She looked around for her father, but he, nervous and apprehensive,
had disappeared. He felt that if he should be compelled to disclose
the failure of his predictions, she would pass into one of her sullen,
unmanageable moods. He feared that things were beyond his control,
and decided to let the young men manage for themselves. He was not,
however, exceedingly solicitous. He hoped that Arnault, aided by the
influence of his munificent offer, would have the skill to push his
suit to a prompt conclusion; but he believed that, if this suitor
should be dismissed, Graydon would not fail his daughter, and that all
might yet end well for her, and perhaps for himself.
The supper-room was again occupied by the late comers, many of whom
were accompanied by their families and friends. Mr. Muir's quiet eyes
fairly beamed over the group gathered at his table, and he felt that
but few moments of his life compared with those now passing. Twenty
four hours before he had seen himself drifting helplessly on a
lee shore, but a little hand had taken the helm when he had been
paralyzed, and now he saw clear sea-room stretching away indefinitely,
with a turning tide and favoring gales. The terrible evils threatening
him and his had been averted.
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