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"Drake--you believe me?" she whispered "Don't--don't punish me too

badly! See, I am at your feet--a woman--Drake"--her voice sank to a

whisper, became almost inaudible, and her head drooped forward until it

nearly rested on his breast "Drake--forgive--me and----"

Her voice broke suddenly

He waslike pity Is there any man alive who can

resist the prayer, the touch of a beautiful woman, especially if she is

the woman he has once loved? If such a man there be, his name is not

Drake Selbie

"Hush!" he said again, but in a gentler voice "God knows, I loved you,

Luce----"

She uttered a faint cry It was no louder than the sough of the night

breeze

"Drake--Drake! ah, Drake!" she breathed, her face lifted to his, her

other hand touching his breast "Say it again! It's the sweetest ain, Drake I won't ask for any

more----"

"Don't!" he said hoarsely The caress of her hand made him miserable; it

had no power to thrill him now "I want to tell you, Luce----"