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magic of it,” he said. doesn’t matter.”

AMING

YOUTH

213

“Don’t let yourself think of what

“Yes; that’s like you.”

She went on with down-drawn

brows and face darkened in thought: “Whatever happens don’t ever think that this hasn’t been the best thing I’ve ever known in my life. When I’ve been crazy over men before I’ve never had a thought for anyone but myself....

I wish there was something, anything that I could do for you, dear,” she concluded with passionate wistfulness. “There is. Be yourself; the real self that you are now.” “Tl try. Oh, I will try! But it’s so hard with you gone.” At the door of the Parmenter house she did not raise her eyes to his, but her strong young hand clung within his fingers in a fluttering clasp. “Good-bye, Cary, dear.” “God keep you, my darling.” She had to grope her way in past the astonished maid

who opened the door,