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THE FIFTH STRING
"But I want your opinion," I pleaded.
"My opinion would not at all affect the almost unanimous verdict," she replied calmly.
"And," I urged desperately, "you were not affected in the least?"
Very coldly she answered, "Not in the least;" and then fearlessly, like a princess in the Palace of Truth: "If ever a man comes who can awaken my heart, frankly and honestly I will confess it."
"Perhaps such a one lives," I said, "but has yet to reach the height to win you—your—"
"Speak it," she said, "to win my love!"
"Yes," I cried, startled at her candor, "to win your love." Hope slowly rekindled within my breast, and then
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