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He guarded it jealously, troubled at
the thought that its chaste recesses might be profaned, if but for one
day, by the presence of a motley assemblage of nonentities. But a man
of his income is expected to do something to amuse his
fellow-creatures. One owes certain duties to society. Hence this
gathering, which had become a regular feature in the spring calendar of
the island. Having once decided on the step, he did not propose to be
bound by conventionalities which were the poison of rational human
intercourse. Unlike the Duchess and Mr. Parker, he refused to draw the
line at Russians; the Club, too, was represented by some of its most
characteristic members. He often descanted on the social intolerance of
men, their lack of graciousness and generous instincts; he would have
made room for the Devil himself--at all events in his "outer circle."
Such being the case, it stands to reason that he did not draw the line
at freethinkers. It was sometimes rather hard to know where he did draw
the line.


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