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to make a sandwich of ham and pâté, and Mrs. Bates laughed. |
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"Of course. You eat just the way you like, Linda. I'm old fashioned, but not so old fashioned that I consider sandwiches repellent. Don't be nervous. Your manners are excellent and could not offend anyone." |
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Linda felt no impulse to laugh when Mrs. Bates approved her manners. She was rather pleased. Although she knew her manners were perfect within her peer group, behavior had changed so radically that it was nice to learn she was acceptable to an older woman. |
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"Thank you," she said seriously, and then, "What would you like me to do this afternoon?" |
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"Monday is my quiet day usuallyafter Sunday, you know. I would like you to go to the library and pick up a book to read to me. My eyes are good for my age, but I do get so tired readingand I miss my stories." |
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"I would love to." Linda beamed. "I love to read aloud. But you will have to give me some idea of what you have read and what you like and where the library isunless you mean the London library. I know where that is." |
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"Oh, no. This is a little local private library. The woman who runs it knows my taste. Just tell her the books are for me." |
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Mrs. Bates put down her silverware with a kind of finality that cued Linda to remove the plates and silver to the tea cart and set out the cups for tea. As she poured, she hoped she would be as prompt and discerning in the future. On |
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