Enjoy Reading --Moon Witch -Complete- Pg..17 - Page 4

" Come and meet Lauren Maxwell.' He said .' Lauren , this is Shanaya , Shanaya Robins.'

Lauren Maxwell didn't rise to her feet , but extended a languid hand which Shanaya shook awkwardly . Seeing the older woman have made her realize very clearly than anything had yet done what a lot she had to learn if she was to mix with the kind of people J.K. mixed with. Lauren was eyeing her pinafore dress with a mixture of amusement and distaste, and Shanaya saw that Lauren was wearing jodhpurs and a chunky yellow sweater and everything about her spelt sophistication.

" So , you are Shanaya ,' she was saying .' I have been - dying to meet you !'

Shanaya was certain that Lauren had absolutely no interest in anyone like herself , except in so far as it affected her life , and Shanaya didn't know anything about her she could not be sure who she was . J.K. elucidated with his next words.

Lauren's family own the land next to ours ,' he explained .' Naturally , we have known each other for years , since Lauren was a child and she treats Malthorpe as her second home .'

Lauren gave J.K. a provocative smile .' Darling J.K.' She said .

Shanaya wondered why Lauren's words caused such a sinking feeling in her stomach . May be because when she had thought of living at Malthorpe herself , she had not really considered that anyone other than Jarron and F.K. would be involved . She didn't know why , but she had the strongest feeling that she was not going to like Lauren , which was absolutely ridiculous .

J.K. crossed to a of drinks on a nearby table , and said : What will you drink , Shanaya ? Just some cordial?'

" Er- cordial , please ,' said Shanaya , staying near the entrance as though planning her escape , and when J.K. handed her a tall glass of lime he drew her into the room and insisted that she seated herself . She perched on the edge of an armchair , hoping there were no ladders in her tights , aware that Lauren was scrutinizing her very thoroughly , but discreetly , as though not wanting J.K. to notice .

I wish Jarron would hurry up .' said Lauren stretching and reaching for a cigarette box on the coffee table .' I'm starving .'

J.K. nodded .' Well , Sheridan has been trying to get in touch with him for the past two days , but as I've been - well , rather under the weather , Jarron has managed to put him off .'

Lauren grimaced .' Business!' she said scathingly .' Why doesn't Jarron just get himself a man who can take over in his absence and give him more free time ?'

" Because he likes it ,' said J.K. not without some satisfaction." Kyle Textiles would not be half as successful without Jarron's personality .' He gave her a wry look .

" You mean - the way he has with women , don't you ?' Lauren commented , rather coolly . and J.K. shrugged his shoulders .

Now what have women to do with the world of high finance?' remarked Jarron lazily , strolling into the room ." Lauren , you'll be giving our guest a very bad impression of me , if she already had not got one , of course.'

Lauren wriggled in her seat ,like a sleepy cat , come and sit down ,darling .'

" That won't be necessary ,' he replied glancing mockingly at Shanaya ,' Do you think you are going to like it here , Shanaya Robins?'

Shanaya shook her head ,' As I've only just arrived , I can't be absolutely certain ,' she replied , with some temerity , and he gave her another appraising look.

Well , I'm quite sure J.K. will endeavor to accommodate you in every way he can .' he murmured and walking across to the drinks tray he poured himself a drink . Then he looked at J.K. ,' I'm leaving after lunch ,' he said .

Oh, Jarron !' Lauren voice was reproachful .' Is that necessary ?'

" I'm afraid so , darling ,' Jarron replied mockingly .' There is a meeting tomorrow of the stockholders and I think I ought to attend and show confidence in their backing .'

Lauren made a face at him.' Honestly , Jarron. You have only been back from abroad and already you are involving yourself right up to your chin . Heavens , the place run on its own while you are away . Surely you could have waited until the beginning of next week to take up the reins? There is Hunt Ball on Saturday , and this is your home , and you should show some interest in county affairs !'

Jarron was prevented from replying by arrival of Morris who announced that lunch was ready . They ate in the morning room which opened off this small lounge . Seated round a circular table , it was quite intimate meal , and Shanaya wished they had been sitting at more distance from one another , as such close scrutiny made her nervous , and she fumbled her cutlery , and once dropped a spoon on the carpet . The meal was delicious and even her nervousness could not prevent her from enjoying it . She was relieved also that Jarron was leaving for London the same day . It would give her the opportunity to become oriented to her new surroundings before he returns.

