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A triulory flashed in her eyes--her red lips parted in a ravishing smile

"You cannot help it!" she repeated--"That little white lady--that friend of yours whom you hate and love at the same time!--she told me I was 'quite beautiful!' I know I aravely

"I have always known it--yes!"--he said, then paused--"Dear child, beauty is nothing--"

She made a swift step towards hi face was next to his

"You speak not truly!" and her voice was tre!"

Her physical fascination was netic, and for a ently he put an arm round her,--and with a tender delicacy of touch unfastened the rose she wore at her bosom

"There, dear!" he said--"I will keep this with me for company! It is like you--except that it doesn't talk and doesn't ask for love--"

"It has it without asking!" she murmured

He smiled

"Has it? Well,--perhaps it has!" He paused--then stooping his tall head kissed her once on the lips as a brother ht , you will have it too!"