"My help, my dear! I'm sure I don't know how I can help you. But if I can I will. And I congratulate you sincerely. I've seen how it would be all along. You know I told you that a certain gentleman was falling over head and ears in love, a long time ago. Didn't I, now?"
Rhoda acknowledged that it was so; and then she said she had come to ask a great favour. Would Miss Chubb mind saying a word or two on Mr. Diamond's behalf to her father? "Father told me this morning, after breakfast, that he should make some inquiries5 about Mr. Diamond. I am quite sure that nothing will come out that is not honourable6 to him; I am not the least afraid of that. And I believe Dr. Bodkin will praise him very highly, but he will not perhaps say the sort of things that would please father most. He will tell him what a good scholar he is, and all that, but he will never think of making father understand that Mr. Diamond is looked upon as being as much a gentleman as he is himself. Gentlefolks like Dr. Bodkin take those things for granted. But father would like to be told them. He thinks so very much of my marrying—above my own class, for, of course, I have learnt enough to know that Mr. Diamond belongs to a different sort of people from mine."
"I understand, my dear," returned Miss Chubb, nodding her head shrewdly. "And you may depend on my doing my best, if I have the chance. But I'm afraid it is not likely that Mr. Maxfield will consult me on the subject."
"I told him to come to you. Father knows you are one of the few people with whom Mr. Diamond has associated in Whitford."
"Why don't you send him to Mrs. Errington? Oh, I forgot! Your father and she are two." Miss Chubb laughed to cover a little confusion on her own part, for she guessed that Rhoda might have other reasons for not asking Mrs. Errington's testimony7 in favour of her suitor. Then she added quickly, "Or Minnie Bodkin, now! Minnie's word would go farther with your father than mine would. And Minnie and Mr. Diamond are such cronies. You had better send him to Minnie."
"No, thank you."
"But why not? Good gracious, she is the very person!"
"No, I think not. We don't wish it known until father has given his decided8 consent. I have only told you in confidence, Miss Chubb."
"But—if the doctor knows it, Minnie must know it! And if I know it, why shouldn't she?"
"No, thank you. I don't want to ask Miss Minnie about it."
"I wonder why that is, now!" pondered Miss Chubb, when Rhoda was gone. And very probably Rhoda could not have told her why.
Old Maxfield duly paid his visit to Miss Chubb. The good-natured little woman waited at home all day lest she should miss him. And about an hour after her early dinner Mr. Maxfield sent in his respects, and would be glad to have a word with her if she were at leisure.
"I hope you will overlook the intrusion, ma'am," said Maxfield, standing9 up with his hat in his hand, just inside the door of the little sitting-room10, where Miss Chubb asked him to walk in.
"No intrusion at all, Mr. Maxfield! I'm very glad to see you. Please to sit down."
He obeyed, and holding his thick stick upright before him, and his hat on his knees, he thus began:
"I'm not a-going to waste your time and mine with vain and worldly discourse11, ma'am. I am a man as knows the value of time, thanks be! And I have a serious matter on my mind. You know my daughter Rhoda?"
"I know Rhoda, and like her, and admire her very much."
"Yes; Rhoda is a girl such as you don't see many like her. There's a young man seeking her in marriage."
"I'm not surprised at that!"
"No; there has been several others too. But she gave 'em no encouragement; nor should I have been willing that she should. Some of them were persons in my own rank of life, and that would not do for Rhoda."
"I think you are quite right there, Mr. Maxfield. Rhoda is naturally very refined, and she has associated a good deal with persons of cultivated manners. I don't think Rhoda would be happy if she were obliged to give up certain little graces of life, which a great many excellent people can do without perfectly12 well."
Maxfield nodded approvingly. "You speak with a good deal of judgment13, ma'am," said he, with the air of a recognised authority on wisdom. "But it isn't only that. Rhoda will have money—a great deal of money—more than some folks that holds their heads very high ever had or will have. Now it is but just and rightful that I should expect her husband to bring some advantages in return."
"Of course. And—ahem!—I'm sure you are too sensible a man not to consider that the best thing a husband could bring in exchange would be an honest, loving heart, and a real esteem14 and respect for your daughter."
Little Miss Chubb became quite fluttered after making this speech, and coloured as if she had been a girl of eighteen.
"Not at all," returned old Max decisively. "The loving heart and the esteem and respect are due to my Rhoda if she hadn't a penny. In return for her fortin' I expect something over and above."
"Oh!" exclaimed Miss Chubb, a good deal taken aback.
"Now I don't feel sure that the young man in question has that something over and above. It is Mr. Matthew Diamond, tutor at the Grammar School in this town."
"A most excellent young man! And, I'm sure, most devotedly15 in love with Rhoda."
