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 with his money-making, giving them ten—twenty, fifty per cent., if he liked, of his profits. What is the explanation? What does he say about it—Anthony Strong'nth'arm himself?

They would have to listen to him. If only from curiosity they would hear him out to the end. It might be but a nine days' wonder; the talk grow tiresome, the laughter die away. That was not his affair. He wanted to help. He was sure this was the best thing he could do.

He had not noticed the door open. She was standing before him. She drew his face down to her and kissed him.

"Thank you," she whispered, "for one of the happiest days of my life."

He held her to him for a while without speaking. He could feel the beating of her heart.

"There is something I want to tell you," he said.

She put a hand upon his lips. "I know," she answered. "In three minutes time. Then you shall tell me."

They stood with their arms round one another till the old French clock upon the mantelpiece had softly chimed the twelve hours. Then she released him, and seating herself in her usual chair, looked at him and waited.