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52

FLAMiNG

YOUTH

“J wouldn’t care,” declared the beauty recklessly. crazy about Freddie.

. . . But it didn’t;

“I’m

no, I’m sure

of that now. Freddie’s an awfully decent sort, Dee.” “He hasn’t too pious a reputation. And when did you take on this sudden hunch for him? I thought it was Emslic.” “So did I. Until—Dee, did you ever have a man that you’ve always known suddenly look different to you?” “No. Not enough different, anyway, to make any difference.” “It’s hard to explain. Something in the way he affects you changes and all the world changes with it. That’s how it was with Fred, and, I suppose the same way about me with him. Theugh he claims he’s been mad about me for months.”

“That’s a blessing, considering,” remarked Dee grimly.

‘Suppose you were seen going into his place?” “We weren’t.” “So far as you know.” “Tf we should have been, it’s a sweet little scandal for the cats, isn’t it!”

“In that case it’s up to Freddie. anyway.”

It’s up to Freddie

Freddie’s all right,” declared Connie with conviction.

“If he hadn’t been—Dee, when I came to, I told him I

didn’t want to go home.” “You wanted to stay?” said the sister slowly. Constance nodded. “I wasn’t quite sobered up. But anyway I did want to stay. You can’t understand that, can you.?” “No; I can’t.”

“Because you’re & cold-blooded little fish. I’m still feeling that dam’ Bacardi or I wouldn’t be talking to you this way.”