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"It is only a fancy," he said, scarcely knohat he was saying

"I don't think so, Stephen"

But he could notat the papers on his desk

After a while she drew a deep, even breath, and rose to her feet

"I'm sorry," she said simply

"Marion--I never dreamed that--"

"You should dream truer," she said There was a suspicion of mist in her clear eyes; she turned abruptly to theand stood there for a fewin front of the house "It can't be helped, can it!" she said, turning suddenly

He found no answer to her question

"Good-bye," she said, walking to him with outstretched hand; "it's all in a lifetiood, clean friendship like ours to die in I don't think I'd better coht drop ht, Stephen?"

"All right," he said hoarsely

Their hands tightened in a crushing clasp; then she swung on her spurred heel and walked out, leaving hiard, motionless He heard the front door close, and he swayed forward, dropping his face in his hands, ar the papers on his desk

Plank found hi the papers, and at first feared that he read in Siward's drawn and sullen face a premonition of the ever-dreaded sy for a conference at last," he said abruptly, sitting down beside Siward

"Well," inquired Siward, "how do you interpret that--favourably?"

"I am inclined to think he is a bit uneasy," said Plank cautiously "Harrington made a secret trip to Albany last week You didn't know that"

"No"

"Well, he did It looks to host of a chance for an investigation That is how I a of truce But--I don't know There's nothing definite, of course You are as conversant with the situation as I am"

"No, I am not That is like you, Plank, to ascribe to ot it It's very nice and considerate of you, but I haven't it, and you know it"

"I think you have"

"You think so because you think generously That doesn't alter the facts Now tell ht to do and I'll say 'Amen,' as usual"