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He turned his eyes to Drake with sudden energy

"Don't pity leford There is no need"

Drake took his other hand and pressed it

"You et well soon, or her--our--happiness will be marred,

Falconer," he said waret well," he said "I am better already We artists are never

beyond consolation Art is a jealous mistress, and will brook no rival"

"And you worship a mistress ill make you fah she should deny us so much as that," he said

"Art is its oard"

Nell rose froone,

Falconer raised his head and looked long and seriously at Drake

"Be good to her, reat

prize, a ruby without a blemish; value it, cherish it"

Drake nodded

"I know," he said si Falconer's violin

carefully, tenderly She put it in his hands, held out eagerly to

receive it, and he placed it in position, turned it swiftly, and began

to play, his eyes fixed on hers gratefully