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第7部分

She made her call about three o'clock。

〃My dear; I'm so glad;〃 she said warmly; as she squeezed Katherine's hand。 〃And everyone in the village will be glad too。〃

〃It's very nice of you to e and tell me;〃 said Katherine。 〃I hoped you would e; because I wanted to ask about Johnnie。〃

〃Oh! Johnnie。 Well …〃

Johnnie was Mrs Harrison's youngest son。 In another minute she was off; retailing a long history in which Johnnie's adenoids and tonsils bulked largely。 Katherine listened sympathetically。 Habits die hard。 Listening had been her portion for ten years now。 〃My dear; I wonder if I ever told you about that naval ball at Portsmouth? When Lord Charles admired my gown?〃 And posedly; kindly; Katherine would reply: 〃I rather think you have; Mrs Harfield; but I've forgotten about it。 Won't you tell it me again?〃 And then the old lady would start off full swing; with numerous details。 And half of Katherine's mind would be listening; saying the right things mechanically when the old lady paused。。。

Now; with that same curious feeling of duality to which she was accustomed; she listened to Mrs Harrison。

At the end of half an hour; the latter recalled herself suddenly。

〃I've been talking about myself all this time;〃 she exclaimed。 〃And I came here to talk about you and your plans。〃

〃I don't know that I've got any yet。〃

〃My dear … you're not going to stay on here。〃

Katherine smiled at the horror in the other's tone。