"But very poor, and not of much account in the world, as far as I can make out."
"Oh, don't say that, Mr. Maxfield! He is proud and shy, and has kept himself aloof16 from society because he chose to do so. But he would be a welcome guest anywhere in the town or county. Young Mr. Pawkins, of Pudcombe Hall, quite courts him; he is always asking him to go over there."
Thus much and more Miss Chubb valiantly17 spoke18 on behalf of Matthew Diamond in his character of Rhoda's wooer. And then she expatiated19 on the excellent position he would hold as master of Dorrington School. It was such a "select seminary;" and so many of the first county people sent their boys there. "Dear me," said Miss Chubb, "it seems to me to be the very position for Rhoda! Not too far from Whitford, and yet not too near—of course she couldn't keep up all her old acquaintances here, could she?—and altogether so refined, and scholastic20, and quiet! And really, Mr. Maxfield, see how everything turns out for the best. I thought at one time that young Errington was very much smitten21 with Rhoda; but, if she had taken him, you wouldn't have been so satisfied with her position in life now, would you? With all his talent and connection, see what a poor place he has of it. Mr. Diamond has done best, ten to one."
This was a master-stroke, and made a great impression on old Max. Not that the latter even now was at all dazzled by the prospect22 of having the head-master of Dorrington School for his son-in-law. But Miss Chubb's allusion23 did suffice to show him that the world would consider Diamond to be a triumphantly24 successful man in comparison with Errington.
"Oh, him!" said Maxfield in a tone of bitter contempt. "No; such as him was not for Miss Maxfield. And I'll tell you, moreover, that I don't know but what she's throwing herself away more or less if she takes this other. She's a great catch for him; I know the world, and I know that she is a great catch. But I've felt latterly one or two warnings that my end is near——"
"Dear me, Mr. Maxfield! Don't say so! I'm sure you look very hearty25!" exclaimed Miss Chubb, much startled by this cool announcement.
"That my end is near," repeated old Max doggedly26, "and I wish to set my house in order, and see my daughter provided for, before I go. And she seems to be contented27 with this young man. Rhoda ain't just easy to please. It might be a long time, if ever, before she found some one to suit her so well."
Miss Chubb was a little shocked at this singularly prosaic28 and unemotional way of treating the subject of love and marriage, as to which she herself preserved the most romantic freshness of ideas. She would have liked the young couple to be like the lovers in a story-book, and the father to bestow29 his daughter and his blessing30 with tears of joy. However, she did her best to encourage Mr. Maxfield in giving his consent after his own fashion, and they parted on excellent terms with each other.
"That dry old chip, Jonathan Maxfield, has been to me to-day," said Dr. Bodkin after dinner to his wife and daughter. "He came to ask me what prospect I thought Diamond had of getting the mastership of Dorrington, explaining to me that Diamond was a suitor for his daughter's hand. It took me quite by surprise. Had you any inkling of the matter, Minnie?"
"Oh yes, papa."
"Dear me! Well, women see these things so quickly! H'm! Well, Master Diamond has shown good taste, I must say. That little Rhoda is the prettiest girl I know. And such a sweet, soft, lovable creature! I think she's too good for him."
"It is a singular thing, but I have remarked very often that men in general are apt to think pretty girls too good for anybody but themselves!"
The doctor frowned, and then smiled. "Have you so, Saucebox?" he said.
"I don't know about her being too good for him," said Mrs. Bodkin, in her quick, low tones; "but I suppose he knows very well what he is about. Old Maxfield has feathered his nest very considerably31. It will be a very good match for a poor man like Matthew Diamond."
Mrs. Bodkin had for some time past exhibited symptoms of dislike to Diamond. She never had a good word for him; she even was almost rancorous against him at times, although she seldom allowed the feeling to express itself in words before her daughter. Minnie understood it all very well. "Poor mother!" she thought to herself, "she cannot forgive him. I wish I could persuade her that there is nothing to forgive. How could he help it if I was a fool?" Yet the mother and daughter had never exchanged a word on the subject. And Minnie comforted herself with the conviction that her mother was the only person in the world who guessed her secret. "Mamma has a sixth sense where I am concerned," said she to herself.
"I hope you said a good word for the lovers to Mr. Maxfield, papa," she said aloud, in a clear, cheerful voice.
"I had not much to say. I told him that I thought Diamond stood a good chance of getting Dorrington School."
"When will it be known positively32, papa?"
"About Dorrington? Oh, before Christmas. I should say by the end of the first week in December. Diamond will be a loss to me, but I shall be glad of his promotion33. He's a gentleman, and a very good fellow, although his manner is a trifle self-opiniated. And," added the doctor, shaking his head and lowering his voice as one does who is forced to admit a painful truth, "I am sorry to say that his views as to the use of the Digamma are by no means sound."
