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 and it is probable that Miss Comfort had prepared it in advance of the occasion. It left Laurie surprised and sputtering.

"But—but—why, that's all right—if you mean—"

Polly came to his rescue: "It was mama who told, Laurie. She really didn't mean to, but if you knew her as well as I do you'd know that she simply can't keep a secret, no matter how hard she tried."

"Oh," said Laurie. "Well, you don't need to thank me—us a bit, Miss Comfort. I—we were mighty glad to do anything we could, and we wish there was more we might do. I guess Polly's told you that that—er—that your brother-in-law hasn't answered yet."

Miss Comfort nodded. "Yes, and I'm not surprised. Mr. Goupil is a very busy man, I suppose, and I dare say he hasn't time to—to look after all matters himself."

"Well, if you ask me—" began Laurie indignantly.

"But she hasn't," interrupted Ned warningly. "I guess what Laurie was going to say, Miss Comfort, is that he—that is, we—both of—neither