“Haven’t you had enough of general attention and flirtation?  I know that my wishes have little weight; you have refused not a few good offers and one on which I had set my heart; but let the past go.  The immediate future may require careful and decisive action.  I speak in view of your own interests, and to such considerations I know you will not be indifferent.  If you were taking a natural and intelligent interest in my affairs you would have some comprehension of my difficulties and dangers.  The next few months will decide whether I can keep up or not.  In the meantime you have your opportunity.  Graydon Muir will share in the fortunes of his brother, who has had the reputation of being very wealthy and eminently conservative.  I have learned, however, that he has invested largely in one enterprise that now appears to be very dubious—­how largely no one but himself knows.  If this affair goes through all right you couldn’t do better than develop Graydon Muir into an impatient suitor; and you had better keep him well in hand for a time, anyway.  He is a good business man and far more to be depended upon than rich young fellows who have inherited wealth, with no ability except in spending it.  If the Muirs pass through these times they will become one of the strongest and safest houses in the country.  Remember that the if is to be considered.  Mr. Arnault, too, is a member of a strong, wealthy house.  I would advise you to make your choice between these two men speedily.  You are not adapted to a life of poverty, and would not enjoy it.  An alliance with either of these men might also aid in sustaining me.”

Miss Wildmere listened attentively, but made no comment, and her father evidently did not require any, for he went out immediately.  He understood his daughter sufficiently to believe that she needed no further advice.  He was right.  The exciting crisis in her novel was forgotten, and her fair face took on an expression that did not enhance its beauty.  Calculation on the theme uppermost in her mind produced a revery in which an artist would not have cared to paint her.  It was evident that the time had come when she must dispose of herself, and the question was, how to do it to the best advantage.

To Graydon she gave her preference.  He was remarkably fine looking, and could easily be a leader in society if he so desired—­“and certainly shall be,” she thought, “if I take his name.”  As far as her heart spoke in the matter it declared for him, also.  Other men had wooed and pleaded, but she had ever mentally compared them with Graydon, and they had appeared insignificant.  She had felt sure for a long time that he would eventually be at her feet, and she had never decided to refuse him.  Now she was ready to accept but for this ominous “if,” which her father had emphasized.  She could not think of marrying him should he become a poor man.