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 the question in that light—the light of Darrow's viewing his gift as a justifiable compensation. But the glimpse she caught of it drove her shuddering behind her retrenchments.

&quot;That argument,&quot; she said coldly, &quot;would naturally be more convincing to Darrow than to my son.&quot;

Miss Verney glanced up, struck by the change in Mrs. Peyton's voice.

&quot;Ah, then you agree with him? You think it would be dishonest?&quot;

Mrs. Peyton saw that she had slipped into self-betrayal. &quot;My son and I have not spoken of the matter,&quot; she said evasively. She caught the flash of relief in Miss Verney's face.

&quot;You have n't spoken? Then how do you know how he feels about it?&quot;

&quot;I only judge from—well, perhaps from his not speaking.&quot;

The girl drew a deep breath. &quot;I see,&quot;