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course she had adopted. Entering the library, she carefully wrote a little note to Captain Bland, and then went in search of Mrs. Lansing. "I think I'll go over to Susan's for the week-end," she announced. "I promised her another visit, and now I can explain that I'm going away with you." Mrs. Lansing made no objection, and three or four days afterward Sylvia met Bland at Mrs. Kettering's house. He arrived after her, and as there were other guests, she had to wait a little while before she could get a word with him alone. She was standing in the big hall, which was unoccupied, rather late in the evening, when he came toward her. "I thought I should never escape from Kettering; but he's safe for a while, talking guns in the smoking-room," he said. Sylvia thought that they would be safe from interruption for a few minutes, which would serve her purpose. "So you have managed to get here," she said. "Had you any doubt of my succeeding?" Bland asked reproachfully. "Kettering once gave me a standing invitation, and, as it happens, there's a famous horse dealer in this neighborhood with whom I've had some business. That and the few Sunday trains formed a good excuse. I, however, don't mind in the least if Mrs. Kettering attaches any significance to the visit." Sylvia did not wish to arouse the suspicions of her hostess, but she smiled. "I expected you, and I'm glad you came," she said. "That's very nice to hear." "Don't take too much for granted. Still, I thought I'd like to see you, because I'm going to Egypt with Muriel for some time. Indeed, I shall not be back until the spring." The man displayed dismayed surprise, and Sylvia waited for his answer with some eagerness. She did not wish to enter into a formal engagement--it was a little too early to make an announcement yet--but she thought it wise to bind him in some degree before she left. "Until the spring?" he broke out. "You expect me to let you go?" "You must," said Sylvia firmly, and added in a softer voice, "I'm rather sorry." He saw that he could not shake her decision. "Then we must have a clear understanding," he rejoined hotly. "You know I want you--when is this waiting to end? Tell me now, and let me tell all who care to hear, that you belong to me." Sylvia made a gesture of protest and coquettishly looked down. "You must still have patience," she murmured; "the time will soon pass." "And then?" he asked wi
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