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 and can be of great service to me. I want to get to the front, you know."

Cherokee had never told Robert of their meeting, nor that very amount he had so contemptuously returned to her in the guise of a gift—of the reception, and Willard's boast that she would again receive him. She regretted that now; surely the knowledge on the part of the husband would have restrained him.

"You must go to them," she said at length, "they will think strangely of the delay."

"I must go; surely you will accompany me."

"Don't ask it, Robert; make some excuse; I can't meet that man."

"Nonsense! the embarrassment will be but momentary. You surely won't stand in the way of my success; besides, Marrion is there, and I am sure you will enjoy knowing him better."

"Do you really wish me to see this other man, Willard Frost?"

"I do; how can I expect him to be my friend if you fail to receive him?"

"You are everything to me, husband, and I will obey you, although I never expected to be called upon to make a sacrifice like this."

In the meantime, the guests awaited in the library.