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Page 38
her first day she was naturally very conscious of her position, but would she forget she was working and fail to remove the plates or wait for "a servant" to do her job tomorrow or next week?
After a sip of her tea, Mrs. Bates nodded approval and smiled. "Just as I like it. You remembered very well. Now perhaps I should tell you that I have a fairly regular schedule. Old people do get set in their ways, you know. I read my mail while I have breakfast, and if there are any letters to be answered, I like to do them right after I get up."
Linda nodded. There was no need for her to say anything and, actually, her mind was on coffee. She liked tea, but enough was enough. She decided to buy some coffee and one of the one-cup drip arrangements. Then she could have a cup of coffee by using the hot water right at the table. Perhaps she would buy two drippers so that nephew Peter could have coffee too. Maybe that would pacify him a little for not getting his way.
"On Tuesday afternoons I have tea with an old friend. Oh, Linda, I forgot to ask. Can you drive?"
"Yes, Mrs. Bates. And I have an international license, but if you want me to drive you places, I'm afraid I will have to ask you to let me take a refresher course at a driving school. Americans are not accustomed to right-hand drive. I think I could manage, but I would hate to smash up your car and, even worse, you."

 
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