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underground. She was unlikely to become prey to muggers at eight-thirty. He would not hear of that, however, and put her into a prepaid cab, telling her that he had seldom enjoyed an afternoon and evening more. His final words were a request for permission to phone again and make an appointment for a proper dinnerdate. |
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Linda had to conclude that there was no immediate favor or benefit Donald wanted and knew, too, that he had enjoyed her company. She had enjoyed his. Yet, when he called on. Friday to ask whether she could come dancing with him Saturday night, Linda approached Mrs. Bates to ask her permission without a qualm. Her strongest emotion was curiosity. Would Mrs. Bates disapprove? If so, would it be because she was jealous, as elderly people sometimes were of the attention their relatives paid to others, or would it be because she felt her nephew should not date her employee? |
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Mrs. Bates, however, did not disapprove. She seemed delighted, if surprised. The surprise was easily explained: "I didn't think Donald had good enough sense to appreciate you, Linda," she said wryly. |
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In fact, Mrs. Bates was so pleased and entered into Linda's preparations for her date with so much enthusiasm that Linda couldn't help wondering whether there was a little malice in the older woman's pleasure. Did Mrs. Bates know that Mrs. Sotheby would disapprove of Donald dating her sister-in-law's companion? |
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