When lunch was over , and men and Lauren were having liqueurs with their coffee . J.K. said : This afternoon I'll give you a guided tour of inspection , shanaya . I think , you will enjoy that .'

" Oh, I will!' Shanaya's face lit up .' I've never seen outside at all . both time I have been here it was dark when I arrived .'

Lauren looked bored .' My dear child , on a cold , foggy January afternoon , I should have thought a seat by the fire would have been more your milieu!'

Shanaya's cheeks burned .' There is not much fog now , Miss Maxwell,' she said defensively .' But , of course , if J.K. does not want to venture out----

" Nonsense !' exclaimed J.K. Of course we'll go out . I want to show you the stables , and Daviot , my man , will teach you to ride in the near future . You can't ride , can you ?'

" Well, I've been to riding school with some school friends a couple of times ,' said Shanaya ,' but I didn't get very expert .'

Good!' J.K. rubbed his hands together ,' Good , at least you won't be a complete novice .'

Jarron rose to his feet .' I can see you are going to have plenty with which to occupy your time , Shanaya ,' he said sardonically ,' As my father seems to have attained his second childhood , you should be good company for one another .'

Lauren laughed a little behind her hand and then said she rose too . J.K. didn't seem at all disturbed ,' You are perhaps jealous , eh, Jarron? After all it's time you were married , with children of your own . It's pity , you are so busy all the time . You miss a great deal of enjoyment that way.'

Jarron shrugged ,' You think Shanaya would like me as a father - figure ?' he asked lazily ,' I'm sure she ought to have some say in that ?'

Shanaya bent her head , wishing they would not argue in front of her .' I think you delight in mocking me, Mr. Kyle .' she said candidly . But , as far as I seeing you as a father figure is concerned , I'd rather not see myself playing Trilby to your Svengali!' (Trilby is a novel by George du Maurier )

J.K. gave a delighted chuckle , and even Jarron smiled ,' Touch.' He said giving her a slight bow and then he looked down at Lauren .' What are you going to do now ?'

Lauren sighed ,' Ride back to home , I suppose . she replied , shortly , rubbing her nose with a slender finger ,' Unless you've got any other ideas ?'

Jarron shook his head . " Not right now , Lauren . Look, Ive got to get back , but I'll try and make it for the ball on Saturday !'

You will !' Lauren eyes were round .' Oh , darling . I could hug you !'

Jarron looked slightly cynical .' Do not bank on it , Lauren , just leave it open . I'll ring you sometime , Saturday and let you know what's going on .'

Jarron left the room to get ready to leave and she followed him , wishing J.K. goodbye and giving Shanaya a rather taunting departing smile . Shanaya relaxed after they had gone , and J.K. said : " What's wrong ? Lauren rubbed you up the wring way ?'

Shanaya got to her feet restlessly .' Something like that .'

Never mind . Jarron's the attraction here . When he's away , we seldom see her , so don't be alarmed . She's all right , so long as you don't let her get the upper hand , If she thinks she can sit on you , she will , but somehow I think she s realized you are not the timid mouse she thought you !'

Jarron left soon afterwards , roaring in the green Ferrari .' He'll kill himself with those cars one of these days .' said J.K. gloomily , as the car disappeared down the drive . Then he forgot his anxiety in the enjoyment of showing Shanaya his domain .

continuing...with chapter four

I don't suppose you play , do you Shanaya ?'

She smiled ,'As a matter of fact I do . Although not very well .'she continued .' Grandfather and I used to play every week . He loved chess.'

Yes, I know . He and I used to play many years ago ,' J.K. sighed . Very well then . We shall make one evening of our chess evening ,right ?'

Right .' she laughed.

Outside he showed her the stables . There were several horses , a powerful hunter called Apollo , two mare called Persephone and Athena , and a white stallion called Alexander .' Do you like the Greek sound of their names ? J.K. asked smilingly .' I chose them . Jarron and I spent several months in Greece a few years ago , and I became quite obsessed with mythology .'

Shanaya stroked Athena's nose .' I adore mythology myself .' she confessed .' Those marvelous stories of Homer !'

J.K. seemed pleased .' It's like I said , we have plenty in common . In the spring ,we'll go to Hellenus and you can see the islands for yourself .'

