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294 as you! Oh, Joan, Joan, and I thought you were so wise, so sober-minded a person! I never guessed you were subject to caprices, like other women! I'm disappointed in you, Joan."

"Will you swear," said Joan, in a tremulous voice, "you had never any thoughts of love for her, but only for me?"

"I will swear it again, as I have sworn before. But you should not doubt me, Joan!"

She was looking rather ashamed of herself, and it was easy to see that it would be no difficult matter to convince her of his truth.

"'Twas only," said she meekly, "that all men say she was so resistless a creature—that no man could stand against her wiles. But I'll be content, so you assure me with your own lips you loved her not, but were kind to her out of pity!"

Tregenna did give her assurance with his lips, in very impressive fashion. And they walked back together to Hurst, where Parson Langney, espying them from his gate while they were yet at some distance, greeted them with derisive roars of laughter.

"Nay, nay," said he. "What a flighty, way