"Oh, no; confound it! What has she got to do with this affair?" replied Arnault, with an irritation that he could not disguise. "I certainly have made Miss Wildmere a fair offer; some would regard it as more. I shall go up to-night and receive her answer, as I promised. I am one who never fails in a promise to man or woman, and I am ready to make good all that I have authorized you to say to your daughter, and more." "Let me add," said Mr. Wildmere, with some assumption of dignity, "that as far as I have influence it is absolutely yours. I have ever prided myself on my fidelity to those who trust me." "Thanks," replied Arnault, with a little menacing coldness in his tone. "I hope I shall have proof of the fact this evening. If so, all shall go swimmingly." Poor Wildmere bowed himself out with trepidation at heart, and Arnault followed him with a dark look, muttering, "Let them both beware." Mr. Muir met Madge at the depot, and was quietly jubilant. Both laughed heartily over the experiences of the day. "You are a blessed little woman, Madge. I was never so off my balance before in my life as I was last night. When confused and upset, it is one of my impulses to stick to some principle of right, like a mule. Bless you, I think I have secured you twice over! I have given you a lien on property worth two hundred thousand in ordinary times." "You have taught me to lean on you once more, Henry, and that is worth more than all your other liens." Mr. Arnault now appeared, and came affably forward, saying, "I am glad my enforced action did not incommode you to-day." "Thank you. I trust you are not in trouble, Mr. Arnault;" and there was a world of quiet satire in the remark. "Oh, no--only a temporary need, I assure you," was the hasty reply. "So I supposed;" and as Arnault turned away, the speaker gave Madge a humorous glance, which made her look of demure innocence difficult to maintain. * * * * *