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 that he should defer it and give her a few moments' talk.

&quot;Let me make you some fresh tea,&quot; she said, as Darrow blushingly shed the garment, &quot;and when Dick comes back we'll all walk home together. I've not had a chance to say two words to you this winter.&quot;

Darrow sank into a chair at her side and nervously contemplated his boots. &quot;I've been tremendously hard at work,&quot; he said.

&quot;I know: too hard at work, I'm afraid. Dick tells me you have been wearing yourself out over your competition plans.&quot;

&quot;Oh, well, I shall have time to rest now,&quot; he returned. &quot;I put the last stroke to them this morning.&quot;

Mrs. Peyton gave him a quick look. &quot;You're ahead of Dick, then.&quot;

&quot;In point of time only,&quot; he said smiling.

&quot;That is in itself an advantage,&quot; she answered with a tinge of asperity. In spite of an honest effort for impartiality she