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 Well, I lost. This time I come believing in him. Will you see what you can do? I confess I'm fond of that girl. I've felt it from the beginning, the very first glance. I want to help her. I want to know her, and, you may think it absurd, but I want to marry her." He folded his arms and became almost defiant.

Valeska rose. "Very well. I can promise nothing; but I shall put it before the Master, and, as I said, I shall let you know his decision. Of myself I can do nothing; but I shall try to influence him."

Jenson left, thanking her profusely. Just as he opened the door, he said embarrassedly, "See here; I'd do anything for that girl!"

"Would you really?" Valeska asked, smiling.

"I mean just that,—anything!" And Jenson went out the door with a grim look on his face.

Valeska came back into the studio laughing. "Do tell me what it means!" she exclaimed after she had told the story to Astro.

He yawned. "Isn't Miss Manning calling quite often at number 85 Central Park, South?" he remarked casually, examining his long nails.

"Why, how do you know? I didn't know you had done anything more on the case."

"Oh, very little. It's scarcely necessary."

"But whom is she going to see?"

"Doctor George Herreschoff."

"A specialist?"

"A neurologist."

"I don't understand."

Astro smiled and shook his head indulgently.

"Well, I'll give you a book by Doctor Morton Prince to read. You'll find it as exciting as a novel; I might