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 went away—I began to really understand how much—she meant to me. Oh, but what's the good of talking?" "Lots. Talking always helps, a fact recognized by my sex, Gordon, and ignored by yours. Besides, we started out to talk, didn't we? So let's talk. May I have one of your cigarettes, please? Do you know, Gordon, I believe it was your taste in cigarettes that first pleased me with you?"

Presently she continued, watching a blue swirl of smoke blow to leeward. "Did you ever learn her name?" she asked.

"No, I never tried. Damn it—I beg your pardon!—but sometimes I wonder if I wasn't a fool to obey her."

"You mean not try to find her?" Leona considered, revolving her cigarette between shapely fingers. "N-no, I don't think you were. I know Peggy fairly well and I'm pretty sure she meant it, Gordon. She—she has more courage and determination than many girls." She was silent a moment. Then, with a sigh, "Why didn't you believe what I told you in Aiken, Gordon, and let her alone? I told you she was not—not the sort