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 said. &quot;I like to feel that my boy s work is appreciated by people who understand it.&quot;

&quot;Oh, I have the usual smattering,&quot; said Miss Verney carelessly. &quot;I think I know why I admire his work; but then I am sure I see more in it when some one like Mr. Darrow tells me how remarkable it is.&quot;

&quot;Does Mr. Darrow say that?&quot; the mother exclaimed, losing sight of her object in the rush of maternal pleasure.

&quot;He has said nothing else: it seems to be the only subject which loosens his tongue. I believe he is more anxious to have your son win the competition than to win it himself.&quot;

&quot;He is a very good friend,&quot; Mrs. Peyton assented. She was struck by the way in which the girl led the topic back to the special application of it which interested her. She had none of the artifices of prudery.

&quot;He feels sure that Mr. Peyton will win,&quot; Miss Verney continued. &quot;It was very