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Page 91
down the corridor, Gert was munching her fourth piece of candy and Linda was checking the coffee supply.
"Can I help you, Miss?" Gertrude asked.
"I was just checking to make sure that there will be enough coffee for tomorrow," Linda said. "Do you think we should buy a large can next time?"
Gertrude pursed her lips in thought, and for a few minutes they discussed the probable rate of use of coffee, including General Barthemeles as a drinker now that he knew the beverage was available. Then Gertrude asked whether there were larger versions of the dripolater.
"I nearly had a heart attack when Mr. Peter carried that contraption full of grounds and hot water into the dining room. I was sure I'd be cleaning the carpet again. But if I could make a pot, it could go out on the tray with the tea."
Linda laughed and agreed to look for a four-cup cone and set of filters, aware that while she was talking, Gertrude's eyes had flashed here and there about the kitchen checking on what had been done and left undone. Finally, satisfied with the state of the sink and counters, Gertrude looked at her niece, who was sitting at the table in a somewhat slumped position, reaching toward the candy box again.
"What are you doing, Gert?" Gertrude asked sharply.
"Miss Linda offered me some candy," the girl said slowly, seeming to lift her head with an effort. "She said Mrs. Bates had given her the

 
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