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XI MRS. McALPIN SEEKS ADVICE

THE next forenoon Captain Ranger rode up alongside the carriage of Mrs. McAlpin and her mother, in which Jean was posing as driver and guest, and said: "I hope I gave you no offence in speaking as I did to Mr. Burns last night."

"No offence at all, Captain. Don't mention it; you were simply discharging your duty. But "—and Mrs. McAlpin hesitated a little—*' would you mind exchanging your mount with Jean for a little while? I am quite sure she will enjoy a canter on the back of Sukie, and I wish to counsel with you a little. I am sorry to impose upon your good nature."

Mrs. Benson took little notice of the Captain or of her daughter, but leaned back on the cushions, apparently absorbed in a book.

"I want your candid opinion," said Mrs. McAlpin. " Do you consider the marriage ceremony infallible? Is it an unpardonable sin to break it, except for a nameless reason? I have an object in asking this question that is not born of mere curiosity."

"Nothing of human origin is infallible, madam; and, for aught I can see to the contrary, nothing is infallible anywhere."

"Do you believe it is better to break a bad bargain than to keep it?"

"That depends upon circumstances."

"Why do you evade my question?"

"Because I can't see what you 're driving at."

"Then I'll come at once to the point. Suppose you had been born a woman?"

"That isn't a supposable case."