You are talking nonsense , Cecily . I like to see Cromwell , and he likes to see me because I 'm almost the only one of his old set that is left . He feels lonesome in Oriental now . '' Lucy Ellen lifted her fawn-colored little head more erectly at the last of her protest . She had saved her self-respect . In the month that followed Cromwell Biron pressed his suit persistently , unintimidated by Cecily 's antagonism . October drifted into November and the chill , drear days came . To Cecily the whole outer world seemed the dismal reflex of her pain-bitten heart . Yet she constantly laughed at herself , too , and her laughter was real if bitter . One evening she came home late from a neighbor 's . Cromwell Biron passed her in the hollow under the bare boughs of the maple that were outlined against the silvery moonlit sky . When Cecily went into the house , Lucy Ellen opened the parlor door . She was very pale , but her eyes burned in her face and her hands were clasped before her . `` I wish you 'd come in here for a few minutes , Cecily , '' she said feverishly . Cecily followed silently into the room . `` Cecily , '' she said faintly , `` Cromwell was here to-night . He asked me to marry him . I told him to come to-morrow night for his answer . '' She paused and looked imploringly at Cecily . Cecily did not speak .
She stood tall and unrelenting XXXXX the table .
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