`` I 'll do it . '' `` Do what ? '' asked Jean from the bed . `` A desperate deed , '' said Dorinda solemnly , and that was all she would say . Next day Mrs. Page and Leicester went to town on business . In the afternoon Dorinda put on her best dress and hat and started out . Admiral Page 's fighting blood was glowing in her cheeks as she walked briskly up the hill road , but her heart beat in an odd fashion . `` I wonder if I am a little scared , ` way down deep , '' said Dorinda . `` I believe I am . But I 'm going to do it for all that , and the scareder I get the more I 'll do it . '' Oaklawn , where Uncle Eugene lived , was two miles away . It was a fine old place in beautiful grounds . But Dorinda did not quail before its splendours ; nor did her heart fail her , even after she had rung the bell and had been shown by a maid into a very handsome parlour , but it still continued to beat in that queer fashion halfway up her throat . Presently Uncle Eugene came in , a tall , black-eyed old man , with a fine head of silver hair that should have framed a ruddy , benevolent face , instead of Uncle Eugene 's hard-lipped , bushy-browed countenance . Dorinda stood up , dusky and crimson , with brave , glowing eyes . Uncle Eugene looked at her sharply . `` Who are you ? '' he said bluntly . `` I am your niece , Dorinda Page , '' said Dorinda steadily . `` And what does my niece , Dorinda Page , want with me ? ''
demanded Uncle Eugene , motioning XXXXX her to sit down and sitting down himself .
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