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"He played superbly Do you think I could persuade him to come on to the

court for the ninth? I wish you'd ask hierly

"I will ask him," said Drake

"Yes, do, Drake," lided near him The divine music had not touched her in the least;

indeed, she had thought the solo rather out of place at a dance--quite

too sad and depressing; but as she seconded the duchess' request, her

blue eyes seemed dim with tears, and her lips tre!" and the perfectly shaped lips pouted

piteously

Drake nodded, led the duchess to a chair, and went slowly up the roo him in a dull, vacant way, lost him for a

moment or two; then she heard his voice near her, and saw hiallery doorway

She stifled a cry, and shrank back behind Mrs Hawksley, so that the

stout form of the old lady completely hid her

"Mr Falconer?" she heard the deep voice say gravely

Falconer bowed, his violin under his arm, his pale, thin face perfectly

co in his

soul, too great to be stirred by the applause which had again broken