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Dinner was the same stew as the day before and the day before that and the day before that Phyllis's repertoire didn't have much variety It wasn't entirely her fault as she had to ith the lie on Eternity The steas an improveetables

Samantha at last found herself with an opportunity to talk to Prudence, who sat in her usual place in the corner Prudence stared intently at her bowl, as if she were divining some prophecy from its contents As she usually did, Samantha took her bowl over to sit down across from her friend "Hi"

"Hello," Prudence mumbled into her bowl She spooned so else

"I' I didn't mean to snap at you"

"Did so"

"Prudence, please, I didn'tby it"

Prudence put down her spoon and then looked Samantha in the eye "Yes you did You don't want me around anyirl around"

"That's not true You're my best friend, Prudence That's why I wanted to tell you before anyone else"

"Telldown to the beach and take Mr Pryde's boat to the ratulations," Prudence said and then took another spoonful of stew

"That's all you're going to say?"

"What else am I supposed to say?"