Hellenus ?'

It's an island on the Aegean . I have a Villa there . We can spend some time cruising in the area if you'd like to.'

Oh, J.K. !' she shook her head .' Are you sure ? I mean - my being here . We've never discussed it today.'

What's to discuss? I wanted you here and truthfully, you wanted to come .'

Yes ,' she nodded , thrusting her hands into the pockets of her coat .' Yes , I wanted to , but not for the reasons Jarron imagined ,'

To hell with Jarron and his reasons . He has a mercenary mind . Besides , he's used to fighting his way around the concrete jungle of business that he has forgotten there are honest , decent people in the world .'

She shrugged her slim shoulders , she didn't want to discuss Jarron Kyle . She didn't want to bring his disturbing presence back , and yet deep inside her she had an awareness of him , a kind of warning system that told her it would not be simple to shed all thoughts of him . There was something about him , something that aroused her anger all at once . It was a sensation she had never before experienced . Certainly she told herself with some vehemence that she was not attracted to her . Her grandfather had seen that she was fully aware of the danger of promiscuity from a very early age , and at seventeen she had had several youthful encounters , dates with boys and Jarron Kyle was entirely different from that . Her grandfather had told her that love was a warm , gentle emotion that one knew immediately was different from casual encounters .What her grandfather had not told her about Jarron Kyle kind of man who could terrify and excite you all at once , making her totally aware of him.

J.K. was watching her with narrowed eyes ,' Now what are you thinking ? he asked .

She flushed , shaking her head ,' Nothing of importance , J.K.

Later back in the lounge having afternoon tea, J.K. said :' Tomorrow we will drive into Leeds . I have a mind to see you in some decent modern young clothes ,'

She stared at him, Oh , but I have other clothes ,' she said ,' but before lunch I was so distracted by the mirrors on the bathroom that I didn't give myself time to change .'

J.K. shook his head .' No that won't do , my dear . Now let me tell you something , without you taking offence . Your clothes are nice and obviously the best your grandfather could afford . He coughed a little,' But you must understand , no matter how uncomfortable my words may sound , you are going to be meeting people with a great deal of money and influence , who will expect you - as Jarron's ward - to be suitably attired . .By suitably attired ,I mean in clothes fitting to your position.'

Shanaya swallowed .' But - but I have no real position !' she said .

On the contrary ,' J.K. sounded annoyed ,' Of course , you have a position . Regardless of what Jarron may say or do, you are treated here as the daughter I never had ., My dear , I always wanted a daughter , but in the beginning Helen couldn't , and then later - she wouldn't ! What could I do ?'

You could have adopted a child .' she said thoughtfully.

I know , I know . But that wouldn't have been the same . My dear , you may not believe this ,but I was very fond of Jeff Robins. He and I didn't see anything of one another in latter years , but I didn't stop remembering him , and obviously he still remembered me ."

In this way ,' she said dryly ,' He unloaded his granddaughter on to you !'

Oh, do not be bitter!' J.K. sounded angry now .' Shanaya , for heaven's sake , I believe you are allowing Jarron's attitude to play some part in this . if not in law then in fact , and there is nothing he can - or wants to - do about it !' He sighed .' Give him the credit for a little decency , Shanaya . There are thousands , no millions of people who depend on him for their livelihood . If , in the course of his job , he has become hard , then that's how he should be . You couldn't have a man in Jarron's position who went around listening to every sob story thrown his way . Yours was an exceptional case , but only to me ! To Jarron , you were just another unwanted responsibility .'

I suppose so ,' she murmured, pouring J.K .a second cup of tea , and helping herself to a hot scone.' Can I ask a question now ?'

Of course . you are entitled to ask anything you like .'

Then - what Jarron's relationship with Miss Maxwell?'

Lauren?' J.K. smiled .' I thought that might intrigue you . Lauren has known Jarron for years as I told you . She is younger than he is , of course, but there's never been anyone else for her since she met him.'

I see. And Jarron?'

