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vestibule, to the door that opened on the court; and there
her young hostess stopped, looking rather wistfully beyond.
‘I may go no further. I’ve promised papa not to pass this
door.’
‘You’re right to obey him; he’ll never ask you anything
unreasonable.’
‘I shall always obey him. But when will you come
again?’
‘Not for a long time, I’m afraid.’
‘As soon as you can, I hope. I’m only a little girl,’ said
Pansy, ‘but I shall always expect you.’ And the small figure
stood in the high, dark doorway, watching Isabel cross the
clear, grey court and disappear into the brightness beyond
the big portone, which gave a wider dazzle as it opened.

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