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A WEEK WENT BY, THOUGH IT FELT LIKE A MONTH TIME EXPANDS under new circumstances We could write a book about our four-day vacation abroad, but erase whole years from our memories, unable to store any worthy details

That was prettythe uncertainty at ho seemed real or possible And now, several days later, she felt she couldn't live anywhere but on this island The anguish, the fear - the block - were behind her now

She was still staying at the hotel roo hours at the Bed & Breakfast It was such a cosy, exquisitely decorated place Pat and Kathy got along really well Pat taught Kathy all she needed to know aboutthe house, and Kathy let Pat full autonomy Soon, much sooner than any of the the chores as if they'd reached a perfectyears before

The newcomer told the islander about Geneva's offer to invest

"And what did you say to her?"

"Nothing, really I wanted to spend so to stay, before answering"

"It could cos for you," said Pat in the sincere and spontaneous way she always spoke

"Too many cooks…"

"Yeah, right Unless, of course, you needed the ht-to-the-point coht to the point It wasn't nasty, ironic or malicious in any hatsoever She simply put into words what she really wanted to say in an uncommon natural manner

"No, we don't need the money Mrs Sloan left us two unencumbered properties, which are, in addition, two profitable businesses"

Pat kept s for us," Kathy quoted "But it seems rude not to accept"

"I don't think you should make a deal out of politeness And she probably doesn't expect you to answer so soon anyway Take your ti used to a new partner now, so you're perfectly entitled to wait before involving a second one"

Kathy ss quite easy for ed "I didn't think I'd end up depending on him so much e first ether You'd , Mrs Horwood!"