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Wanting to explain further, Abby began, "Arlen, I know that" |
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But he interrupted. "Lucy believes, and that is all that matters. She'll be mightily upset when you gowherever it is you're goingbut she wants you to anyway. I could guide you back to the mountains, you know." |
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Abby felt grateful that, for Lucy's sake, Arlen had apparently accepted her story, though falling short of trusting it. "Thank you, but I will not allow you to take so much time away when you are needed here. No, I will seek Hunwet, but if he does not come soon I will hire someone else." That was not her true intent, however; she did not want a stranger to accompany her on so important a mission. |
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"Then I will help you find someone." Arlen reached up to straighten his suspenders. He wore a crisp white shirt and dark trousers for his job as cook, although Abby assumed the hotel supplied him with aprons. His gray eyes were bright and clear and reminded Abby so of Mike's. Arlen no longer seemed to have any residual effects from his ordeal with the bee sting. |
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As houses began to appear along the road, Abby dared to ask, "How long do you think it will take you to build a home, complete with garden?" |
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He glanced at her with both amusement and sympathy in his eyes. "A year, maybe longer, for the one I'm planning. In case your story's true, I promise I'll work as fast as I can. Perhaps I can hire your father's hands to help." |
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