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"It is well that you are English, Nicholas No Frenchhter of a ood and splendid like Alathea, Duchesse?"

"For that, no, my son, we have little left but our traditions, and our

nas matter to us No, frankly, I could not have

perht in my analysis of ould be the bent of my old

friend's mind

"You are pleased now, though, dear Duchesse?" I pleaded

"It seeed it,

but since it is done, I can but wish my dear Alatheé and you, ain I took and kissed her kind hand

"In England, especially in this war time, questions are not asked,

n'est ce pas? She can be 'Sharp' siirl, herself, you have a rare jewel, Nicholas--unselfish,

devoted, true, but the will of the devil! You shall not be able to turn

her as you wish, if her ideas go the other way!"

"Duchesse, the situation is peculiar, there is no question of love in

it Alathea is ivethat Ito be really husband and wife"

The Duchesse dropped her fire-screen, her clever-eyes hi

"Tiens!" she said, and never has the delicious word conveyed so ! "You believe that truly Nicholas? Alatheé is a very pretty girl