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In the evening of the thirty-first of January Clayton and Graha for Natalie to co, and

Dunbar was announced Grahauely uneasy with his father since that day in his office when Clayton

had found him on Anna Klein's desk Clayton had tried to restore the old

friendliness of their relation, but the boy had only half-heartedly met

his advances Now and then he himself made an overture, but it was the

almost timid advance of a puppy that has been beaten It left Clayton

discouraged and alar back over the past for any

severity on his part to justify it Now and then he wondered if,

in Grahas with Natalie, she did not covertly

undermine his influence with the boy, to increase her own

But if she did, why? What was going on behind the impassive, lovely mask

that was her face

Dunbar was abrupt, as usual

"I've brought you some news, Mr Spencer," he said He looked oddly

vital and alive in the subdued and quiet room "They've shown their hand

at last Butnew"

"Then listen," said Dunbar, bending forward over a table, much as it was