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light in her gray eyes drove away any lingering doubt

I may have had as to her sincerity "I wished to warn

you to have a care for your own safety I don't warn

you against Arthur Pickering alone, but against the

countryside The idea of a hidden fortune is alluring;

a

combination I fancy Mr Glenarers for the people he

wished to help"

She was silent again, her eyes bent meditatively upon

wishes toto hear that I alad to know that he has so noble an a hio to California with

his party-I happen to know that"

"That whole California episode would have been

a if it had not been ridiculous Marian never

had the slightest idea of going with him; but she is

sometimes a little-shall I say perverse?-"

"Please do! I like the word-and the quality!"

"-and Mr Pickering's rather elaborate -"

"He's as heavy as lead!" I declared

"-amuse Marian up to a certain point; then they annoy

her He has iainst me could be easily adjusted if Marian marries

him But she will never randfather's will or however that may be!"