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THE EUROPEANS.
[CH.
"Well, I expect I shall do as I choose!"
The Baroness leaned her head upon the back of her chair and closed her eyes, as if she were tired. Then opening them again, "Your cousin is very charming," she said.
"She is the prettiest girl in this place," Clifford rejoined.
"'In this place' is saying little; she would be charming anywhere. I am afraid you are entangled."
"Oh, no, I'm not entangled."
"Are you engaged? At your age that is the same thing."
Clifford looked at the Baroness with some audacity. "Will you tell no one?"
"If it's as sacred as that—no."
"Well, then—we are not!" said Clifford.
