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Page 44
to show. "I'll be careful of them."
"Yes, andoh, there's her bell. She only takes about half an hour, so you'd better finish your breakfast and be ready."
Linda took that advice far more seriously than she had taken Gertrude's analysis of Mrs. Bates's family, and she was waiting in the sitting room with a pad and pen when Mrs. Bates came in.
"Ah, all ready for the mail, I see. You look very businesslikea real social secretary. I hope I won't disappoint you. Where did you get the writing pad, my dear?"
"I took the liberty of buying it when I went to the library yesterday. I also bought two dripolaters for coffee. Gertrude would like to know whether she may put them on the tea tray when Mr. Tattersall comes so that he can have coffee."
"Of course she may. That is a splendid idea. It was very thoughtful of you to remember, Linda. You must tell me how much these things cost and I will reimburse you."
Linda opened her mouth to say it didn't matter, but thought better of it. For a girl who was in need of a job and short of money, that might be out of character. "It seems silly," she said, unable to repress her instinct entirely. "The pad was only five shillings, and after all, the dripolater was really for me. I only bought two because they came as a set."
"Even if it was for you, my dear, your keep is my responsibility, except for your clothes."

 
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