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“Oh, forgive ized at once “ ’Tis just that I’htful hurry”

“Of course you are, h, Siebert recovered his balance and his dignity

“Where is Courtney? Is she awake? Abed? At breakfast? She hasn’t begun her e yet, has she?”

“No,breakfast in her bedchath for her conversation with Mr Oridge”

“I see Thank you” Lifting her skirts, Aurora fairly flew up the stairs, rapping soundly on Courtney’s door “Courtney? May I co inside

Seated at the table by the , Courtney had her head bowed over an object clutched in her hands Looking up, she gave Aurora a tolerant smile “It appears you’re already in”

“I’lanced frorasp “I shouldn’t have burst in like an unruly child ’Twas very rude of me I’ll come back later”

“No, please stay” Courtney beckoned to her “I’d welcome the company, truly”

“If you’re sure” Aurora hesitated, torn between coerness

“I’m sure”

“Good” That settled, Aurora shut the door and ca of your father”

“Yes” Courtney stroked the ti he were here to advise me I’m too much a novice, I’m afraid”

“A novice? At what? Perhaps I can help”

“No, somehow I don’t think you’re in a much better position than I to offer advice Not in this area, that is”

“You ht be surprised Try me”