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"That's fine with me, miss, but madam will have to say." |
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"Yes, of course," Linda had to fight a smile. She had already forgotten she was a lowly employee. "I'll ask her while we're doing the mail. Have you been with Mrs. Bates long?" |
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Although Gertrude had been stiff and suspicious even after she gave Linda permission to eat in "her" kitchen, the offer of the coffee dripper seemed to have dissolved her reserve. She replied readily enough, even turning away from the tray she was setting for Mrs. Bates. |
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"Yes, miss, I have. I came just before the warno more than third underhousemaid I was then. Mr. and Mrs. Bates had a big house, but it was too hard to keep it up during the war, and after. I went into a factory during the war, but I didn't like it at all. So when it was over, I just came back. They were always fair to me, so I stayedeven when others offered me more." |
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"Mrs. Bates seems very nice to work forat least, she has been very kind to me." |
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Gertrude nodded vigorously. "She's a lovely lady, always very considerate, but you'll find others who" |
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She stopped suddenly, as if she were reluctant to gossip, but Linda caught an inviting glance as the maid turned back to the tray she was fixing. |
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"Do you mean Mr. Tattersall is . . . er . . ." Linda hesitated and paused invitingly. Perhaps |
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