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 mean? Any one could see that he was devoted to you; but I never thought you returned his affection. Do you mean that you are fond of him?"

"Well," I said meditatively, "I don't know that I can go so far as to say that. No," I continued slowly, "I am not desperately in love with him; but I have promised to think about him."

My sister's face fell.

"I am so disappointed!" she said dolefully.

"Why?"

"Because I thought it would be so pleasant for you to marry George and live near me. And I am sorry for him, too; for, whatever you may say, I know he is in love with you. It will kill him, I know it will!" she continued tragically.

I laughed. "You are not serious, Alice."

"Indeed I am. If you marry Chilton Thurber—"

"Hush! not so loud. You must not repeat what I have told you to a living soul. And, to confess the truth" (confidentially), "I don't much think I shall marry him."

Alice shook her head mournfully. "You don't care for George as I hoped you did, if you could make Mr. Thurber any sort of promise to think about him."

I looked rather uneasily at my companion as I said ruefully, "I seem to be somewhat involved in my love affairs, but I hope to come safely through."

"I hope you will."

She looked at my clock. "Half an hour late for Nicolas! Good-by, my dear. A ce soir." And she