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O, I didn't mind that. I rather enjoyed his speech.

Mayme, I haven't any scissors, Mrs. Munger complained.

I'll find you a pair.

As Mrs. Townsend left the room, Effie Chase leaned forward in a confidential manner, first casting a glance towards Mrs. Sinclair's back. The machine was humming.

Edith pays no attention to anything. The doctor's behaving outrageously. I wonder if we ought to tell her.

Certainly not, Effie, it's not our business.

But, Ella, she ought to know. Everybody else knows.

She may prefer not to know.

I wonder Mayme doesn't take Sarah in hand. You notice she's not here today. I'll bet she's with the doctor this very minute.

Mayme Townsend came back into the room. I wonder, she began, if there's going to be war with Spain. Edward thinks there will be. McKinley is doing his best to avoid it, but we can't overlook another insult. That Ruiz murder . . .

Hard times . . . there's almost a panic . . . Alfreda Mitchell's mouth was full of pins.

Pass me the scissors. Thank you. If the corn crop is good . . .

The new tariff . . . McKinley . . .