She will one day yield with all the quiet grace
that she shows when rising to accept my invitation to waltz."
Therefore, as he approached the hotel he was complacency itself until
he saw Mr. Arnault on the piazza, and then his face darkened with the
heaviest of frowns.
"Why, what is the matter?" Miss Wildmere asked.
"I had hoped that this perfect afternoon might be followed by a more
delightful evening, but from the manner in which that gentleman is
approaching you, it is evident that he expects to claim you."
"Claim me? I do not think any one has that right just yet. Mr. Arnault
certainly has not."
"Then I may still hope for your society this evening?"
"Have I not permitted you to be with me nearly all day? You must be
more reasonable. Good-evening, Mr. Arnault. Did you drop from the
clouds?"
"There are none, and were there I should forget them in this pleasure.
Mr. Muir, I congratulate you. We have both been on the road this
afternoon, but you have had the advantage of me."
"And mean to keep it, confound you!" thought Graydon. "Ah,
good-evening, Mr. Arnault. You are right; I have found rough roads
preferable to smooth rails and a palace car."
"How well you are looking, Miss Stella! but that's chronic with you.
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