J.K. lay back in his chair .' Jarron! Hmn! That's quite a question you've asked there , Shanaya . Jarron is quite an unknown quantity , even to me .' he frowned thoughtfully .' In London there's a girl called Tracy Merrick . Her father is a doctor , psychiatrist , actually . She is fashion model , seems to have plenty of free time if you ask me . Anyway she goes everywhere with Jarron , when he is in town . She has been here couples of time and she and Lauren eye one another up like cats before battle commence! Jarron seems to like both of them , certainly both want him , but I honestly don't think he's ready to make a choice yet . He ought to think seriously of marrying and having a family , but he likes his freedom too much . If he had been keen on either one of them you would have thought he would have taken one of them with him . But he went alone .

I see.' She bent her head .' And which do you prefer?'

J.K. put his cup in the saucer .' Well , naturally I know most about Lauren , so you could say I'd prefer her , but I don't know which of them will make him happy . Tonight , for example he'll arrive back at his apartment ,he will change and ring Tracy , and take her out to some night club and be out till all the God - awful hours of the morning , and then after some sleep again in the office . Some life he leads!'

Shanaya could not suppress a small smile .' You sound jealous ,' she remarked dryly .

J.K. laughed .' Dammit , I am !' he said cheerfully .

On Friday , they went to Leeds in some exclusive ladies' dress shop . Inside was a world that she had never even known existed , outside London perhaps .J.K. knew exactly what he wanted , he had good sense dress sense and the teenage styles at present in vogue suited Shanaya's slim , yet rounded body to perfection. Her chestnut coloring looked best in vivid colors , bright reds and blues , greens and yellows , and some of the more subtle colors . Shahaya trying on dresses and slack suits , assumed they would buy two or three outfits , but J.K. had more ambitious plans . He bought everything he liked her wearing including styles for evening wear , day dresses and more exciting a thick mohair coat , with half belt at the back and a Swedish Lamb car coat with slits up the side , pants and blouses , cardigans and sweaters , She protested when she saw ever - increasing pole of parcels , but J.K. was enjoying himself and she realized that some of what Jarron had hinted might conceivably be true . , so far as J.K. was concerned . She was novelty to him , but sometimes they wore off , she thought with some misgivings .

Later they visited a shoe shop and she supplied with several pairs of shoes and slippers and a knee length soft leather boots which hugged her slender legs . By now , Shanaya has given up protesting , and a little of her enjoyment had gone out of the day .

Then it was home for afternoon tea, and later dinner , just the two of them . She preferred J.K. at home , there he was just a kind , amusing companion , and she could forget the differences in their backgrounds . And yet her background was now the same as his , which troubled her some .

On Saturday morning Jarron phoned to say he would not be able to make it for the Hunt Ball. J.K. had mentioned the event to Shanaya , but she had not shown any great interest . She didn't feel up to being taken to an event like that , and paraded in front of all the interested eyes of the neighborhood . She was in the room while J.K. was speaking to Jarron , and he was annoyed.

" What's stopping you , Jarron?' he asked bluntly .' You know damn nicely Lauren is expecting you to take her !'

Jarron replied , but shanaya could not hear his actual words and J.K. gave an angry exclamation. No , not at all . Shanaya even does not want to go !' he bellowed .

Shanya felt trembling sensation and the blood surged to the surface of her skin . So that was why he was not coming back : because he thought he might be saddled with her as well as Lauren . She felt furiously angry and upset . How dare he imagine she would expect him to escort her !

J.K. slammed the phone down after a few minutes , and then crossed to the drinks tray and poured himself a stiff Scotch .' Well , to hell with him !' he muttered to himself , and Shanaya shed her own disturbances , and said :

" What's wrong . J.K.?'

You must have heard ! He's not coming back for the ball . He practically promised Lauren he would !'

Is he- is he working ?'

No! That's the devil of it ! He's going to Mount Carlo for the weekend with Foster Merrick !'

Foster Merrick ?' she frowned ,' Who is he ?'

Tracy's father ,' muttered J.K. And Tracy also be going .'

I see .' Shanaya felt an awful sick tightening of her throat . She ought to have realized that a man like Jarron Kyle was far more likely to spend his time out of the country than in it .She supposed he was what her grandfather would have called a member of jet set' , and yet at times she found herself liking him because he hade her secure . That was a laugh really ! How could a man like that care for security ? Er- my name was mentioned ,' she murmured now .' What was that about ?'

Huh!' J.K. grunted .' He suggested I go and take Lauren myself . As if she'd want to go with an old dodderer like me !'

