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"I shall hint nothing--do nothing, except what you wish Ah, Mrs Talbot"--with a heavy sigh--"you are supremely happy! I envy you! With your fascinations and"--insinuatingly--"a word in season from me, I see no reason why you should not claim as your own the man whom you--well, let us say, like; while I--"

"If I can befriend you in any way," interrupts Dora quickly, "command me"

She is indeed quite dazzled by the picture he has painted before her eyes Can it be--is it--possible, that Sir Adrian ards his, and of late she has been rendered at tiht that he has fallen a victim to the charms of Florence

Now if, by means of this man, her rival can be kept out of Adrian's way, all ht to her feet before her visit comes to an end

Of Arthur Dynecourt's infatuation for Florence she is fully aware, and is right in deerown out of his knowledge of her ues to herself, his love is true and faithful, despite his knowledge of her dot, and he will in all probability ood a husband as she is likely to find

"May I command you?" asks Arthur, in his softest tones "You know hton, when my heart overcame me and made me show my sentiments openly and in your presence, you have been aware of the hopeless passion that is consu me I may be mad, but I still think that, with opportunities and tiht make myself at least tolerated by Miss Delive "--with a iveyou alone"

Dora only too well understands his insinuation Latterly Sir Adrian and Florence have been almost inseparable To now meet with one whose interest it is to keep them asunder is very pleasant to her

"I will help you," she says in a low tone

"Then try to induce Miss Delallery," he whispers hurriedly, seeing Captain Ringwood and Miss Villiers approaching "Hush! Not another word! I rely upon you Above all things, remember that what has occurred is only between you and me It is our little plot," he says, with a curious smile that somehow strikes a chill to Mrs Talbot's heart