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Conrad, Joseph, 1857-1924

"Chance"

. . "
"And the door was then shut," I completed the phrase in my own way.
"Yes, the door was shut," Mrs. Fyne lowered and raised her head slowly.
I did not ask her for details. Of one thing I am certain, and that is
that Mrs. Fyne did not go out to the musical function that afternoon. She
was no doubt considerably annoyed at missing the privilege of hearing
privately an interesting young pianist (a girl) who, since, had become
one of the recognized performers. Mrs. Fyne did not dare leave her
house. As to the feelings of little Fyne when he came home from the
office, via his club, just half an hour before dinner, I have no
information. But I venture to affirm that in the main they were kindly,
though it is quite possible that in the first moment of surprise he had
to keep down a swear-word or two.
* * * * *
The long and the short of it all is that next day the Fynes made up their
minds to take into their confidence a certain wealthy old lady. With
certain old ladies the passing years bring back a sort of mellowed
youthfulness of feeling, an optimistic outlook, liking for novelty,
readiness for experiment.


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