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“GOOD AFTERNOON, MY lord,” the headh-backed chair and gazing at hily

He loves on a nearby chair, and said softly, “It is now, fair charmer, it is now, for I have missed you”

“Have you?” she answered, displaying that she would not easily be taken in

“Can you doubt it?” he returned banteringly

“Yes, oh yes,” she said and gave his you here today?”

The marquis did not wait for an invitation as he sat and lance and said, “Ah, what brings me here—” he started

“I have seen your interest in the Winthrop chit”

“She is a lovely ave her an intense glance

“Are you saying that particular fruit … interests you?”

He answered quietly, “And if it did?”

“I would happily make you a present of her and be done with the chit I cannot abide her,” Bianca said bitterly

“Do you always give away such things to your male acquaintances?” This was not what he had expected to hear from her that afternoon

She smiled ruefully “My lord, I aive anything away There are fruits though, that I would gladly sell”

She got up, moved to a corner dark wood cabinet, and produced a bottle of

sherry Pouring slowly, she added, “Some refreshment, my lord?”