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 “That’s no reason why you shouldn’t come to one now.”

He did not answer this, though she waited for a reply.

“I want you to come,” she said presently.

“No,” said Angus.

Lydia’s face flushed dangerously. “Don’t you want to come?”

“I don’t think I ought to come.”

“Why?”

“The—the others might not like to have me there.”

Lydia flared instantly. “It’s my party and I’ll have whoever I want…. I never asked you to do anything before, Angus Burke. And I’m entitled to ask you something. I want you to come. Won'’t you? As a favor?”

Angus hesitated again. “I’m afraid—” he began.

“That’s it,” she said scornfully. “You’re afraid. You’re a coward…. You’re afraid of people. I—I hate people who are afraid.”

“Perhaps,” said Craig Browning from the doorway, “Angus has some small cause.”

Lydia disregarded him, as was to be expected. “Won’t you come? Please?” It was not often Lydia pleaded.

Angus, wearing his old look of dumb perplexity, peered down at the ground, moving his