. . . I--I can't forget how fond I was of
her in spite of what she did to Phil. . . . Besides, I'm beginning to be
certain that it was not entirely her fault."
"What? Do you think Phil--"
"No, no, no! Don't be an utter idiot. All I mean to say is that Alixe
was always nervous and high-strung; odd at times; eccentric--_more_ than
merely eccentric--"
"You mean dippy?"
"Oh, Austin, you're horrid. I mean that there is mental trouble in that
family. You have heard of it as well as I; you know her father died of
it--"
"The usual defence in criminal cases," observed Austin, flicking his
cigarette-end into the grate. "I'm sorry, dear, that Alixe has the
jumps; hope she'll get over 'em. But as for pretending I've any use for
her, I can't and don't and won't. She spoiled life for the best man I
know; she kicked his reputation into a cocked hat, and he, with his
chivalrous Selwyn conscience, let her do it. I did like her once; I
don't like her now, and that's natural and it winds up the matter.
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