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 "I don't," he answered in sudden dejection. "Perhaps you have. If you have you know how I felt. Well, I guess that's all. I felt as though I had to tell you. It was my only excuse for—for annoying you."

"In Colorado," asked Prue without glancing at him, "are the men usually—affected—so suddenly, Mr. Forbes?"

"I don't know. I am."

"Always?" She turned a look of innocent surprise on him.

"You're making fun of me now," he muttered sadly.

"No, I'm not making fun," she replied gravely. "I confess that I'm—smiling, Mr. Forbes. You surely don't want me to—to think you serious," she added lightly.

"You know I am," he said simply.

He was staring morosely at the stove. Prue stole a look at his face, smiled ever so slightly and was silent. After a moment he looked up quickly and broke into impulsive speech.

"Miss Burnett, if things were different—