He assuredly had the right to please himself in his choice, and he felt that he would be fortunate indeed could he win one whom so many had sought in vain.
It never entered Mr.Muir's mind to interpose any authority or undue influence.

He merely felt in regard to the matter a repugnance natural to one so alien in disposition to Mr.Wildmere and his daughter, and it was a source of bitter mortification to him that he now found himself in a position not unlike that of the broker, in what would appear, in the present aspect of affairs, to be an outside speculation.

During the ride to the mountains he mentally compared Miss Wildmere's behavior with that of Madge a week before.

Witnessing Graydon's evident infatuation, he would have been glad to recognize any manifestation of traits that promised well for his future; but the young lady was evidently altogether occupied with the attentions she received, her own beauty, and the furtive admiration of fellow-passengers.

Poor Mrs.Wildmere and the nurse were left to manage the cross baby as best they could.