ordered some of the trout he had caught to be prepared for supper.  As he stood there Miss Wildmere left Arnault’s side, and said, “Mr. Muir, are you not going to shake hands with me?”

“Why, certainly, Miss Wildmere;” but there was little more than politeness in his tone and manner.  As there were many coming and going, she drew away with a reproachful glance.  “So long as Arnault is with me, he will not be cordial,” was her thought.