Oh !' shanaya twisted her fingers together in her lap . So much for her imaginings. He obviously didn't even think about her at all in any connection. She was just a kid his father had taken a fancy to, and who had been practically been thrust into their hands . She was stupid one , even thinking that he might see her as something more than a nuisance !

Do you want to go , then ? Asked J.K. taking her silence for something else .

Shanaya gasped .' Me! Heavens, no ! I told you , J.K ; I am happier here !'

All right ! he shrugged .' Well, I think I'll go and have bath before dinner . See you later dear .'

After he had gone , shanaya walked to the radio-gram , opening it and taking out an armful of records . There were plenty of her favorites there , and she thought it would be pleasant just to pick and choose with only herself to please . She put on an L.P. of Dean Martin , fast , beat music that made her swing and sway in time , forgetting for a moment just where she was . She was lost in a world of her own when J.K. returned , and he leaned against the doorpost watching her for a few silent minutes before saying :

I see you're making yourself at home!'

Shanaya swung round .' Oh,' she pressed a hand to her throat .' You startled me !'

I'm sorry . Carry on . I like watching you . That dress suits you perfectly .' It was slim- fitting tunic of green wool . Her chestnut hair was in disorder about her shoulders , and he said , rather broodingly : I didn't realize before , Shanaya , but do you know you're going to be a beautiful young woman ?'

Shanaya's cheeks burned.' J.K.!'

Well it's true !' he chuckled .' I think the next thing , I'll buy you will be a car !'

" Oh , no ! J.K. please . Don't buy me anything else !' she sighed .' It's not that I don't appreciate it . I do , but don't spend any more money .'

Nonsense , you need a little sports car , a Triumph or a Sprite!'

Shanaya remembered Jarron's mocking words about getting his father to buy her a car , and shivered , If he came back and found her with one he would sure to think the worst .

J.K. !' she said again , but he merely laughed , and said : I'll get in touch with Horners on Monday and see what they can do for us .'

During the two weeks that followed , Shanaya became completely used to living at Malthorpe . Her days were filled with activities , and when she was not out , she spent hours in library examining the books that J.K. had never even opened . She was learning to ride with Daviot , the stableman , a dour scot who nevertheless treated her with kindliness and respect and her own car , a Triumph Spitfire , stood in the garage , whenever she was not out with the man from the driving school .

She was gaining poise and confidence quite naturally , and although the only visitors she and J.K. entertained were Lauren and her parents . Shanaya was gradually learning the art of small talk . Lauren didn't have much to say to her , treating her with a kind of amusement tolerance , but her father was a charming man ,and spent time talking with Shanaya and finding out her interests . Her mother was less friendly . Whether she didn't like the idea of another woman living at Malthorpe , Shanaya could not understand , but certainly she seemed to think Shanaya had been incredibly lucky to have been accepted there .

So I have thought Shanaya , with some confidence . It's hardly credible really that I could be so lucky !

One afternoon she told J.K. that she was going for shopping , but she left the car in the market place and told Potter that she would see him there in an hour , and then strolled along the High Street . It was strange , even after only two weeks , everything looked gaunt and unfamiliar , and it was wet day . She reached Mrs. Mason's house and knocked at the door and few minutes later Lily Mason opened the door . " My God ! She exclaimed rudely ,' It's her ladyship come back , Mum!'

Shanaya took no notice of her and went inside to meet Mrs. Mason. Mrs. Mason eyed her up and down thoroughly , taking every detail of her dress and coat ,' Well, well .' she said .' So you came back . I never thought you would !'

Why ?'

Mrs. Mason sniffed .' You came to collect your belongings like a blinking rabbit ! she exclaimed .' Bringing that man with you ! Treating me like a stranger in my own home !'

He didn't even come in!' exclaimed Shanaya.

No , but he stood at the gate watching me like a hawk . I didn't dare to go in my own house , not while you were here .'

Oh, Mrs. Mason !'

Don't you oh Mrs. Mason me ! Such things aren't for the likes of me !'

What things ? Shanya's eyes were hurt and disturbed .

You going off with a man like that ! not telling me beforehand , or nothing !'

" But I didn't know beforehand . His father had had a heart attack ------

And was asking for you ! interrupted Mrs. Mason .' Heck , you don't expect me to believe that one , do you ?'

I don't what do you mean , quite honestly !' said shanaya . You know the terms of the will as well as anyone !'

