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Mothers often wanted their sons to marry well, and a childless woman sometimes nourished a deep-hidden spite against a woman who had had children. If so, Mrs. Bates might be likely to encourage a relationship that Mrs. Sotheby would dislike but that would not harm her nephew. |
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Linda was not in the least troubled by either notion. She liked Donald. She would be happy to go out with him whenever he asked her, but she was indifferent to Mrs. Sotheby's displeasure (if she would disapprove) and to Mrs. Bates's malice (if there was malice). Neither could affect her because she did not expect to become seriously involved with Donald. |
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That was odd. He was handsome (much better looking than Peter), intelligent, and, when he wanted to be, charming. A brief consideration of her reaction to him gave Linda the answer and made her laugh. Of course. Donald was exactly like all the young men she had dated all her lifecourteous, suave, and worldly. He probably would never roar at her in a temper. On the other hand, he would probably never impulsively embrace her in front of a maid. Nor would she be able to read every emotion as it passed nakedly over his face. |
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Once she had made the comparison, Linda was troubled. It came to her mind that she had never told Mrs. Bates how often she met Peter outside the house. In fact, she never mentioned meeting him at all. She had taken |
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