But, be his fate what it might, both his pride and
his peculiar sense of honor made it imperative that he should be her
suitor until the time stipulated for his answer should expire. Up to
twelve o'clock that night he would not give her the slightest cause
for resentment or even complaint. Then his obligation to her ceased
utterly, and she knew that it would.
He had been irritated and despondent ever since Mr. Muir, through
Madge's aid, had so signally checkmated him. But Stella's greeting
had reassured him, and Graydon's manner toward her gave the impression
that she had not been extending encouragement to him. This promising
aspect of affairs speedily began to pass away, however, when he saw
her step to Graydon's side and ask if he was not going to shake hands
with her. He knew how proud the girl was, and by this high standard
measured the strength of the regard which impelled to this advance.
He had since noted every effort that she had made to secure Graydon's
attention, and the truth became perfectly clear. She had utterly lost
faith in his and her father's predictions of financial disaster to
Henry Muir, and would accept Graydon at the earliest opportunity.
He saw that his defeat in Wall Street insured his defeat in the
Catskills, and feared that Graydon had guessed his strategy, and,
therefore, would not approach the girl while he was at her side.
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