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 if he has it one may show him how to use it. That is what I should be good for, you see—to keep him up to his opportunities.&quot;

Mrs. Peyton had listened with an intensity of attention that left her reply unprepared. There was something startling and yet half attractive in the girl's avowal of principles which are oftener lived by than professed.

&quot;And you think,&quot; she began at length, &quot;that in this case he has fallen below his opportunity?&quot;

&quot;No one can tell, of course; but his discouragement, his abattement, is a bad sign. I don't think he has any hope of succeeding.&quot;

The mother again wavered a moment. &quot;Since you are so frank,&quot; she then said, &quot;will you let me be equally so, and ask how lately you have seen him?&quot;

The girl smiled at the circumlocution. &quot;Yesterday afternoon,&quot; she said simply.