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Bates looked at the closed door for a moment, then sighed. |
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"He really is a dear boy," she reiterated, almost as if she wished to convince herself of it. "My brother's only child. My brother handled the American branch of the business, and Peter was raised in the United States. I do wish he was not quite so abrupt." |
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"I don't mean to defend my countrymen unreasonably," Linda said, laughing, "but I'm afraid that dizzying effect is born into a person rather than acquired." |
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Mrs. Bates sighed again and shook her head. "Perhaps you are right. Now, I don't want to rush you, my dear, but could you come on Monday? It doesn't give you much time, but I like to get out of England before the middle of October, and it would be nice if we could get to know each other before we set out on our travels. You will be able to arrange about tickets and luggage, won't you?" |
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"Oh, yes. Tickets and luggage are a specialty with me after traveling so much. Thank you for liking me, Mrs. Bates. If you want character references, I can get them from my professors in college and from the people I worked for at the March of Dimes, but it will take a little while." |
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"There isn't any hurry, Linda. I'm sure you are a good girl, but I suppose I should write and ask for references. If I don't, Peter will say I am being foolish and cannot be trusted to handle my own affairs." |
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