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Rh misunderstand. You 're always so—so reticent and queer about your own affairs. I did n't see any harm in trying to know Miss Reed. It was better, anyway, than letting Maud go, and she was so set upon it."

Letitia raised her eyes pleadingly, then dropped them quickly. His were blazing. But it was too late to go back now. He took a chair, drew it up before her, and sat down.

"Just explain to me what you mean," he said quietly. "You and Maud have been trying to make the acquaintance of Miss Reed—is that it?"

"We did more than try. We did it—I did it. I would n't let Maud. I was afraid she 'd do something. Maud sometimes has n't got as much tact—as much tact as she ought to have."

"How did you do it?"

"I just went there."

"You went there? You went into that lady's house—intruded, without invitation or acquaintance—forced your way in as if you were a peddler? I can't believe that of you, Letitia. You had some excuse for going there."

Letitia rose to her feet. She did it unconsciously.

"I did n't exactly intrude; though I 'll tell you the truth, John—I 'll not hide anything. I do think it was mean. I thought it after I got