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'If you're strong enough,' said Mr Booker

'Well, I think I ah, at any rate, to show that I'ard for our friend here,--but her book is a bad book, a thoroughly rotten book, an unblushing compilation fro froed to misapprehend her facts, and to muddle her dates Then she writes to me and asks me to do the best I can for her I have done the best I could'

Mr Alf knew very hat Mr Booker had done, and Mr Booker are of the extent of Mr Alf's knowledge 'What you say is all very right,' said Mr Booker; 'only you want a different kind of world to live in'

'Just so;--and therefore we must make it different I wonder how our friend Broune felt when he saw that his critic had declared that the "Crireatest historical work of modern days'

'I didn't see the notice There isn't much in the book, certainly, as far as I have looked at it I should have said that violent censure or violent praise would be equally throay upon it One doesn't want to break a butterfly on the wheel;--especially a friendly butterfly'

'As to the friendship, it should be kept separate That's et what you've done forMr Broune's hand for a

'I hope you'll learn to know that a woo his hand and uest There was a dash of true sincerity in what she had said Of enduring gratitude it may be doubtful whether she was capable: but at this moment she did feel that Mr Broune had done lyof another sort, of any turn at the entleh he were her lover, she was absolutely innocent She had forgotten that little absurd episode in their joint lives She was at any rate too much in earnest at the present moment to think about it But it was otherith Mr Broune He could not quite make up his mind whether the lady was or was not in love with hie her;--and if so, in what manner Then as he looked after her, he told hiure was distinguished, that her income was certain, and her rank considerable Nevertheless, Mr Broune knew of hi e would not suit his business, and he smiled to himself as he reflected how impossible it was that such a one as Lady Carbury should turn him from his resolution