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Page 257
Linda uttered a sharp cry, expressing equally shock and pain.
"What kind of a sucker" Peter had begun when Mrs. Bates's voice peremptorily calling Linda's name made him half turn his head and relax his grip.
Linda pulled her arm free. "I'll see you in the gazebo later," she hissed, then called aloud, "Here I am, Mrs. Bates. Sorry I forgot the time. I'm coming."
When Linda reached her, Mrs. Bates said stiffly, "Is Peter annoying you, Linda?"
"Oh, no!" Linda exclaimed, but she could feel herself blushing.
"I want you to know that there is no need to endure my nephew's importunities in order to retain your position with me," Mrs. Bates said forcefully. "In fact, it is my duty to protect you against him, and I shall do so."
"He didn't mean anything, Mrs. Bates," Linda soothed. "He was in the middle of a sentence and didn't want me to leave."
"So I see," Mrs. Bates remarked acidly, her eyes on Linda's bare arm where the marks of Peter's fingers still showed red. "I will make sure," she said austerely, "that such behavior does not happen again."
"It's nothing." Linda laughed easily. "Honestly. You know how clumsy he is. I'm sure he had no intention of hurting me. In another minute he would have been confounding himself in apologies. I like Peter. And I can take care of myself. Please don't give it another thought."

 
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