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Falconer took it and put his lips to it The sight broke the spell that

held Drake, and, with a h the wood toward the house

The first dinner bell was ringing as he entered the hall Most of the

guests had gone up to dress, but one or two still lingered in the hall,

and aleford and Lady Luce The former came to meet him

as he entered

"Why, where have you been, Drake?" she said, with the little maternal

manner hich she always addressed hirayhound, and she

looked up at him with a smile, then lowered her eyes, as if she were

afraid their welcome should be too marked

"I've been for a walk," he said His face was flushed, his eyes

bright--too bright--with suppressed e at the

Styles' far way! Aren't you tired? Will you have soet

some made in a moment or two Do!"

"No, no; thanks!" he said, as he pitched his cap on the stand "It's too

late"

As he spoke he went up to Lady Luce and looked down at her, his face

still flushed, his eyes still unnaturally bright