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Mae Madden by Mary Murdoch Mason
page 90 of 138 (65%)

"Why, do you not know that those are not worn by free maidens? They are
one of the added glories of a matron. I like my round, smooth ball
a great deal better. It means liberty." And she plunged the steel
tremulously back into her hair.

"We had better go in now; this night air is bad for you." The moon
blazed scornfully down on Norman Mann as he said this. She had had a
wide experience, and had rarely seen such a stupid, cowardly fellow, so
she thought. Yet, after all, Norman only acted in self-defense. Here was
a girl by his side who gloried, as it seemed to him, in her freedom, and
that being so, he must get away as soon as possible from that window,
that moon, and that little girl.

"Well, Norman," cried Eric, advancing eagerly as they turned from the
window, "when do you really suppose it will come off?"

"Suppose what will come off?" inquired Mae.

"O, I forgot you were here. Well, don't tell any one else. Norman is to
fight a duel."

"To fight a duel--and be killed?" gasped Mae.

"You have but a poor opinion of my powers," laughed Norman, "although
the German looked a veteran duellist from his scars. His face was fairly
embroidered or fancy-worked with red lines. A sort of hem in his nose,
and tucks and seams all over his cheeks. Notice my knowledge in this
line, Miss Mae. You ought to be ashamed, Eric, to have spoken of it."

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