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 the fact that what I've done was the only thing to do."

"How perfectly absurd!" she said impatiently. "What right have you to think that I—want to know you?"

"I don't suppose you do—yet. But I want to know you. Now look here, Miss Burnett; be fair! Wanting to know you isn't a crime, is it? Other chaps have wanted the same thing, and I dare say they've gone about much as I have. If they haven't pursued you from New York to Quebec it is because they haven't had to. But I dare say they've schemed and manoeuvred in the city, sought invitations to the places you went to and begged introductions. Well, I didn't have a chance to do that. While I was trying to find out where you lived, and who you were, you started off on this trip. If I had stayed behind and waited you might not have come back. I could get nothing out of that close-mouthed butler."

She flashed a startled look at him.