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 "It wasn't because I played bridge, was it?"

She was silent. It was, he thought, and said aloud:

"But, Christabel, you said"

"Said? Said? Curtis, don't you know there's a language deeper than words, that the heart understands?"

"But I"

"I wasn't going to tell you. I wasn't going ever to let you know!"

"But"

"But, oh, Curtis, you hurt me so this afternoon! I was so lonely I wanted to die!"

"But you said"

"I didn't want you to stay with me if you wanted to be with them. If you would rather be with Mrs. Preston and that Mrs. Sloane, I want you to be with them."

"But I asked you"

"Only don't expect me to come, too, because they make a spiritual atmosphere that I simply can't—breathe in."

"Oh, now, what's the matter with them?"