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"And a precious good thing for you that you haven't!" cried Sidney, rather

shocked

There was silence for a moment between them Sidney, to tell the truth,

was obsessed by a vision of Joe, young and hot-eyed, being haled to the

police station by virtue of his betrothal responsibilities The boy was

vacillating between relief at having spoken and a heaviness of spirit that

came from Sidney's lack of enthusiastic response

"Well, what do you think about it?"

"If you are asking ive you permission to waylay and assault every

uess this is all a joke to you"

She leaned over and put a tender hand on his arm

"I don't want to hurt you; but, Joe, I don't want to be engaged yet I

don't want to think aboutThere's such a lot to do in the world

first There's such a lot to see and be"

"Where?" he demanded bitterly "Here on this Street? Do you want s for your mother? Or to slave for your Aunt Harriet?