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 freckles and throw stones," he explained. "We're still children in each other's eyes. So you haven't intruded in any sense, I assure you."

Freddy sat down in the chair abandoned by Gritty.

"She approves of you most emphatically, if it interests you to know," Paul added.

"Really?" Freddy's face lit up. "She's a splendid woman," he testified, with an air of experience which, like his evening clothes, merely accentuated his boyishness.

"Oh, Gritty's a peach," Paul agreed.

"Peach! Peach? You people have an amazing vocabulary." He got up and announced his intention of turning in.

"Good-night," said Paul, and smiled discreetly.

Freddy gave him a sidelong glance, then shook his head. "Hasn't she told you?" he asked. "I imagined, from what you said, that she had."

Paul was puzzled. "I've done a bit of guessing, that's all. Rather nosey of me."

Freddy took a note from his pocket. "No harm to let you read this. Only shows what an ass I've been."

Paul hesitated, then took the note.

"Poor Early-bird—that didn't catch any worm," he read. "It was horrid of me to tease you the other day at tea, and very bold of you to come back after you promised not to. Of course I like you a lot but don't you see that's just why I can't! Take my tip, Freddy dear, and don't chase after girls like me. You're such a pet, and it would spoil you. I mean it. G K."

Paul handed back the note. He was ashamed of himself for having misjudged Gritty's intentions.

"Were you hard hit?" he ventured to inquire.