I saw your father this morning, and he intrusted me with a letter for you." Mr.Arnault manifested not a particle of jealousy or apprehension, and Graydon felt himself shouldered out of the way by a courtesy to which he could take no exception.

He saw that only Miss Wildmere herself could check his rival's resolute and easy assurance.

This he now felt sure she would do if it passed a certain point, and he went to his room, annoyed merely, and without solicitude.

"She must let the fellow down easily, I suppose," he thought; "and after to-day I need have few fears.

If she had wanted _him_ she could have taken him long ago." Miss Wildmere also went to her room and read her father's letter.