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"She said that?"

Susan nodded and shrugged "So I' She seems perfectly happy to scribble in her book I did put a pot of tea on, though, just for goodto leave, is she?"

Susan shook her head "She see to leave until she sees you I wouldn't be surprised if she brought a change of clothing"

"I suppose I had better dress h

Susan reached over to Elizabeth's small vanity table and picked up a hairbrush "I'll help you"

Elizabeth assuet information out of her; Susan had never offered to dress her hair before But the bristly brush felt so nice on her scalp, Elizabeth decided just to go along with it It was a rare moment indeed when someone waited upon her

Elizabeth counted the swipes the brushquestions One swipe, tipes, three swipes, four--ah, she paused slightly before the fifth, she

"Does Mrs Ravenscroft's visit have anything to do with the events of last night?'' Susan asked

Five swipes Elizabeth was iht Susan would last past three

Susan pulled the brush through Elizabeth's hair again "Lizzie? Did you hear me?"

"I'm sure I don't know the reason for Mrs Ravenscroft's visit," Elizabeth lied

"Hmmph"

"Ow!"

"Sorry"

"Give me that!" Elizabeth snatched the brush away from her sister "And the hairpins, too I don't trust you with any sharp objects"

Susan stepped back, crossed her arlowering at me like that," Elizabeth muttered

"Good"

"Susan Mary Hotchkiss!"