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Page 153
of them could offer such thrilling conversation as the hero of the battle of Monmouth.
"And where is he?" Water asked caustically. "You silly chit, that was no battle. It was a routfirst one way and then the other. And I am going to murder you if you go about implying that it is my one subject of conversation."
Sybelle only giggled in response, but the younger men clamored for Walter to tell them of the event. This was what Sybelle intended because it provided a group and diluted the chance that Marie would flirt with Walter and that he be cold in response. Not only did Sybelle achieve her purpose, but she discovered that Marie's caressing manner was turned on each man to whom she spoke. The manner, in Sybelle's opinion, was even sillier than that of most other women. She twittered and gasped and fluttered her eyelashes, expressing her horror and repugnance for any discussion of war. Sybelle thought her pathetic and ridiculous.
Although Sybelle herself was not particularly interested in any blow-by-blow description of a battle, having seen far too much of the result of those blows, she knew such talk was a mark of a man's pride in himself and must be listened to with attention. In fact, between Marie's interruptions and Walter's genuine reluctance to discuss the battle anymore, the talk soon wandered to other subjects and then, when it became clear that neither lady was going to leave Walter to dance, the young men drifted away to find other partners.
Sybelle was rather surprised when Marie did not accept any of the invitations. Of course, she found Walter far better company than any of those young cockerels. . . . And with that thought she realized that Marie might also find Walter better company. Sybelle was not jealous; she was moved by pity for the silly woman. Perhaps Marie's manner meant nothing, but her lingering did imply she favored Walter. It was wrong, Sybelle felt, to allow her to believe Walter was available.
"You should not forgo your pleasure to stand here and talk with me," Walter said.
The remark was not specifically addressed to either woman, but Sybelle was certain it was not meant for her. Still, Marie repeated her first statement that she had come to relieve Sybelle so that Sybelle could dance and enjoy herself. It made Sybelle feel very guilty, reminding her of her grandmother's

 
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