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Page 11
"What I need," Linda muttered, "is a good kick in the behind and a face full of mud. . . ." The mutter trailed off as the word brought a remark of Aunt Evelyn's to mind.
"We never get bored," her aunt had said, laughing. "Abe and I, like your dad, started out in the dirt, a couple of worms, squirming away from the big guys' feet."
"What I need"Linda never minded talking to herself"is a worm's eye view of life."
I'll fly home and get a job, she thought, still sniffing but already happier. Then her brightening eyes dulled again. That wouldn't really help. She'd still be wrapped in the cocoon. Even if she could bring Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Abe to understand that she wanted to find her own position, just as if she had no connections, and live on the salary she made, Arthur Gelhorn would find her.
That was a sobering thought. Arthur was easy to resist now because she simply wasn't interested. If she accomplished her purpose and got a good mouthful of mud, Arthur might look desirable by comparison. Aside from that, if her uncle and aunt were too close by, it would be too easy to give up as soon as life got a bit unpleasant. Of course, London was no more than a phone call or a plane ride from New York, but psychologically there was a greater separation. Here in London, Linda thought, her eyes getting brighter and brighter, I wouldn't have to explain anything to anyone. All I'd have to do

 
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