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 distressed she is, you would, I am sure, forgive her."

Morton smiled grimly. He was not to be taken in with the half-truth now. But the picture of the distressed Philippa brought up affectionate images. He remembered her innocent eyes, her trick of blushing, her childlike manner—and his anger slipped away from him. He knew her for what she was, yet felt sorry for her in her trouble. "Of course, Mrs. Ford," he said, directly and simply, "there can be no question of an engagement between us now. That was the matter I most particularly wished to set before you. As it was never made public, there will be no comment. But this matter of Valdeck has awakened me from my dream, and I must, in duty to my self and to Philippa, relieve her—" He broke off, hesitating. Mrs. Ford nodded. "I quite understand, though in the matter of that unfortunate dinner, I believe her quite innocent, except for following a foolish girl's impulse. He induced her to go there, that he might, so he said, in perfect se- 300