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 shook himself, colored a little, and met her eye.

“I’m afraid I’m not so kind as you think,” he said, a little awkwardly. “I’ve been an old fool, I see. Do you think—is that the way she looks at it?”

“Mary?” said Mrs. Dud, wonderingly. “Yes, I suppose so. Why?”

The naïve egotism of the answer only threw a softer light on the picture that had grown to fill his thoughts. He smiled inscrutably.

“Because in that case it is due to her to undeceive her,” he said. “I am glad I have entertained her. I should like to have the opportunity to do so indefinitely. Do you think there’s a chance for me?”

“What on earth do you mean?” asked his hostess, in unassumed stupefaction.

“I mean, do you think she would marry me?” Varian brought out plumply. “Is there—was there ever anybody else?”