Three Speeds Forward
a big jump forward since we had last met. Besides, I was in the humor to like anybody that happened along just then, and so Mr. Marsden was all to the good. I needn't say he was most remarkably nice and kind and obliging, and took right hold as though his only business in life was to tow his friends out of their difficulties. He was so delighted, poor fellow, and seemed to find such a tremendous significance in all the train of events that it led him to taking the Bolinas trail. I was so grateful and relieved that I was quite willing he should see the finger of fate in our meeting, and didn't mind his being so enthusiastic about it.
"I never dreamed I was to have the privilege of speaking to you again," he said. "In fact, I was just on the point of shutting up the house and going away forever."
I suppose it was silly to ask why, but I asked it.
"I haven't the presumption to tell you," he returned, his handsome, sensitive face shad-
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