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"You look terrible," she said

It was several moments before John could find his voice to reply "Oh, Belle," he said hoarsely "You look wonderful"

A couple of days later, Belle was feeling much better She was still a little weak, but her appetite was back, and she was entertained by a steady stream of visitors

John she hadn't seen for over a day As soon as he was assured she was no longer in danger he collapsed froave Belle periodic reports on his condition, but so far the reports had not varied beyond, "He's still sleeping"

Finally, on the third day after her fever broke, her husband entered her roohtly sheepish sain," she said

He perched on the side of her bed "I've been sleeping, I'm afraid"

"Yes, so I've heard" She reached out and touched his jaw "It's so lovely to see your face"

He smiled "You washed your hair"

"What?" She looked down and pinched a curl between her fingers "Oh, yes It was badly needed, I think John, I-"

"Belle, I-" His words cao ahead"

"I insist"

"Oh, this is silly," Belle said "We're married, after all Yet we're so nervous"

"What are you nervous about?"

"Spencer" The na in the air for several seconds before she continued "We et him out of our lives Did you tell my parents of our situation?"

"No I leave that to your discretion"

"I won't tell them It will only worry them"

"Whatever you say"

"Have you devised a plan?"

"No When you were ill-" He sed convulsively Just the h to terrify hi but you And then I slept"

"Well, I've been thinking about him" He looked up

"I think we should confront him at the Tum-bley bash," she said

"Absolutely not"

"Mother has already insisted that we attend She wants to use the occasion to present us to society"

"Belle, it will be so crowded How am I to keep an eye on you when-"