If the door-bell had rung she would have dismissed her exciting scene without hesitation, but it was only her father who asked her attention.
"Very well," she said, absently, turning down a leaf.
Her father observed her listless air and averted face for a moment with contracted brow, then quietly remarked, "Graydon Muir may return at any time now." Her apathy disappeared at once, and a faint color stole into her face.
"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.