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Walpole, Hugh, Sir, 1884-1941

"The Captives"

I'll destroy almost everything in it."
About mid-day with rather a quaking heart Maggie penetrated the
kitchen. Here were gathered together Alice the cook, Emily the
housemaid, and Clara the between maid.
Alice was large, florid, and genial. Nevertheless at once Maggie
distrusted her. No servant had any right to appear so wildly
delighted to see a new mistress. Alice had doubtless her own plans.
Emily was prim and conceited, and Clara did not exist. Alice was
ready to do everything that Maggie wanted, and it was very apparent
at once that she had not liked "Miss Grace."
"Ah, that'll be much better than the way Miss Grace 'ad it, Mum. In
their jackets, Mum, very well. Certainly. That would be better."
"I think you'd better just give us what seems easiest for dinner,
Cook," said Maggie, thereby handing herself over, delivered and
bound.
"Very well, Mum--I'm sure I'll do my best," said Alice.
Early on that first afternoon she was taken to see the Church. For a
desperate moment her spirits failed her as she stood at the end of
the Lane and looked. This was a Church of the newest red brick, and
every seat was of the most shining wood.


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