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68 "Yes, Edith has a good deal of tact in these matters, but it would be odd if he should come as the member for Luya."

"Very odd," said Elsie. She took her candle and left him. He went down the stairs, and she to her room.

It was, as she had said, a long way down the passage. It was in a wing that had been added to the main building, and there was a bend in the corridor that made it seem more isolated still. She was a little dismayed when she saw that Mr. Dominic Trant was fumbling in his keyhole.

"They've locked my door," he said. "It's a queer sort of shop, isn't it, Miss Valliant?"

"Yes," said Elsie shortly. "Good-night."

"You are next me. These wooden partitions are confoundedly thin. Don't be frightened if you hear me coming in and going out. Blake and I are going to amuse ourselves."

"I hope you will do so. Would you let me pass, please?"

Trant drew back. "I intend to make you like me, Miss Valliant. You don't now, but I intend that you shall. Do you know that I'm coming to Tunimba?"

"Yes, I know that. Please bring some songs with you."

"Blake is coming, too. He will be the member for Luya, and Mr. Hallett's nose will be out of joint. Look here. Miss Valliant, I have got something to say to you."

"I don't think I want to hear it now, Mr. Trant."

"I shall not be a minute telling you. I know you are a flirt. Everyone says so. You'll be wanting to flirt with Blake. Take my advice, and don't. He is a nasty customer, is Blake. There is nothing he enjoys so much as compromising a woman. He has got no more heart than this key."

"I don' t see what that matters to me, Mr. Trant—or to you."

"It does matter to me. I know Blake's ways. I don't want to see you let in. I think a great deal of you—a great deal more than you know."

"I am very much obliged to you." She turned the handle of her door, and went into her room, leaving him