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FLAMING

YOUTH

thoughtfully. ‘The whole thing’s mostly bluff, J think. Men are queer things. I could laugh my head off at Jimmy sometimes.” “That’s a good safeguard.” “Yes;

but I don’t need it. . . . Mother, aren’t we go-

ing to pull a big party this spring?” “Of course. And we ought to do it pretty soon, too.” “What makes you say that so queerly?” “Nothing,” answered Mona hastily. “I was just thinking.” For though she was up and about again, she knew that she was weakening under the heart attacks which she endured with silent fortitude, due partly to natural pride, partly to her belief that a complaining woman lost all charm for those about her, winning only the poor substitute of pity instead of admiration. Upon Dr. Osterhout she had imposed silence; she was determined that her household should know nothing so long as concealment was possible. In her way she was an _ unselfish woman. She was quite aware that this would be the last of her parties in the house on the knoll. Pat’s voice floated upward in tones of lamentation. “Oh, damn it, Bobs! Go easy, can’t you? That stuff’s like fire.” “Patricia’s

fifteen,” reflected the mother.

her at the Sisterhood School next fall.”

“Ill enter