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"A few days ago," Mr Hyane went on, "I was offered a tea plantation

for fourteen thousand pounds The prospects were so splendid that I

went to a financier who is a friend of mine, and he undertook to

provide the reed to pay an interest

The whole future, which had been so black, suddenly becauerite, as you saith the news of ood luck,

and asked her if she would be ; his face was a mask

"And now I come to my difficulty, Mr Tibbetts," said Hyane "This

afternoon Marguerite and I played upon you a little deception which I

hope you will forgive"

"Certainly, certainly" hter

"When I took Marguerite to lunch to-day," said Hyane, "it was to

be--married"

"Married!" repeated Bones dully, and Mr Hyane nodded

"Yes, ere married at half-past one o'clock to-day at the Marylebone

Registry Office, and I was hoping that Marguerite would be able to tell

you her good news herself Perhaps"--he sood news

to her as it is to

happened"

He threay his cigarette, rose, and paced the rooitated

strides He had practised those very strides all thatto chance