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Now Fanny let out a long sigh, one hand to her opulent bosom "It is very sad that Mrs Sherman has had to be away from him just now," she said "The run on the bank left him exhausted, and his asthma, you know, has been particularly bad

To care for those two children as well--" She put her hand to her cheek "Not that you have any reason to be concerned I’ed the crisis of the run quite successfully, and now Lucas and Turner is likely to stand as long as the city It would be a terrible thing if scandal should fix to his nareat a trial"

Madelaine blinked as she listened, and realized that Sherossip

San Francisco, 29 May,

I must look for a house I need someplace where I can lay down th, and I do not want to pay Mrs Mullinton another 75 for h they are A few of the other wo to question how I live, especially my refusal to dine with them, and I must make an effort to stop their speculations as soon as possible If I had an establishment of my own, and my own staff, I could deal with these proble what I want…

"This is an unexpected surprise," said Sherreet Madelaine shortly before noon two days later He motioned Jenkins aside and indicated that he wanted her to follow hio off on the next ship, and the funds will arrive as quickly as possible after that In these days we can handle these transactions in less than two months But let us discuss your h--?"

"Of course And I thank you for giving me a little time; I am sure you are very busy" As she made her way back to his office, Madelaine realized that many of the custo at her, either directly or covertly She kneas not just because she had worn her nealking dress--a fetching rape-colored fine wool; she drew her short jacket more closely around her as she took the chair Sherain, he had left the door half open

He settled himself behind his desk and held out a pen to her as he reached for the papers needing her signature "Now then,

Mada for you?"

Madelaine squared her shoulders "I want to rent a house At least through August, possibly for longer"

Sherman stared at her "Rent a house?" he repeated as if she had spoken in a language he did not adequately understand

She went on without re not too lavish, but as comfortable and suitable as possible And I will need to hire a staff for it" She swiftly reviewed the perned first one, then the second, the pen spattering as the ink dried on the nib "Probably no more than three or four will serve ain, as if he had at last divined herat Mrs Mullinton’s?"

"Only the price and the lack of privacy," said Madelaine as politely as she could "That is not to say anything against Mrs Mullinton She has been all that is courteous and attentive, and Mrs Mullinton’s establish"

"And whathis sharp features

"I alower vanished only to be replaced by an indulgent slower better, for it indicated genuine concern, and this showed nothing of the sort

"A book?"

"On my studies here in America," she said with a coolness she did not feel