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 *prised. Afterwards Hunter told me that Wagner was a writer chap and that 'The Simple Life' was a book. You see, I spent the winter in Arizona and thereabouts, and 'The Simple Life' hadn't reached there when I left."

The girl at the easel laughed softly.

"They're dear old souls, though," she said. "So old-fashioned and quaint; I think they live the simple life themselves. I've heard it said that they never paint a flower that hasn't come out of their own garden."

"Their pictures, what I saw of them, seemed rather clever" said Miles, doubtfully.

"Oh, they are! They've made a wonderful reputation for themselves and get fabulous prices. And no one has ever been able to tell Miss Veridian's work from Miss Anamite's;