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 FLAMING

YOUTH

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you were probing for symptoms. Bobs does all that I need in that line.” “Osterhout? How is he?” “Go and see him. He needs stirring up. You are coming to us to-night, aren’t you?” “Only too charmed, What’s this place?” he asked, as the car drew to the curb. “My tailor’s. Will you wait for me?” “Heavens, no!” he laughed. “I’m nearly forty now. Can’t spare the time.” “Then account for yourself before you go. What brings you here so suddenly and without any announcement?” “A peculiar mission.” “Private, for a guess. Not hooked, are you, Cary?” “Nothing of that nature.

It’s private, but not secret,

from you. In fact, you may be able to help me.” “T? In what possible way?” “T want to find Stanley Wollaston.” At the name a slow colour rose in Dee’s cheeks until it tinged even the breadly and beautifully modelled forehead. “He’s gone away. To Richmond. I can give you his address.” “Good! I’ve some important news for him. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t know it. His aunt in England has died and left him the estate. Stan’s lean days are over.” The rich hue ebbed out of Dee’s face. ‘“‘He’ll go back, then,” she mused.

At once she recovered herself.

“I am

glad,” she said. “J knew you would be,” he answered. But he thought with pity: “She still loves him’; and, with uneasiness,

“and still sees him.” He continued: “He’ll be going back within a month at the latest. Ill go on to-morrow to find him.”