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"Oh, neverI see no reason why you need hesitate to

attend I merely wondered if you could procure me an invitation"

"Did she tell you about it?"

"Well, she delicately hinted at it, and, you know, things are pretty

slow here in a social way She ain there"

"Of course; it is given in her honor"

"So I understood, although she sought to deceive me into the belief

that she was not the lady We met purely by accident, you understand,

and I am desirous of a more formal presentation"

The minister drew in his breath sharply, but the clasp of his extended

hand was not devoid of warmth "I will have a card of invitation sent

you at the calad of your presence;

only I warn you frankly regarding the lady, that co"

"Oh, so far as that is concerned I have not yet entered the running,"

laughed Brant, in affected carelessness, "although Iproclivities are so rapidly away, a short, erect figure,

appearing slender in his severely cut black cloth "Poor little chap,"

he retfully "He's hard hit Still, they say all's fair

in love and war"