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           Shelookedprettyandhappyandalittlebreathless,asthoughshehaddoneapleasantbutdangerousthing—andshehad.Shegavemeabrownmanilaenvelope.

           "Ithoughtyoumightbewantingthis,"shesaid.ShesmiledatMarullothebrightbirdlikewayshedoeswhenshedoesn’treallylikesomeone.Andshedidn’tlikeortrustMarullo—neverhad.Ialwaysputitdowntothefactthatawifeneverlikesherhusband’sbossorhissecretary.

           Isaid,"Thankyou,dear.You’reverythoughtful.SorryIcan’ttakeyouforaboatrideontheNilerightnow."

           "Youarebusy,"shesaid.

           "Well,didn’tyourunoutofeverything?"

           "SureIdid.Here,I’vegotalist.Willyoubringthingshometonight?Iknowyou’retoorushedtoputthemupnow."

           "Butnohard-boiledeggs—"

           "No,darling.Notforawholeyear."

           "ThoseEasterbunniesweresurebusy."

           "MargiewantstotakeustodinnerattheForemastertonight.Shesaysshenevergetstoentertainus."

           "Fine,"Isaid.

           "Shesaysherplaceistoosmall."

           "Isit?"

           "I’mkeepingyoufromyourwork,"shesaid.

           Marullo’seyeswereonthebrownenvelopeinmyhand.Iputitupundermyapronandstuffeditinmypocket.Heknewitwasabankenvelope.AndIcouldfeelhismindhuntinglikeaterrierafterratsinacitydump.

           Marysaid,"Ididn’tgetachancetothankyouforthecandy,Mr.Marullo.Thechildrenlovedit."

           "JustgoodwishesoftheEaster,"hesaid."Youdresslikespringtime."

           "Why,thankyou.Igotwettoo.