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It was such an elaborate affair with caviar hors d'oeuvres, shrimp and lobster entrees, as well as prime cuts of beef and roast turkey, bowls filled with at least a dozen varieties of salads, a half dozen differently prepared dishes of potatoes, Portuguese breads and rolls and a Viennese dessert cart that actually drew applause Nothing was spared to make this one of the most memorable occasions of the social season

Those who took time to speak to me and to Samuel asked after Mother, but really didn't want to talk about her at all It was as if any possible suggestion of anything unpleasant was absolutely forbidden this afternoon "Just don't ask," I wanted to say, and leave it at that

"What a wonderful surprise to give your mother at this difficult time in her life," Mrs Roddentrout, one of Mother's friends told htful of you, dear," she added as if beco you went out and did to make others happy

"I assure you, Mrs Roddentrout, it wasn't preplanned to happen at any particular time," I replied and she looked at hed

Samuel knew many of the business people at the party and found himself embroiled in conversation most of the afternoon I watched Nelson and his fiancee and occasionally caught hilass to toast me, too

Dancing started and I was suddenly taken by surprise when Nelson asked me to dance immediately after he had danced with his fiancee

"It's only proper that I dance with all the engaged wohed "Do I have your permission, Samuel?"

"Oh, absolutely," he said, "but you'd better ask Olivia She's the one who has to agree," he wisely added "Miss Gordon?"

I rose from my seat and ent onto the dance floor I felt every female eye on us as he took my hand and put his other hand on my waist

"You look beautiful I'm really happy for you, Olivia," he said "I hope you'll be as happy as I will"

"I don't kno happy you'll be, Nelson, so I won't agree to that just yet," I said

He laughed nervously

"I can see that you and I will always have to be direct and truthful with each other," he realized

"All right," I said, my eyes fixed on his "Let's make that promise"

"Okay, let's play truth or dare, Olivia," he challenged "Let's"