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FLAMING

YOUTH

“Don't scare me again,” beeeed Pat.

“I won't be

Though I want to be, terndly.”

“As that is what you came for, perhaps youd better be. Why did you ask for Mrs. Fentriss?” “Isnt that what—what you're called?” “Certainly not.” An inspiration strack Pat marned Dad.”

“We heard that you

The hostess replaced her glasses, seated herself, and began to ink ina sketch. “Dx you?” “Is at true?” “No. We are not married.”

Neo good, that me. A chilling thought followed. “He isn’t hkely te be coming here, is he™* “Why? Are you afraki of being caught?” “J can’t think of anything more poisonous.” “Don't be alarmed. He coukin’t get in if he did come.* Pat searched her mind for movie evidence. “Hasn't he got a key?” “Noa Why net be honest and ask directly what's in your mind?* “E—I don’t know hor,” confessed the visitor, “For a singularly forward young person you dont get on very fast.

How old are.you?”

“Nimeteen. But I Know everything about—aboat e . . “Jf you don't it isn’t for lack of enterprise,” was the

grim reply, “And what you don't Know, you suspect.

Im this case your suspicions are quite correct. Bat doesnt follow that Ralph—that your father comes and goes at will here, in my place.” There was the slightest emphasis en the possessive,

“Oh!

I thought they—ithey always had—had a key,

and—snd——*"

—