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CHAPTER

VII

Ir was to her second daughter that Mona Fentriss made, after due thought, disclosure of her condition.

was tion had and

Dee

shocked and incredulous. She had no profound affecfor her mother. None of the girls had. But Mona always been bonne camarade with them in her casual light-hearted way. And she had made, as few women

make, the atmosphere of her home.

Without her the house

was almost unthinkable; it would not be the same place; not only sadder and duller, but essentially different. In this way chiefly would she be missed. “You'll have to be the one to carry on the housekeeping job, Dee.”

“I?” said Mary Delia. ‘Mother, I don’t know the first thing about it.” “You'll learn. You’re clever.” “Besides, I can’t believe that you’re going to—that you’re right about yourself.” “Ask Dr. Bob.” “He’s been hinting at something. But he seemed afraid _ to come out with it when I tried to follow up. Is that the reason why you wanted me to marry Bobs?” maeartly.”” “T can’t seem to think of him in that way. But then, I can’t seem to think of any man in that way.” “Not even Jimmy James?” “Not even Jimmy, much as I like him.” ‘When we talked about this before you said———” “Yes; I know. Probably I'll marry him one of these days. But when he tries to make love to me, I curl up a little.

Am I abnormal, Mona?” 65