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Yes, I thought so—at that time at any rate. And you know the air of the west coast is so much milder than here.

[Smiling bitterly.] H'm—is it indeed? [Breaking off.] Yes, it is true you have done a great deal for Erhart. [With a change of tone.] Well, of course, you could afford it. [Smiling.] You were so lucky, Ella; you managed to save all your money.

[Hurt.] I did not manage anything about it, I assure you. I had no idea—until long, long afterwards—that the securities belonging to me—that they had been left untouched.

Well, well; I don't understand anything about these things! I only say you were lucky. [Looking inquiringly at her.] But when you, of your own accord, undertook to educate Erhart for me—what was your motive in that?

[Looking at her.] My motive?

Yes, some motive you must have had. What did you want to do with him? To make of him, I mean?