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68 playing the king's hand very well for him. So I continued, and what I said was perfectly true:

"I assure you, my dear cousin, that nothing in my life has affected me more than the reception I've been greeted with to-day."

She smiled brightly, but in an instant grew grave again, and whispered:

"Did you notice Michael?"

"Yes," said I; adding, "He wasn't enjoying himself."

"Do be careful!" she went on. "You don't— indeed you don't—keep enough watch on him. You know——"

"I know," said I, "that he wants what I've got."

"Yes. Hush!"

Then—and I can't justify it, for I committed the king far beyond what I had a right to d— I suppose she carried me off my feet—I went on:

"And, perhaps, also something which I haven't got yet, but hope to win some day."

This was my answer—had I been the king I should have thought it encouraging: