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 FLAMING

YOUTH

sister and the person closest to you in the world.

203

She

is, isn’t she?”

“But she doesn’t know as much about me as you do,” murmured Pat. “In some ways she does, though. After all, you’re only a man. . . . But Dee’s a wonder, isn’t she??? “She is a fine and high personality.” The jealous coquette in Pat asserted itself. ‘Finer than I am?” “Much.” His answer was grave and sincere. Pat made a little face at him. “T don’t think it’s nice of you to think anyone is nicer than I am.” “TI love you, Pat.” She quivered a little with delight of the words. “It would make no difference if another woman were as far above you in character as the stars are above the earth; it would still be you and no one else

in the world forme. Isit enough? Or do you want rather to be flattered ?” “No,” she breathed softly. “I want you to—love me.” There was the faint hesitancy over the committing word which she always evinced. “Just your own way. But Dee——

Oh, Bobs!” she exclaimed as the doctor entered

the place. ‘Come here.” “Hello, Bambina. Ah, Cary.” Osterhout’s face was moody. “What’s on your mind?” demanded Pat. “You look

grouchy as a bear.” “Nothing,” he disclaimed. ‘Did you notice Dee, in church?” Osterhout’s heavy gaze lifted to study Pat’s face, then passed to that of Scott. “Did you see it, too?” he muttered. “Bobs, what was she looking for?”