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A STRANGE, SAD COMEDY

"And he says that she would n't marry Mr. Romaine to save his life—and that he has heard her laugh at the idea."

"That only shows, Gladys dear, how blind Reggie is, like the rest of his sex. Of course Miss Corbin protests that she does n't want Mr. Romaine. She did the equivalent to it the very first talk we ever had together, that day at the Casino. But I did n't believe her, and what shocked me was her want of candor. The notion of a girl who does n't want money and position is entirely too great a strain on my credulity. I suppose she 'll say next that she does n't want to be Lady Corbin and live at Fox Court. I think it 's much better to be truthful about things."

"So do I, dear. But my own belief is that she really likes Mr. Farebrother best of all."

"Nonsense," cried Ethel, sharply. "Mr. Farebrother could n't begin to give her Sir Archy's position or Mr. Romaine's money. He's an architect, with about enough to live on after his father's fortune is cut up into six or seven parts. Not that I pretend to despise Mr. Farebrother; I am truthful in all things, and I think he's a very presentable, pleasant man, and would be a good match. But to