They are stiff, I know, but not above the
market."
Mr. Muir had thought it over. If he failed he was satisfied that his
assets would eventually make good every dollar he owed, with interest,
while, on the other hand, even the small sum named promised to
preserve his fortune and add very largely to his wealth. The
transaction was soon completed.
Mr. Arnault was equally satisfied that he also took but slight risk.
The loan, however, was made from his own means, and was not wholly a
business affair. He had made up his mind to win Stella Wildmere,
and would not swerve from the purpose unless she engaged herself
to another. Then, even though she might be willing to break the tie
through stress of circumstances, he would stand aloof. There was only
one thing greater than his persistency--his pride. She was the belle
who, in his set, had been admired most generally, and his god was
success--success in everything on which he placed his heart, or,
rather, mind. For her to become engaged to Graydon, and then, because
of his poverty, to be willing to renounce him for a more fortunate
man, would not answer at all. He must appear to the world to have
won her in fair competition with all others, and the girl had an
instinctive knowledge of this fact.
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