Graydon observed the slight cloud on his brother's face, but ignored it, feeling that his preference was an affair of his own.

He believed that the long-wished-for opportunity to press his suit with vigor had come, and had no hesitation as to his purpose.

He did not intend to act precipitately, however.

He would first learn just how Mr.Arnault stood, and become reasonably assured by Miss Wildmere's manner toward himself that her preference was not a hope, but a reality.
The enterprise in which Mr.Muir had engaged, and which now so taxed his financial strength, was outside of his regular business, and Graydon knew nothing of it.

The young man believed that his own means and exceptionally good prospects were sufficient to warrant the step he proposed to take.