"Perhaps Rhoda won't find that a drawback to her happiness!" said Minnie, laughing her sweet, musical laugh.
"Probably not, Puss!"
Then the Rev34. Peter Warlock and Mr. Dockett dropped in. A whist-table was made up in the drawing-room. The doctor and Mr. Dockett won three rubbers out of four against Mrs. Bodkin and the curate. And the latter—being seated where he could command a full view of Minnie as she reclined near the fire with a book—made two revokes35, and drew down upon himself a very severe homily and a practical lecture or short course on the science of whist, illustrated36 by all the errors he had made during the evening, from Dr. Bodkin. For the doctor, although he liked to win, cared not for inglorious victory, and was almost as indignant with his opponents as with his partner for any symptom of slovenly37 play. The Reverend Peter's brow grew serious, even to gloom, and it seemed to him as if the doctor's scolding were almost more than human patience could endure. "I don't mind losing my sixpences," thought the curate, "and I could make up my mind to sacrificing an hour or two over those accursed," (I'm afraid he did mentally use that strong expression!) "those thrice-accursed bits of pasteboard. But to be lectured and scolded at into the bargain——!" He arose from the green table with an almost defiant38 sullenness39.
However, when the tray was brought in and the victimised gentleman had comforted his inner man with hot negus, and was at liberty to sip40 it in close proximity41 to Miss Bodkin's chair, and had received one or two kind looks from Miss Bodkin's eyes, and several kind words from Miss Bodkin's lips, his heart grew soft within him, and he began to think that even six, ten—a dozen rubbers of whist with the doctor would not be too high a price to pay for these privileges! Then they talked of Diamond's engagement to Rhoda—it had been spoken of all over Whitford hours ago!—and of his prospects42. And Mr. Warlock was quite effusive43 in his rejoicings on both scores. He had been dimly jealous of Minnie's regard for Diamond, and was heartily44 glad of the prospect of getting rid of him. Mr. Dockett, too, seemed to think the match a desirable one. He pursed up his mouth and looked knowing as he dropped a mysterious hint as to the extent of Rhoda's dowry. "I made old Max's will myself," said he; "and without violating professional secrecy45, I may confirm what I hear old Max bruits46 abroad at every opportunity—namely, that he is a warm man—a very warm man in—deed! But I'm sure Mr. Diamond is a young man of sound principles, and will make the girl a good husband. And it is decided promotion for her too, you know. A grocer's daughter! Eh? I'm sure I wish them well most sincerely." And shall we blame Mr. Dockett if, in his fatherly anxiety, he rejoiced at the removal of a dangerous rival to his little Ally, on whom young Pawkins had recently bestowed47 a good deal of attention whenever Rhoda Maxfield was out of his reach?
"I never knew such a popular engagement," said Dr. Bodkin, innocently. "Everybody seems to approve! One might almost fear it could not be a case of true love, it runs so very smooth. There does not appear to be a single objection."
"Except the Digamma, papa!"
"Except the Digamma," echoed the doctor merrily. And when he was alone with his wife that night, he remarked to her that he was immensely thankful to see the great improvement in their beloved child this winter.
"Minnie is certainly stronger," said the mother.
"And in such excellent spirits!" said the father.
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1
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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4
confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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7
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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8
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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11
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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12
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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13
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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14
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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15
devotedly
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| 专心地； 恩爱地； 忠实地； 一心一意地 | |
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aloof
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| adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的 | |
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17
valiantly
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| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
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18
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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19
expatiated
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| v.详述，细说( expatiate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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20
scholastic
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| adj.学校的，学院的，学术上的 | |
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smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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24
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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25
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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doggedly
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| adv.顽强地，固执地 | |
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27
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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prosaic
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| adj.单调的，无趣的 | |
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bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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30
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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31
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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34
rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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35
revokes
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| v.撤销，取消，废除( revoke的第三人称单数 ) | |
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36
illustrated
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| adj. 有插图的，列举的 动词illustrate的过去式和过去分词 | |
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37
slovenly
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| adj.懒散的，不整齐的，邋遢的 | |
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38
defiant
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| adj.无礼的，挑战的 | |
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39
sullenness
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| n. 愠怒, 沉闷, 情绪消沉 | |
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40
sip
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| v.小口地喝，抿，呷；n.一小口的量 | |
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41
proximity
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| n.接近，邻近 | |
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42
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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43
effusive
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| adj.热情洋溢的；感情(过多)流露的 | |
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44
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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45
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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46
bruits
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| n.传播（传说或谣言）( bruit的名词复数 ) | |
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47
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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