I'm suggesting the spirit, not the
letter of my action. But, Madge, believe me, if I could help you at
any cost to myself--"
"Is your regard for me, of which you spoke, so slight that you could
go to work deliberately to bring that man to me?"
"There is no regard about it. My _love_ for you is so great that I
would do anything to make you happy."
"Madge," called the voice of Mrs. Muir, who was following them with
her husband, "where are you and Graydon?"
"Here!" cried Madge, springing up. Then she gave her hand to him,
and he saw that there were tears in her eyes. "Graydon," she said,
"I couldn't ask a stronger test than that. I can't tell you how I
appreciate it. I shall never impose any such task upon you."
"Don't hesitate on my account. I admit that it would be harder than
one of the labors of Hercules, but you command me now and always.
Nothing is so bad as to know that you are unhappy."
"Do I seem very unhappy?"
"No, you brave little woman! but who could guess the truth if you
were? My knowledge is not derived from your usual manner."
"It is a pity if I cannot be patient when you set me so good an
example," she said, as Mr. and Mrs. Muir approached.
When they were alone again for a brief time during the ramble, Graydon
resumed: "I wish to make sure of your confidence, Madge; I wish you to
take me at my word.
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