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 such a pressure, or how happy I've been these quick little days away from it. But—well, I thought it was what you wanted. I thought I could be" Her voice trembled again; but she laughed bravely and went on, "I thought I could be—well, entertaining to you. You see, I didn't know you hated—mountains!"

"I don't in the least know what you mean," he said valiantly. "I'm stupid and silent sometimes without reason. You mustn't think"

But she interrupted him. "You mustn't struggle so hard to be kind; we can't be impositions upon you any longer."

"What a horrible light that puts me in!" he protested. "Merely because I'm a little quiet"

"No!" she said with sudden sharpness. "I shall sail from Tunis for Marseilles as soon as there is a steamer; but to get to Tunis I am afraid I must go as far as Biskra with you; that is only one more day. I leave you as soon as I can, you see, which should be some consolation to you."

"Then you say good-bye to me at Biskra?"

"Because it isn't possible sooner!"

The sharpness of her tone, unfortunately, roused a sharpness in him; and his sense of being used rose