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Helena put her hands over her ears

"But please, can't you love me? We needn't be married, if you'd rather

not If you'll just love me a little?"

The innocence of the plea for love without e struck her with a

dull humor that faded into annoyance that she should see the humor It

was an uncomfortable sensation, and she hated discomfort; in her

desire to escape from it, she spoke with quick impatience "No, Sam,

of course not,--not the way you want me to Why, you are just a boy,

you know!" she added, lightly

But Sam threw hiainst her skirts "Oh, are you sure, Mrs Richie? Why, it

seeht--just a little? Can't you? You see, I'm so

lonely," he ended pitifully His innocent solemn eyes were limpid with

tears, and he looked at her with terrified beseeching, like a lost

child