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FLAMING

YOUTH

though!” she said, scowling at Constance. “Sneaking a letter off to him that way.” “I suppose you’d like to censor it,” taunted the writer. “Well, if you want to know what’s in it, I told him just how old you are and what kind of a silly little ass. I don’t think he’ll come back for any more baby-kisses.” At this Pat grinned inwardly. Whatever else it may have been, that was no baby-kiss that had passed between them. With her equanimity quite restored she remarked:

You lie.” “Tasty manners!” commented Dee.

“I don’t know what you’ve got to say Pat venomously. “I noticed a sedan with pulled down just after you disappeared with Jimmy James.” This was a random

about it,” said all the curtains from the house shot. It went

wide of the target. “Cut it, Scrubby! Cut it! admonished her sister calmly. “I don’t put on any snuggling sketches where everybody can see me.” “Don’t call me Scrubby!” choked the girl. “Look at yourself,” suggested Constance, “and see what

else you can expect to be called. Did you brush your teeth this morning?” “Oh, mind your business.” “Then go and brush them now,” said Mona’s voice from the stairway in its clear and singing cadence. Whatever Mona said took on the sound and form of music. Pat’s hoarse and unformed speech had an echo of the same

seductive

sweetness.

‘The mother

entered,

adjusting her hat. “I’m lunching in town, kiddies. — What’s the row?” Pat cast a sullenly appealing glance at Constance. In vain.