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Page 23
untidy young man. ''Aunt Em," he said sharply, "I thought we had decided that I would find a companion for you."
Linda was startled, and when she looked at Mrs. Bates she was startled again because the old woman looked frightened. A moment later, however, it seemed she must have been mistaken because Mrs. Bates smiled.
"It's very good of you, dear, but when I thought it over, I decided I could suit myself best myself."
"But why, Aunt Em?" the young man asked in an exasperated tone, running a hand through his already untidy hair until it looked like a dust mop.
Linda lowered her eyes to her teacup. The question was ridiculous. Mrs. Bates had answered it before it was asked.
As if he had heard what his aunt said half a beat too late, the young man continued, "Why should you go through all the bother? You know you tire easily and all those phone calls and interviewsI'll bet you haven't had a moment's peace since that ad appeared."
"But it hasn't been a bother at all," Mrs. Bates said, smiling with determined sweetness. "I have quite enjoyed it. And after all, I'm sure it is all your fault."
"My fault?"
Mrs. Bates raised her brows. "If you did not tell Rose-Anne and Donald, I cannot imagine how they discovered I wanted a companion. They came up Wednesday and offered to find one for me."

 
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