"'I may say further, that the decided interest which I had myself already taken in the part I was playing against you was only increased by the lively defence of you by the delightful young friend, Miss Varris, to whom you presented me at Ely. When I suggested to her the possible danger of trusting any chance acquaintance, she took issue hotly—and from that point, dear chap, it became more than a matter of security; it became a point of honor, also, to play the game out against her. And, though I really hated to rob so charming a young lady, I wished to test as soon as possible the sincerity of her assertions to me; and, therefore, I relieved them of their things in such a way that, if they themselves would not suspect you, they must, at least, throw the serious suspicion of the police upon you.
"'And now let me confess to you the very sincere admiration I felt for the young lady who not only proved herself sincere, but met me at once with a counterstroke, cleverer than
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