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couldn't have hurt anyone." |
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"You didn't think being pushed was funny at first." Linda was beginning to feel doubtful herself. Looking at the rail behind Peter, she had to admit that there was very little chance a push could have tipped him overboard. |
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"Maybe not at first," Peter responded quickly and more soberly, "but that was partly because of the crack on the head and partly becausebelieve it or notmy feelings were hurt." |
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"Your feelings were hurt?" Linda's voice scaled upward. |
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She shook her head and stared around, wondering whether she would see the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter or the Cheshire Cat's smile. She certainly felt as if she were at the lunatic tea party in Alice in Wonderland. |
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"I know it sounds funny," Peter said apologetically, "but what I mean is I never felt really threatenedonly hurt. II guess I didn't want to believe that shthat anyone felt that way about me." |
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"And now that you know someone would like to kill you, you don't think it's important?" Linda spoke clearly and rather slowly, as if to a feebleminded child. |
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"Important?" he repeated, his voice sad again. "Yes, it's important, but not for the reason you think. I'm not in any danger." He turned suddenly with the jerky swiftness so characteristic of his movements and snatched Linda into his arms. "LindaLinda, darling, do you love me?" |
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The question was so urgent and intense that |
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