`` Oh , nonsense , Cecily , '' she protested with a simper . `` It is n't nonsense , '' said Cecily calmly . `` He is . There is no fool like an old fool , and Cromwell Biron never had much sense . The presumption of him ! '' Lucy Ellen 's hands trembled as she put her teacup down . `` He 's not so very old , '' she said faintly , `` and everybody but you likes him -- and he 's well-to-do . I do n't see that there 's any presumption . '' `` Maybe not -- if you look at it so . You 're very forgiving , Lucy Ellen . You 've forgotten how he treated you once . '' `` No -- o -- o , I have n't , '' faltered Lucy Ellen . `` Anyway , '' said Cecily coldly , `` you should n't encourage his attentions , Lucy Ellen ; you know you could n't marry him even if he asked you . You promised . '' All the fitful color went out of Lucy Ellen 's face . Under Cecily 's pitiless eyes she wilted and drooped . `` I know , '' she said deprecatingly , `` I have n't forgotten . 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 XXXXX her protest .
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