And that man - that Mr. Kyle - is he your guardian , or isn't he?'

" Well , yes-------

There are you then !'

No, you don't understand . I'm not living with Jarron -------

So , it's Jarron now , is it ? Just you get yourself out of here , young lady ,I don't want like you at my place .'

" Mrs. Mason !' Shanaya was horrified .' There is nothing I have to be ashamed of . I'm living with that man's father - as his ward !'

Miss Robins ! I want to hear no more about it . And you need not bother coming round here , showing off your new clothes boasting about your new friends . I know what's what . I wasn't born yesterday !'

Shanaya shook her head and blindly ran out of the house and went straight to the car . She slid in the car and was upset . Potter also saw that she was upset and was crying all the way . When they reached the outskirts of the town , her tears had dried . But the hurt remained , and with it the knowledge that she had taken an irrevocable step . she could have never believed that Mrs. Mason could be so horrible .

Car went in side the Malthorpe front gate . Her feet were soaking , she took her shoes off as she entered the hall . Morris came to greet her and taking her coat and saying :

" Mr. Kyle is resting . Would you like some tea, Miss Shanaya ?'

Oh, marvelous !' she said nodding .' Could you please dry these , please ?' She handed him the shoes , and walked across the springy carpet to the lounge , mentally shaking off the sound of Mrs. Mason's coarse voice.

The radiogram stood open , and she smiled to herself as she went over to it . Lying on the top was a selection of current top twenty records , a surprise J.K. had provided for her and she put on half a dozen , allowing the loud rhythm of the groups to clear her depression . Turning the volume up , she allowed her inhibitions to melt away , closing her eyes and dancing with same abandon she had seen teenagers on the TV . The noise was quite deafening this close and she didn't hear a car arrive or be conscious of anyone scrutiny , until she swung round and found Jarron Kyle leaning against the pillar watching her , dressed in a thick astrakhan overcoat over a dark blue suit , drops of water sparkling on his slightly ruffled hair , he looked tall , lean and disturbingly handsome , his eyes narrowed , long black lashes veiling the expression in their depths.

Shanaya halted abruptly , conscious of the informality of her attire , her bare feet , the damp untidy tangle of her hair . She switched off the radiogram , and for a moment the silence seemed as deafening as the music had been . He did not speak , but continued to look at her , his eyes slowly following the length of her body and back to her face again .Is that how he looked at Lauren and Tracy ? If so , then no wonder they wanted him.

She brought herself up short , and turned away abruptly and as abruptly the spell was broken , and he straightened , and unfastened his overcoat .

Then he turned and walked away , handling his coat to Hester who had come with tea for Shanaya . He took the tray from Hester and came to lounge , placing it on the low coffee table . Shanaya was standing with her back to the radiogram now , hands behind her back , And when he straightened , he said : Your tea , Miss Shanaya ,' on a mocking tone .

Thank you With forced nonchalance , she seated herself beside the tray , and said : Will you have some . Mr. Kyle ?'

He shook his head , lighting himself a cigar ,' I prefer something a little stronger ,' he remarked pouring himself a drink .' And how are you ? I can see that you're quite at home already ,' he came to stand in front of her , looking down at her with those intensely eyes . She wondered if he was aware og the effect he was having upon her , and decided it was unlikely . After all she was only a silly school girl .

" I'm sorry if the music annoyed you ,' she said quietly , lifting her tea cup to her lips .

" Was that what it was ?' he remarked mockingly .' I'd never have guessed !'

Shanaya wrinkled her nose , but did not argue with him . I didn't hear the car ,' She said .

That's hardly surprising , is it ? he murmured sardonically .' Are you pleased to see me ?'

Shanaya looked up now , startled , Should I be ?'

Jarron half smiled ,' Well , I am your guardian , aren't I ?'

" You are many things ,' she returned , and bent her head again .

" What is that supposed to mean ?' he was interested in spite of himself .' What has J.K. been telling you ?'

" We rarely discuss you ,' she retorted ,' And before you find out some other way ---I have got a sports car !'

He grinned quite openly now .' Oh, really ! What ?'

" A Trimuph . But I'm just learning to drive at the moment , so you won't see me dashing around the countryside just yet !'

What a pity ! And what a sharp tongue you are getting . A couple of weeks ago , you wouldn't have dared to speak to me like this !'

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