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He nodded with mock solemnity

"That's it! You're a os,--tubercles on the brain! Oh, those tubercles! They could never stand the Plaza!--the gaiety, the brilliancy--the--the all-too dazzling social round!" he paused, and a gleaestion of a smile--"That's why I stay up here"

"Youher lips vexedly--"And of , dear! But why should you be any thing?"

A ware

"Men are often fond of women"--she said

"Often? Oh, more than often! Too often! But what does that matter?"

She twisted the ends of her rose-coloured neckerchief nervously with one hand

"You are a man"--she replied, curtly--"You should have a woh of pleasure

"Should I? You really think so? Wonderful Manella? Co with the soft tread of a forest animal, and, face to face with him, looked up He smiled kindly into her dark fierce eyes, and noted with artistic approval the unspoiled beauty of natural lines in her form, and the proud poise of her handsome head on her full throat and splendid shoulders

"You are very good-looking, Manella"--he then remarked, lazily--"Quite the model for a Juno Be satisfied with yourself You should have scores of lovers!"

She stamped her foot suddenly and impatiently

"I have none!" she said--"And you know it! But you do not care!"

He shook a reproachful forefinger at her

"Manella, Manella, you are naughty! Temper, temper! Of course I do not care! Be reasonable! Why should I?"

She pressed both hands tightly against her boso

"Why should you? I do not know! But I care! I would be your woman! I would be your slave! I would wait upon you and serve you faithfully! I would obey your every wish I aood servant,--I can cook and sew and wash and sweep--I can do everything in a house and you should have no trouble You should write and read all day,--I would not speak a word to disturb you I would guard you like a dog that loves his e look in his eyes,--a look of wonder and so of compassion There was a pause The silence of the hills was, or seereat white cloud still spread itself in large leisure along thesky Presently he spoke "And ages, Manella? What wages should I have to pay for such a servant?--such a dog?"