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 "Nobody would circulate such nonsense."

"Well, they have."

"Who are they?"

"Three people to-day."

"Do they mention any one, or is this all in the air?"

"No, they give names."

"Who?"

"Whom do you suppose?—Valdeck!"

"Valdeck?"

"Valdeck."

"There's only one person who would—"

"Of course—"

"Philippa!"

"Naturally."

"What does it all mean?"

"It's beyond me!

"I recognized your friend's fine Italian hand at once, but you can't prove it easily. Suppose she denies saying anything?"

"But why should she do this?" exclaimed Victoria, utterly at sea.

"She is infatuated with him." 195