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第7章 除害

　　"Quite a social gathering."

　　"Well, by foolishness of my own. It isn't anything to talk aboutnow. You could find out if you wanted to. I'm 'broke' now and,if you will believe me, I haven't eaten anything to-day."

　　"It would be a good thing if they did," he went on, half tohimself, half to her, though he felt that something was amiss inthat quarter. He withdrew his attention to his paper verycircumspectly, listening mentally for the little sounds whichshould show him what was on foot.

　　"I'd like it ever so much," she replied.

　　"Yet, what have I got to do with it?" she thought. "Oh, whyshould I be made to worry?"

　　The latter nodded.

　　"Ha, ha," he exclaimed softly, as if to himself, "that's funny."

　　Carrie heard this passively. The peculiar state which she was inmade it sound like the welcome breath of an open door. Drouetseemed of her own spirit and pleasing. He was clean, handsome,well-dressed, and sympathetic. His voice was the voice of afriend.

　　"Find it easy?"