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"If I were a man," she said, "you should die for that!"

"It was an opportunity not to be ignored," returned Courtlandt "It is

true that I was a fool to run away as I did, but my return has convinced

me that I should have been asfor an intervierote you letters You returned the So be it You may consider that

kiss the farewell appearance so dear to the operatic heart," bitterly

He addressed most of this to the back of her head, for she was already

walking toward the villa into which she disappeared with the proud air of

soedy She was a capital actress

A heavy hand fell upon Courtlandt's shoulder He was irresistibly drawn

right about face

"Now, then, Mr Courtlandt," said Harrigan, his eyes blue and cold as ice,

"perhaps you will explain?"

With rage and despair in his heart, Courtlandt flung off the hand and

answered: "I refuse!"

"Ah!" Harrigan stood off a few steps and ran his glance critically up and

down this ht to make a friend "You're a husky

lad There's one way out of this for you"