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 Peyton quickly noted, but the blush lingering under her dark skin; and so complete was the girl's self-command that the blush seemed to be there only because it had been forgotten.

&quot;I dare say you think me strange,&quot; she continued. &quot;Most people do, because I speak the truth. It's the easiest way of concealing one's feelings. I can, for instance, talk quite openly about Mr. Peyton under shelter of your inference that I should n't do so if I were what is called interested in him. And as I am interested in him, my method has its advantages!&quot; She ended with one of the fluttering laughs which seemed to flit from point to point of her expressive person.

Mrs. Peyton leaned toward her. &quot;I believe you are interested,&quot; she said quietly; &quot;and since I suppose you allow others the privilege you claim for yourself, I am going to confess that I followed you here in