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THE REDEMPTION OF ANTHONY

"Perhaps the girl is going to bring you a new interest."

"Perhaps"—indifferently.

"She may prove a great comfort to you. You must be lonely sometimes—"

"Tony, you talk like an old woman. Go home—do!"

"You deny that you're lonely?"

"I never think of it. I haven't thought of myself for three years."

"What have you been thinking of?"

"Your success."

"My success! Well, I suppose most people would say that it had come."

She looked at him quizzically. "Most people! What was the sale of the last book? Three editions in—how long was it?"

"Editions? You don't measure success by editions. Do you think I've succeeded?"

"Splendidly."

"You're sure?"

"Quite sure. To me you succeeded from that day you came to me and said: 'From this day I'll never touch a drop to drink.'"

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