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Ailsa's quick laugh and the tenderness of her expression were her

only cos of Josiah Lent, lately captain,

United States dragoons

Ca white

skirts, seated herself on her veranda steps in full sunshine

"We did have a nice party, didn't we, Ailsa?" she said, leaning a

little sideways so that she could see over the fence and down into

the Craig's backyard garden

"I had such a good ti up radiantly

"So did I Billy Cortlandt is the most divine dancer Isn't

Evelyn Estcourt pretty?"

"She is growing up to be very beautiful soreat deal of attention Did you notice it?"

"Really? I didn't notice it," replied Camilla without enthusiasm

"But," she added, "I did notice you and Phil Berkley on the

stairs It didn't take you long, did it?"