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"Why do you say HIM?" she queried, in a shudder of curiosity

"Well, Gulden haunts me"

"He does me, too He makes me lose ood But you ARE wicked"

"Then you won't e Because I tell you the truth"

"Kells! I' deep in me says you won't keep me

here--you can't be so base Not now, after I saved your life! It

would be horrible--inhuman I can't believe any man born of a woman

could do it"

"But I want you--I love you!" he said, low and hard

"Love! That's not love," she replied in scorn "God only knohat

it is"

"Call it what you like," he went on, bitterly "You're a young,

beautiful, soman It's wonderful to be near you My life has

been hell I've had nothing There's only hell to look forward to--

and hell at the end Why shouldn't I keep you here?"

"But, Kells, listen," she whispered, earnestly, "suppose I a

and beautiful and sweet--as you said I'm utterly in your power I'm

compelled to seek your protection from even worse men You're

different froood mother Now you're bitter, desperate, terrible You hate

life You see Maybe a glimpse of joy! But how can it? You know better

How can itunless I--I love you?"