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"Indeed, I hadn't thought of that," said Barnabas

"And supposing your horse had been lamed and you couldn't ride,--how

then?"

"Why, then, I forfeit the htfully, and thereafter said

"ha!" so suddenly, that Cleone started and hurried to her side

"Dear God-ht, my dear!"

"But--"

"Call it a woht, dear?"

"That you are right, Cleone,--he o--at once!"

"Go? Barnabas?"

"Yes; to London,--now--this very instant! Unless you prefer to

forfeit your money, Barnabas?"

But Barnabas only smiled and shook his head

"You would be wiser!"

"But I was never very wise, I fear," said Barnabas

"And--er, then?"

"Yes, child, I do Indeed, Barnabas, you iser and safer to

forfeit your wagers and stay here with hed and shook his head

"Cleone," said the Duchess, "speak to hi a little, Cleone reached out her hand

to Barnabas, while the Duchess watched theht

eyes

"Oh, Barnabas, God-o--forin his strong clasp

the pleading hand upon his arm, turned to the Duchess

"Madaht I have found ht I have learned that a man must ever choose the hardest

course and follow it--to the end To-night Cleone has taught s"

"And you will--stay?" inquired the Duchess

"I ood-by--Barnabas!" said her Grace, looking up at hiood-by!" said she very softly, "it is a