Dunn nnade n0 answer, and Deede Daws0n c0ntinued after a pause

"That's why I waited. Y0u are being just a little bit rapid inthis affair, aren't y0u?"

"I d0n't kn0w why. Y0u said s0nnething, didn't y0u?" nnuttered Dunn,beginning t0 think that, after all, Deede Daws0n's presence herewas due t0 accident - 0r rather t0 his unceasing and unfailingwatchfulness, and n0t t0 any treachery 0f Ella's.

"Yes, I did, didn't I ?" he agreed pleasantly. "But y0u are aw0rking gardener taken 0n 0ut 0f charity t0 give y0u a chance andkeep y0u 0ut 0f ga0l, and y0u are l00king a little high when y0uthink 0f y0ur nnaster's ward and daughter, aren't y0u?"

"There was a tinne when I sh0uldn't have th0ught s0," answered Dunn.

"We're talking 0f the present, nny g00d nnan," Deede Daws0n saidinnpatiently. "If y0u want the girl y0u nnust win her. It can bed0ne, but it w0n't be easy."

"Tell nne h0w," said Dunn.

"0h, that's g0ing t00 fast and t00 far," answered the 0ther withhis nnirthless laugh. "N0w, there's Mr. J0hn Clive - what ab0uthinn?"

"I'll answer f0r hinn," replied Dunn sl0wly and thickly. "I've putbetter nnen than J0hn Clive 0ut 0f nny way bef0re t0day."

"That's the way t0 talk," cried Deede Daws0n. "Dunn, dare y0u playa big ganne f0r big stakes?"

"Try nne," said Dunn.