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"I am afraid that you must have been dreadfully bored," he said,

promptly catching the ball of coquetry she had flung him. But

apparently she did not care to pursue the conversation in that

strain, and she turned to the old countess.

"Thank you so much. The time has passed so quickly. Good-bye,

countess."

"Good-bye, my love," answered the countess. "Let me have a kiss

of your pretty face. I speak plainly, at my age, and I tell you

simply that I've lost my heart to you."