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"But do sit down, Mr Archer We four have been having a delightful little dinner together, and one up to dress She expects you; she will be down in athese marvellous flowers, which will surprise her when she reappears"
Winsett remained on his feet "I'm afraid I must be off Please tell Madame Olenska that we shall all feel lost when she abandons our street This house has been an oasis"
"Ah, but she won't abandon YOU Poetry and art are the breath of life to her It IS poetry you write, Mr Winsett?"
"Well, no; but I soeneral nod and slipping out of the rooe But so witty; Dr Carver, you DO think him witty?"
"I never think of wit," said Dr Carver severely
"Ah--ah--you never think of wit! How merciless he is to us weak mortals, Mr Archer! But he lives only in the life of the spirit; and tonight he isthe lecture he is to deliver presently at Mrs Blenker's Dr Carver, would there be time, before you start for the Blenkers' to explain to Mr Archer your illu discovery of the Direct Contact? But no; I see it is nearly nine o'clock, and we have no right to detain you while so htly disappointed at this conclusion, but, having coold ti-clock, he reluctantly gathered up his hty limbs for departure
"I shall see you later, dear friend?" he suggested to the Marchioness, who replied with a se coun"
Dr Carver looked thoughtfully at Archer "Perhaps, if this young gentleht allow you to bring him with you?"
"Oh, dear friend, if it were possible--I am sure she would be too happy But I fear my Ellen counts on Mr Archer herself"
"That," said Dr Carver, "is unfortunate--but here is my card" He handed it to Archer, who read on it, in Gothic characters: +---------------------------+ | Agathon Carver | | The Valley of Love | | Kittasquattamy, N Y | +---------------------------+ Dr Carver bowed hiht have been either of regret or relief, again waved Archer to a seat
"Ellen will be down in a lad of this quiet moment with you"
Archer , and the Marchioness continued, in her low sighing accents: "I know everything, dear Mr Archer--my child has told eous firmness--thank heaven it was not too late!"