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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><IMG alt="" hspace=0
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>It was evidentshe had reckoned without her
host!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>In politics, his place would not be hardto fill.
Pon my wordits hard to believe; and yet .</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>To beginwith, he had been inveigled here on false
pretences. Mary didnt know why, and he said nothing; butLizzie as usual was prolific
in hints.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Tilly on the other hand was lavish and lordly with
money, Purdy still adark horse in respect of it. Tired of his books, too, and ofhis
own familiar company.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>But with the crash came also the chance of
revenge.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Up to the last minute she hadnt feltsure of
him.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>She wouldfeel relieved when they were
over.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I do hope it will bring you every happiness. I
think youre a very lucky woman, Tilly, to get your hearts wishlike this. Not but
what it has been a CHARMIN evening,dehling. It was herself and herself aloneLizzie
grieved for. For close on six months, he hadkept his own counsel.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Besides, I dont see how peoplecan care whether they
do or not at a time like this. For all its kindness, she thought theplan a most
unwise one. He stooped to pick up something;was exaggeratedly casual and
indifferent.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Its true, most of what Ive got WILL passto Purd, to
do as e likes with.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>There are crises in a mans life that are bestfought
through alone.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>And Ill make it all right about you; dont be
afraid.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Pon my wordits hard to believe; and yet Together
they would go away, he and she, right into the bushif necessary, and start life
afresh.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>For close on six months, he hadkept his own
counsel. As if they would ever thinkof looking at anybody but the
bride!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>But as far as all else was concerned, he might
havestayed comfortably at home. I said to himthe other day, I said: John, love! It
no doubtbuttered Tillys vanity to see his name topping the list of
herwedding-guests. To lose himself in anothers thoughtswas the one anodyne left
him.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes, Emmy knew before any one else that
somedisaster had come upon her father.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>But no sooner did they reach Ballarat than the
trouble began.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Butat three years old even a short absence digs a
breach. </FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>