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Walpole, Hugh, Sir, 1884-1941

"The Captives"

"
What was there then in Maggie that started up in rebellion at this
unexpected declaration? She had been sitting there, tranquil,
soothed with a happy sense that her new life was developing securely
for her in the way that she would have it. Suddenly she was alert,
suspicious, hostile.
"What has she said to you?" she asked quickly, frowning up at him
and drawing back as though she were afraid of him. He was startled
at the change in her.
"Said?" he repeated, stammering a little. "Why only . . . Nothing
. . . except that she cared for you and hoped that you would be
happy. She was afraid that it would all be strange for you at first
. . . Perhaps I have been interfering . . ."
"No," Maggie interrupted quickly. "Not you. Only I must lead my own
life. I must, mustn't I? I don't want to be selfish, but I can begin
for myself now. I have a little money of my own--and I MUST make my
own way. I don't want to be selfish," she repeated, "but I must be
free. I don't understand Aunt Anne. She never seems to care for me.
I want to do everything for her I can, but I don't want to be under
any one ever any more.


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