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Page 192
as an excuse for what you don't want to do."
Linda glared across the table at Rose-Anne and Donald. "I don't know which of you made that noise, but when I find outyou'll suffer for it. I had to take a big bite out of my lip to keep from laughing."
"You mean," Mrs. Bates interposed gently, "that you did not wish to play tennis wither, Mr. Samson, Linda dear?"
"Oh, Emmeline," Mrs. Sotheby said, her voice shaking with suppressed giggles, "that was cruel. Why didn't you let Linda back out gracefully?"
Now Mrs. Bates laughed softly. "Because it wouldn't have done her the slightest bit of good. He would have gone right on asking and pursuing her. She must make it plainwhatever reason she givesthat she does not want his attentions."
"But she won't do that," Peter said, speaking for the first time. "I learned something on shipboard too, that Linda is equally kind and good-natured from her head right down to her toes. I know about the toes for sure. I stepped on them often enough last night, and she went right on dancing with me."
He smiled blandly around at the whole party and Linda had the sinking feeling that she had badly underestimated Peter's ability to conceal his thoughtsor overestimated her ability to read them. The feeling proved all too accurate. Not by the blink of an eye or the faintest inflection or hesitation of speech did he betray any

 
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