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"Oh, what is it, Drake?" she asked anxiously, for she knew that

so easy-chairs, and stood before her, the

light of happiness on his face

"I've so to be

lad, Drake I have expected it for some time past What a

pity it is that she should have had to go!"

"She! Who?" he exclaiotten Lady Luce

The countess stared at him

"Who?" she said, with surprise "Why, who else should it be but Luce?"

His brows caether, and he made an impatient movement

"No, no!" he said "It is Nell--I mean Miss Lorton"

She rose with amazee?"

"Yes," he said io There