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 with the fire for a few moments; then she rose from her crouching position with a spring.

"I'm going to interview Philippa this very afternoon. Will you come with me?"

"Yes," said Mrs. Durham. "You must head this gossip off at once. You have only your unsupported word at present, but proof can be readily forthcoming, and Philippa will have to give the source of her information. If you must have a slander suit, you can get healthy damages."

"What I want," Victoria broke in, viciously, "is the privilege of branding the person who started that rumor with the red-hottest iron in the city. Damages won't give me any such physical satisfaction!"

"You're too primeval, my dear," her friend commented. " But I must confess that perhaps the whipping-post— However, first catch your scoundrel before you prepare the boiling oil."

Victoria smiled gloatingly. Suddenly she darkened. "Do you know, I believe that Philippa has been persuading—but no, he wouldn't believe such things of me, even if we have diverged."

"Who?" 197