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sat or walked or rode with a mind completely blank. However, all efforts to resist the urge for seclusion failed. It made her so cross that maids and men alike had begun to shrink from her. Moreover, alternately, Joanna wished to kiss and kill her mother who remained obdurately "blind" to her daughter's distress. |
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The urge had again become overwhelming. Seizing upon the excuse that the light was failing, Joanna set aside her embroideryupon which she had accomplished very littleand went for her cloak. The worst of February cold was over, but evenings in March were still very chilly even in the sheltered spice garden where Joanna intended to walk. It was a favorite spot and a place peculiarly her own. Alinor was too good a housewife to neglect the spice garden. It was very necessary to lend a few amenities to the harsh life of the keep, but Alinor tended it as a duty. Her nature was too impatient to appreciate plants fully. They answered so slowly to care. They did not wag their tails in happy greeting or nuzzle you with soft muzzles, or look at you with worshipping eyes and murmur thanks for kindness. |
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It was Joanna, as soon as she was old enough to understand, who had taken over the care of the garden. She loved everything about it, from the rich odor of earth and manure in the early spring to the sweet, heady scent of the flowers in summer. Even the bare stubble of winter was dear to her with its promise of new life. She never tired of walking through the garden, looking attentively for signs of trouble in the growing season, planning for the spring in winter, and choosing what must be harvested in the autumn. |
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At the gate, Joanna turned and said firmly, "Stay!" Brian whined, but he dropped obediently to the ground. Having fastened the gate carefullyBrian was not above testing it and "forgetting" he had been told to stayJoanna walked slowly down the central path. Her eyes were bent upon the plant beds, but the light was going and she could see very little. A rustle off to the right drew her attention. Joanna uttered an exclamation of irritation and hurried down |
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