"I think she's a prodigy," exclaimed Mrs. Muir.
"Nothing of the kind. She is a handsome girl, with good abilities, who has had the sense to make the most and best of herself instead of dawdling."
After an easy gallop of a mile, in which Madge showed complete power to keep her horse from breaking into a mad run, she drew rein and looked at Graydon with a smile. He took off his hat and bowed, laughingly.
"Oh, Graydon," she said, "it was nice of you to let me have my own way!"
"I didn't do it very graciously. I have seldom been more worried in my life."
"I'm glad you were a little worried," she said. "It recalls your look and tone at the time of our parting, when you said, 'Oh, Madge, do get well and strong!' Haven't I complied with your wish?"
"Had my wish anything to do with your compliance?"
"Why not?"
"What an idiot I've been! I fear I have been misjudging you absurdly.
I've had no end of ridiculous thoughts and theories about you."
"Indeed! Apparently I had slight place in your thoughts at all, but I made great allowances for a man in your condition."