This is a matter that Henry can't control, and there's no use in our yielding to prejudice." Therefore she was talkative, courteous, and rapidly softened toward the people whom her husband found so distasteful.

Graydon employed all his skill and tact to make the conversation general and agreeable, but the cloud did not wholly pass from Madge's brow.

From the moment of her first cold, curious stare, years since, Miss Wildmere had antagonized every fibre of the young girl's soul and body, and she had resolved never to be more than polite to her.

She did not look forward to future relationship, as was the case with Mrs.Muir, but rather to entire separation, should Graydon become Miss Wildmere's accepted suitor.

Now, with the instinct of self-defence, she was more cordial to her rival than to Graydon, until, at the solicitation of the children, she stole away.