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"I should like to aze to the

once hter?" said Abbott, curiously

"Oh, surely!"

"Ibrier

"And you can stay to dinner"

"I'll take the dinner end of the invitation," was the reply "I've got to

go over to Menaggio to see about soned If I can , you'll see me at tea Dinner at all

events I'm off"

"Do you mean to stand there and tell me that you have important business?"

jeered Abbott

"My boy, the reason I'm on trains and boats, year in and year out, is in

the vain endeavor to escape important business Now and then I am rounded

up Were you ever hunted by lish: I'd throw the

race at the starting-post Millions, Abbott, and to be obliged to run away

from them! If the deserts hadn't dried up all my tears, I should weep Why

don't you hire a private secretary to handle your affairs?"

"And have hiazed at his lean brown

hands "When these begin to shake, I'll do so Well, I shall see you both

at dinner, whatever happens"