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"I can't" still her eyes were down

"Is there someone else?" My voice sounded fierce to my own ears I had a

sudden fear

"But you said it would not matter if there was someone else--if I told

you," she answered defiantly

"There is someone else then?" I tried to be casual "Look at me"

Slowly she raised her eyes until they met my one

"No, there is no one--I just don't want to live here, in this flat any

longer"

"Unless you can give me some definite reason for this extraordinary

behaviour on your part, I am afraid I must refuse to discuss the

situation, and s and bracelets"

She turned and left without a word--I daresay she wondered what I was

going to do with theht them back

"Come here close"

She came rebelliously

"Give me your hand"

"I won't"

"Alathea, I will seize it, crippled as I a"