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I tried to call you then, but your !

~Oh, otten about the contract! She sat down heavily, unable to breathe freely

’Are you all right, Anne?’

’Yes, I’ unsuccessfully to hide the sobbing in her voice ’What did City Hall have to say?’

’ne hospital contract arded to a fir - in called Kirkbride and Carter Apparently Henry wasn’t even placed in the top three I’ve been trying to reach hi, but it seems he left his office soon after ten and he hasn’t been back since I don’t supposeyou knohere he is, Anne?’

’No, I haven’t any idea’

9)o you want me to come around, my dear?’ he said "I could be with you in a few minutes’

’No, thank you, Alan’ Anne paused to draw a shaky breath ’Please forgiveyou these past few days If Richard were still alive, he would never have forgiven me’

’Don’t be silly, Anne, our friendship has lasted for far too many years for a silly little incident like that to be of any significance!

The kindness of his voice triggered off a fresh burst of weeping Anne staggered to her feet ’I ht be Henry!

’Take care, Anne, and don’t worry about today As long as I’m chairman, the bank will always support you Don’t hesitate to call if you needin her ears The effort of breathing was stupendous She sank to the floor and as she did so, the long - forgotten sensation of a vigorous contraction overwhelmed her

A few moments later the maid knocked quietly on the door She looked in; William was at her shoulder He had not entered his e to Henry Osborne The two rushed to Anne’s side She was shaking convulsively, unaware of their presence Little flecks of foarn spattered her upper lip In a few seconds the attack passed, and she lay ently ’What’s the matterT Anne opened her eyes and stared wildly at her son ’Richard Thank God you’ve coaze faltered ’I have no ive’

Her voice trailed off to a groan as another powerful contraction started

’What’s happening?’ said Willia,’ the h it isn’t due for several weeks!

’Get Dr MacKenzie on the phone immediately,’ William said to the maid as he ran to the bedroom door ’Matthew,’ he shouted, ’come up quickly’