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"I'll think it over," I told hi or losing everything certainly! But it

would also be breaking my word, and I don't believe I could do that

Alathea came in in time for luncheon Her face was set in a -room immediately, and so there

was no chance of conversation I noticed that she wore no bracelets or

rings, nothing of

We were icy to each other during the meal, and made conversation, and

ere alone with the coffee I just said: "I hope that you have not forgotten that at four o'clock we are to go to

the Duchesse's to meet the friends that she thinks it is suitable for

you to know"

Alathea started I could see she had not registered this fact for this

date

"I would rather not go," she said resentfully

"I daresay you would So would I, but e the Duchesse gratitude for

all her kindness to us, and I fear we must"

We did not speak further I could not talk until she apologized, and I