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rose, admitting that he had work waiting for him. Mrs. Bates saw them to the door. Linda stood, feeling uneasy about Mrs. Bates in the crowd at the head of the stairs, but General Barthemeles put a hand on her arm. |
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"Peter's right, you know," he said, his booming voice lowered for once. "Very fond of EmmelineI mean, I ambut she's a trial to travel with. I can usually manage her, though. Help you all I can." |
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"Oh, thank you," Linda said with heartfelt sincerity. "That is very kind. You know," she went on, smiling, "Mrs. Sotheby and Mrs. Bates will believe what you tell them, so I would be grateful if, once I have all the arrangements made, you will look them over. Then when someone asks 'Is this the right time, place, hotel,' and so on, you could say 'yes' firmly. It will save endless checking, arguments, and nervousness, and'' |
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"I would be delighted," the old man said heartily. |
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Linda had been about to assure him that he would not be troubled by the arrangements in any way, but when she saw his eyes light at her appeal for help, she held her tongue. A once-busy man, still healthy and vigorous, now retired, might find time to hang heavy on his hands. Perhaps he would enjoy being involved in all the complications of planning the trip. And he knew Mrs. Bates very well, much better than Linda did. |
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"And perhaps," Linda added a little hesitantly, as if she feared to presume, "you would be will- |
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