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ing to advise me about what routes or hotelsif alternates are availableMrs. Bates would prefer. I can ask her directly, of course, but" |
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General Barthemeles reached into his coat and pulled out a card case. He thrust a card into Linda's hand. "You call me any time Emmeline gives you trouble," he urged. "Sometimes can't make up her mind" He uttered a sharp crack of laughter. "Don't mean that. Mean she makes up her mind definitely, in opposite directions, three times a day sometimes. And don't let that dithering manner of Harriet's bother you at all. She's got the best sense and the sweetest disposition of any woman I ever knew, under all that flutter.'' |
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He shook hands abruptly then and marched out, leaving Linda somewhat surprised by his final remark. She had little time to wonder about it, however, because Mrs. Bates returned to the room almost as the general walked out. Automatically Linda began to straighten up the mild disorder left by the guests. She fluffed two chair pillows and then moved to the credenza to empty the ashtrays. |
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"Oh, look, Mrs. Bates. Someone has left a box of candy," Linda remarked. It must be a gift, she thought. It was an elaborate box, tastefully decorated with a lavish bow. |
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"A box of candy?" Mrs. Bates came across the room and looked at it in a puzzled way. "Peter often leaves little gifts without saying anything, but Peter wouldn't leave me candy. He knows I'm not supposed to eat itthey all do. No one |
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