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Page 145
to phone the airport long distance and leave a message to say that I was taking the plane to Rome and would drive the rest of the way."
For ten seconds, Linda gaped at him. Finally she drew a long breath, held it for a moment, and then, helplessly, burst out laughing. "Is there one to Rome at the right time?"
"I'm not such an idiot as to forget to cheek that. It leaves only fifteen minutes later and arrives at the same time this one did, but it would take me time to rent a car and to driveat least two hours, even on the autostradaso we have two whole hours to ourselves."
"But Peter," Linda sputtered, "we're going to spend two weeks together, living in the same house."
Peter's smiled turned wry. "My, you are an innocent, aren't you? Aunt Em wouldn't just look cross-eyed if I started sneaking into corners with you. Don't be a fool, Linda. We can be friendly and pleasant when my aunt's around, but no more. If I showed how I really felt about you, Aunt Emwell, I'm not sure whether she'd tell me to leave or fire you, but it would be one or the other."
"I don't think that's true, Peter," Linda said, but her voice was uncertain. "When Donald asked me out to dinner, your aunt was pleased."
The grin disappeared from Peter's face, and his eyes narrowed. Linda felt frightened. The clumsy, boyish, appealing young man she knew had suddenly changed into a hard-faced stranger.

 
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