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"Yes, I think so," absently replied Nell, atching the tall

figure as it went down the hill

Mrs Lorton coughed in a genteel fashion, and her srew still more

self-satisfied

"He could not be in a better place," she said; "could not possibly, and

I do trust he will not think of leaving us until he is quite restored to

health I lad we are to have him, and

how his presence cheers our dull and lonely lives"

Nell laughed softly

"Mr Vernon does not strikeparticularly cheerful," she

reenerally," she qualified, as she rehtness which he had displayed in the _Annie Laurie_

"In-deed! You are quite wrong, Eleanor," said Mrs Lorton stiffly "I

consider Mr Vernon aand brilliant companion; and I,

for one, should very deeply deplore his departure I trust, therefore,

you will do all you can toit Three horses; ahehed behind her iven you any idea of his position

and--er--income, Eleanor?"

Nell flushed and shook her head