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           M’dear,that’sMissBoardman,thelittleladydowninthecorner–andthisisthefamousDoctorJubalHarshawherebyme-"

           "Really?Doctor,Ithinkyourstoriesaresimplydivine."

           "Thankyou."

           "Oh,Ireallydo.Iputoneofyourtapesonmyplayerandletitlullmetosleepalmosteverynight."

           "Higherpraiseawritercannotexpect,"Jubalsaidwithastraightface.

           "That’senough,Dawn,"putinBoone."Theyoungmansittingbetweenthemis?Mr.ValentineSmiththeManfromMars."

           Heeyescameopenwiderashermouthopened."Oh,mygoodness!"

           Booneroared."Blessyou,child!IguessIreallysnuckuponyouthattime."

           Shesaid,"AreyoureallytheManfromMars?"

           "Yes,MissDawnArdent."

           "Justcallme‘Dawn.’Oh,goodness!"

           Boonepattedherhand."Don’tyouknowit’sasintodoubtthewordofaBishop?M’dear,howwouldyouliketohelpleadtheManfromMarstothelight?"

           "Oh,I’dloveit!"

           (Youcertainlywould,yousleekbitch!Jillsaidtoherself.ShehadbeengrowingincreasinglyangryeversinceMissArdenthadjoinedthem.Thedressthewomanwaswearingwaslongsleeved,highnecked,andopaque–andcoverednothing.ItwasaknitfabricalmostexactlytheshadeofhertannedskinandJillwascertainthatskinwasalltherewasunderit–otherthanMissArdent,whichwasreallyquitealot,inalldepartments.