|
|
|
|
|
|
Linda," Peter said, then added, "It's okay if she goes, isn't it, Aunt Em?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Of course," Mrs. Bates replied, smiling. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Oh, I'm so comfortable," Linda protested, "and shuffleboard really isn't my favorite sport. Besides, I'm enjoying the introduction I'm getting to the colony on Corfu. It's a big help to keep me from putting my foot in my mouth." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Oh, dear," Mrs. Sotheby murmured. "I had almost forgotten you were here, Linda. Go along, do. This kind of gossip isn't meant for your ears." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Both the general and Mrs. Bates laughed aloud. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Harriet, you are incredibly innocent," Mrs. Bates said. "I'm sure the type of gossip Linda and her friends exchange would burn your ears right off your head. This must be very dull for Linda, only she's too conscientious to leave me alone and Gertrude doesn't feel perfectly well this morning." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"It's all right, m'dear," General Barthemeles added. "We'll stay with Emmeline and take her in to lunch. You go ahead." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"No buts," Peter insisted. "I need you worse than Aunt Em does. Rose-Anne won't partner me because she doesn't like losing, and there's a predatory female with large front teeth just itching to share my fate." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs. Bates laughed again. "It's the helpless way you bump into things that attracts rabbit-toothed females, Peter. You should learn to be |
|
|
|
|
|