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in Mrs. Bates's speech. "To tell the truth, I have been waiting outside for over fifteen minutes. I was not quite sure how to get here and did not want to be late, so I was rather early." |
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Mrs. Bates laughed. "You should have come up at once. You must be chilled. Would you like some tea?" |
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Linda was pleasantly surprised. The saccharine quality of the voice had given her a qualm of uneasiness, but the offer and manner were truly kind. "Yes, indeed, I should like some very much. Thank you." |
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"Some Americans do not like tea," Mrs. Bates commented as she gestured Linda to a seat near a small table set with a variety of cakes and small sandwiches as well as cups and saucers and a china tea service of exquisite delicacy. "Will you pour, please." |
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"Certainly," Linda replied. |
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Mrs. Bates was apparently cleverer than she looked. Her round blue eyes under silky white hair drawn back into a graceful bun, which was obviously the work of a skillful hairdresser, gave her an appearance of innocence. Nevertheless the invitation to tea was a test as well as a kindness. Linda blessed the expensive finishing school she had attended before college, which still stressed such unfashionable arts as pouring tea and curtsying to royalty. |
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"Milk or lemon?" Linda inquired, with the teapot poised above a steadily held cup and saucer. |
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"Neither, thank you, but I like it very weak." A naughty smile made Mrs. Bates look like a |
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