`` Yes ? '' he said in a quiet voice . `` I 'm dying to see her , '' I went on recklessly . `` I 've heard so much about her . They say she 's so beautiful and fascinating . Is she ? You ought to know . '' Sidney swung the sled around and put it in position for another coast . `` Yes , I know her , '' he admitted tranquilly . `` She is a very handsome woman , and I suppose most people would consider her fascinating . Come , Nic , get on the sled . We have just time for one more coast , and then you must go in . '' `` You were once a good friend ... a very good friend ... of Mrs. Rennie 's , were n't you , Sid ? '' I said . A little mocking gleam crept into his eyes , and I instantly realized that he was looking upon me as a rather impertinent child . `` You 've been listening to gossip , Nic , '' he said . `` It 's a bad habit , child . Do n't let it grow on you . Come . '' I went , feeling crushed and furious and ashamed .
I knew her at once when I went down XXXXX the drawing-room .
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