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She knew he thought she had said something foolish and inappropriate. "Pennsylvania," she said, realizing she sounded tentative but waiting for his next angry reaction. |
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"Pennsylvanians know about salads and electricity, even. . . ." He snapped his fingers. "I've got it! You're Amish, aren't you?" |
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Abby had heard of the Amish, a devoutly religious group whose members lived mostly in eastern Pennsylvania. She was from a farm in the western part of the state. Why did Mike think her Amish? Perhaps because her dress was somewhat plain. |
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"No, I'm not Amish." She spoke slowly, hoping his anger would not be incited by her contradicting him. |
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"Well, then, who are you really? Tell me the truth." |
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He stared keenly into her face. She tried to remain impassivewhich was difficult, for she was enjoying every bite of the fresh vegetables even as her mind swirled with confusion at his words. |
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"I am," she said, in a hoarse whisper of nervousness. |
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"Well, if so there's more to the story. Tell me about your family. Where are they nowand don't give me a cockamamie story about a real wagon train." |
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Abby sighed tremulously. "I don't know. I'd have thought the trainmy familywould be here, on this end of the wash where I left them." |
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Mike rose and loomed over her so that she |
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