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 "That is the habit of wily people," said Mrs. Durham; "but Vic, my dear, you are not of that kind. You are direct; that is your power and your charm. I'll back an impression of yours against three of my own, and I'm not so very modest and humble about my own penetration. My advice to you, my girl, is, if you feel there is a screw loose in the elegant Miss Ford, watch her. You are very apt to be right."

"I don't intend," said Victoria, rising, "to bother my head about it longer. Mr. Conway and I are going to lunch at the Casino. Don't you want to come?"

Mrs. Durham shook her head. "No, I can't. I have to be at Miss Allison's at two."

"I'm sorry. I'd like you two to be friends. He is the rarest thing in the world, a well-balanced enthusiast."

"Why don't you marry him, Vic? You seem to admire him so much."

"I'm altogether too fond of him for that," she answered, gravely.

Mrs. Durham nodded. "Yes, as one nears the years of, say—indiscretion, it's well to treasure 170