In various unimportant ways he was of service to Mr.
Wildmere, but hoped more from the broker's embarrassments than from the girl's heart.
"I might do worse," muttered the beauty--"I might do worse.

If it were not for Graydon Muir, I'd decide the question at once." The door-bell rang, and Graydon was announced.

Even her experienced nerves had a glad tingle of excitement, she was so genuinely pleased to see him.

And well she might be, for he was a man to light any woman's eyes with admiration.

If something of his youth had passed, his face had gained a rich compensation in the strong lines of manhood, and his manner a courtly dignity from long contact with the best elements of life.