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"I hate offices, and I hate clerks," he replied. "But you are

quite right. I have chosen my own life. All I say is, watch over

Sibyl. Don't let her come to any harm. Mother, you must watch

over her."

"James, you really talk very strangely. Of course I watch over

Sibyl."

"I hear a gentleman comes every night to the theatre and goes

behind to talk to her. Is that right? What about that?"

"You are speaking about things you don't understand, James. In

the profession we are accustomed to receive a great deal of most

gratifying attention. I myself used to receive many bouquets at

one time. That was when acting was really understood. As for

Sibyl, I do not know at present whether her attachment is serious

or not. But there is no doubt that the young man in question is a

perfect gentleman. He is always most polite to me. Besides, he

has the appearance of being rich, and the flowers he sends are

lovely."

"You don't know his name, though," said the lad harshly.