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64 Doane, in order to soothe his wounded feelings, although not at fault herself. She heard herself as the subject of Doane's conversation, but hardly thought it would take the shape it did. She intended, in the midst of it, to burst in and turn it into something amusing at Doane's expense.

"The most astonishing part of it all," said Doane, "is her well-known life here in New York. At twelve, Ouida, who was the natural daughter of a woman of the town and Albert Angelo, was a child of the street. How she lived, she hardly knew herself. Lovers she had by the score. She became a model. She would just as willingly sit nude, as attired in silks and satins. One day Warde discovered that she possessed talent, nay, genius, of a high order. She was inspired to uplift herself out of base conditions. She was sent abroad, where, between her scrapes and love affairs, she studied. The power of art dowered her with wondrous victories. One or two conceptions a year brought her a fortune. She became rich enough to gratify every whim. She came here three years ago, having lost none of her Bohemian characteristics. Society has opened its arms; as you see, it worships her."

Paul breaks away from Ouida, and confronts Doane, anger and contempt leaping from his eyes.

"A wonderful story! Is it fully told?" said Paul. "Do these gentlemen know all?"

"All!" said Doane, "all, man? Why, could more possibly be crowded into the life of one woman?"

"Yes, slanderous cur," thundered Paul, as he slapped Doane's face with his glove. "Give them the finish. She marries me tomorrow night."