Mrs. Muir thought the idea very sensible. Mr. Muir and Madge passed out through a side door. The former lighted his cigar leisurely, and they strolled away as if for no other purpose than to enjoy the warm evening. The storm had not come, but clouds were flying wildly across the disk of the moon, and the hurry-skurry in the sky was akin to the thoughts of the quiet saunterers.
"Where shall we go?" he asked.
"Not far away. There is an open walk near, where we could see any one approach us."
"Now, Madge," Mr. Muir began, after reaching the spot, "I have followed your suggestions, for I have great confidence in your good sense. Your words have worried me exceedingly."
"There is reason for it, Henry, even though there is probably no truth in what has been said about your financial peril."
"Great God!" he exclaimed, starting, "is that subject talked about?"
"Do you owe money to Mr. Arnault?"
"Yes," with a groan.
"Would it hurt you should he demand it to-morrow?"
"Oh, Madge, this is dreadful!" and she saw that he was trembling.