I do not part with friends lightly."
"I see; doubly bankrupt; friend and lover both. But they are easily
replaced. I fancy I was half lost before I spoke. Had I remained
silent, it would have been the same anyway. Time softens; new
associations, new thoughts and faces; men with marvellous adventures--"
She stopped him abruptly.
"It is useless, Vance, no matter what you may say. I shall not quarrel
with you. I can understand how you feel--"
"If I am quarrelsome, then I had better leave you." He halted suddenly,
and she stood beside him. "Here comes Dave Harney. He will see you
home. It's only a step."
"You are doing neither yourself nor me kindness." She spoke with final
firmness. "I decline to consider this the end. We are too close to it
to understand it fairly. You must come and see me when we are both
calmer. I refuse to be treated in this fashion. It is childish of you."
She shot a hasty glance at the approaching Eldorado king. "I do not
think I deserve it at your hands. I refuse to lose you as a friend. And
I insist that you come and see me, that things remain on the old footing."
He shook his head.
"Hello!" Dave Harney touched his cap and slowed down loose-jointedly.
"Sorry you didn't take my tip? Dogs gone up a dollar a pound since
yesterday, and still a-whoopin'. Good-afternoon, Miss Frona, and Mr.
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