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she finished, however, he was chewing uncomfortably on his moustache. |
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"I'm sorry to hear this, very sorry," he muttered. "And, of course I'll keep an eye on Peter. But it isn't necessary, m'dear, not necessary at all. Peter's right. No danger. No real danger." |
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"Then why do you look so worried?" Linda asked reasonably. "And don't tell me this attack on Peter was a joke." |
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"Nono, it wasn't. And that answers your other question too. I'm worried because . . ." He sighed. "Whatever hard feelings there've been in this family, I never believed" He hesitated as if he had been about to say a name, then changed his mind. "I never believed that anyone was disturbed enough to become violent." |
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"More distressed than worried, m'dear." |
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He looked it, and for a frustrated moment Linda was silent, but then she burst out with what she had hoped not to need to say. "All right, say Peter can take care of himself, but don't you see that the main target must be Mrs. Bates?" |
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The general chewed his moustache some more, but this time he wouldn't meet Linda's eyes. "Peter is the first target," he mumbled unhappily at last. "I'm sure Emmeline will be safe as long as Peter is safe." Suddenly he glanced at his watch again, this time openly. "I'm sorry I can't offer you better comfort than this, but I will watch over Peter as best as I canthough I don't think it's necessary. And |
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