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Page 171
"Just as well. You'll find you have to dress for dinner every night aboard ship and three or four times a week in Corfu."
"But why aren't you dressed, Gertrude? I know you sit at our table."
Linda was troubled. Gertrude had said nothing to her about where she usually ate when she traveled with Mrs. Bates, and Linda had assumed she would eat with the family. In fact, Mrs. Bates had approved the plan.
"Yes, Miss, but madam is a little tired tonight. We'll dine here together."
"Is she asleep? Shall I stay, too?" Linda asked, hoping she didn't look as disappointed as she felt.
"There's no need for that, Miss. But madam isn't sleeping. You can go in and talk to her."
Linda found Mrs. Bates sitting up in bed propped by pillows. She did not look particularly tired, but Linda thought she was breathing a little faster than usual. She did not ask how the older woman felt because she had noticed that Mrs. Bates really did not like that. To her inquiry as to whether she should stay, Mrs. Bates laughed gaily.
"You are a good girl to ask, Linda, but I couldn't be such a monster. Here you are all dressed up, and you look delightfully pretty, too, and looking forward to a dinner-dance, I'm sure. No, you go and enjoy yourself."
"Shall I come and read to you after dinner, Mrs. Bates? I brought along several books." Linda felt obligated to make the offer, but she

 
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