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It was the Minister's boast--privately, understand--that he could always tell when athe truth, and now--past h he was--he found it hard to conceal his shocked surprise at this confirirl's story

"You say she left her home unexpectedly?"

"She was seized by twoauto, Your Excellency"

"And this happened where?"

"At Sihasset Your Excellency passed through there quite recently, and will probably remember it"

The half-closed eyes al?"

"Only a few months She arrived less than a week before her visitor"

Outwardly the Minister was cal fear was growing stronger He must know land, where she was visiting relatives"

"She was educated there perhaps?"

"She received her education principally in Europe"

"She has traveled much, then?"