She is an invalid, you know." "I hear she has returned vastly improved in health--indeed, that she is quite a beauty." "I hope so," he said, cordially, "but fear that rumor has exaggerated.
My brother said she was better, and added but little more.

Have you seen her ?" "No.

I only heard, a short time since, that she had returned." Madge had not gone into society, and had she met Miss Wildmere face to face she would not have been recognized, so greatly was she changed from the pallid, troubled girl over whom the beauty had enjoyed her petty triumph; but the report of Miss Alden's attractions had aroused in Miss Wildmere's mind apprehensions of a possible rival.
Graydon's manner was completely reassuring.

Whatever Miss Alden might have become, she evidently had no place in his thoughts beyond that natural to their relations.

No closer ties had been formed by correspondence during his long absence.
Further tete-a-tete was interrupted by the appearance of Mr.Arnault.
The young men were courteous and even cordial to each other, but before half an hour had passed they recognized that they were rivals.
Graydon's lips grew firm, and his eyes sparkled with the spirit of one who had not the faintest idea of yielding to another.