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and dignified His father had been president before hi on his father's custonity that had so characterized him

He was dressed early Natalie had been closeted with Madeleine, her

maid, and a hair-dresser, for hours As he went down-stairs he could

hear her voice raised in querulous protest about so

When he went into the library Buckha over the fire,

his austere old face serious and intent

"Well, another year alone, Buckha to knohat the New-year holds"

"I hope it will bring you peace and happiness, sir"

"Thank you"

And after Buckhaht that rather a curious New-year's

wish Peace and happiness! Well, God knows he wanted both A vague

co the upper servants of a household

acquire as to the inner life of the family stirred in him; how much they

knew and concealed under their impassive service

When Natalie came down the staircase a fewwrap, and she watched his face, after her

custom when she expected to annoy hirown to associate with some unpleasantness