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The events of the present are all strung upon the thread of the past,

and in telling over this chronological rosary,

it not infrequently happens that strange, unlike beads follow each other

between our questioning fingers

It was nearly a week after his letter before Maitland arrived He sent us no further word, but walked in one evening as ere talking about him He came upon us so suddenly that ere all taken aback and, for a moment, I felt somewhat alarmed about Gwen She had started up quickly when the servant had mentioned Maitland's name and pressed her hand convulsively upon her heart, while her face and neck beca to myself that this was a common effect of sudden surprise, when I saw her clutch quickly at the back of her chair, as if to steady herself A moment later she sank into her seat Her face was now as pale as ashes, and I felt I had good reason to be alarmed I think she was conscious of my scrutiny, for she turned her face from me and re to regain cogle, though I watched her with some solicitude My fears were at once dispelled, however, when Maitland entered, for Gas the first to welcome him She extended her hand with : "I have so much for which to thank you--" but Maitland interrupted her "Indeed, I regret to say," he rejoined, "that I have been unable thus far to be of any real service to you The Ragobah clue was a h we may do ourselves the justice to admit that we had no alternative but to follow it to the end I confess I have never been more disappointed than in the outcome of this affair" "My dear fellow," I said, "we all have et that" Maitland laughed: "That reminds me," he said, "of theWhen asked how et no ot your hat back, and that's about all However, with Miss Darrow's perin all over again"

"You areme your debtor," Gwen replied slowly, "beyond my power ever to repay you"