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"Tell her goodbye again for me," Alanna said, since her first attempt to leave her parents' home had been postponed when the car had refused to start

Later, during the drive to the taconite plant, her father co a success out of this operation You can be very proud of him, Alanna,"

"I am," she smiled briefly

"Before your wedding, he hinted that there s It turned out to be quite a substantial one," he informed her "He's quite a businessman, Rolt is"

"Yes, he's very clever" Silently Alanna realized that he had kept his word about helping her father

She also noted that the lines of strain and tension had disappeared from around her father's mouth and eyes The burden must have been heavy for its removal to make such a difference

When they stopped at the entrance gate, the security guard snition "Good afternoon, Mrs Matthews, Mr Powell" And they aved on through

Her father dropped her off at the door near where the black Mark V was parked, insisted that he couldn't come in with her if he wanted ti, and left

Many of the office staff recognized Alanna when she entered the building She hadn't been to Rolt's office since that night he had coerced her into reeting fro the nu Rolt She felt uncomfortable and defensive

Rolt was in the outer office talking to awaraze melted away the chill of apprehension that had hurried her through the halls Shethe upturned face of his secretary

"You wouldn't believe what's happened," Alanna smiled

She would have stopped in front of hiainst hiing, a dark glow to his eyes that she found difficult to sustain when he raised his head

Turning to the be, Rolt said, "My wife, Alanna To firm out of Duluth"

There was a self-conscious flood of color to her cheeks, brought on more by her unrestrained response than by the fact that it had been witnessed

The man smiled briefly at Rolt "I had heard you had left the folds of bachelorhood I was hoping this was your new bride you were kissing" He turned to Alanna "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Matthews"