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Rh "But, even if I don't go in for the diplomatic service, Granny, that's no reason why I . . ."

The old woman raised her hand almost angrily, imposing silence upon him:

"Diplomacy is the finest profession in the world," she said, sharply. "There's nothing above it. . . . It's just those new ideas, dear, which Granny can't keep up with and which make her so sad, because she doesn't understand them. . . ."

"Granny, I can't bear to see you crying like this."

He sat down beside her, took her hand, looked into her eyes. She mistook his gentleness:

"Won't you think it over, Addie?" she asked, softly and coaxingly.

"No, Granny," he said, in a calm, decided tone. "I can't do that."

"You mean, you won't."

"I can't, I mustn't, Granny."

"You mustn't?"

"No, Granny. Do try to realize, Granny dear, that I mustn't."

The old woman's head went up and down, nodding bitter reproaches. . ..

"Granny, may I promise you to try my hardest . . . to do you credit, one of these days . . . as a doctor?"

She gave an angry, contemptuous smile through her tears. He kissed her very tenderly. . ..