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"Do me a favor, Robert," spoke the pretty woman at his side, almost as

soon as she and Robert had started their slow, ho on his ar shadow of the

umbrella which he had lifted

"Granted; asdown into her eyes

that were full of thoughtfulness and some speculation

"I only ask for one; let Mrs Pontellier alone"

"Tiens!" he exclaih "Voila que Madame

Ratignolle est jalouse!"

"Nonsense! I'm in earnest; I mean what I say Let Mrs Pontellier

alone"

"Why?" he asked; hi serious at his companion's

solicitation

"She is not one of us; she is not like us Sheyou seriously"

His face flushed with annoyance, and taking off his soft hat he began

to beat it i as he walked "Why shouldn't she

take me seriously?" he demanded sharply "Am I a comedian, a clown, a

jack-in-the-box? Why shouldn't she? You Creoles! I have no patience with

you! Aramme? I