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Show 169 Gallantly taking her arm, he led her in. Forward they walked, to the group around the coffee-table, while Franklin Lambert followed a modest three paces behind. The introductions went off neatly. At each name Harriet managed a word and an nngaging smile, while her husband bowed. He was of medium height, pleasantly plain, with a quick smila that died almost the moment it appeared. When the ritual ended, the Major turned to Franklin. "What'll you have?" "Oh - -" But the Major, tired of formalities, moved off toward the bar, in almost audible satisfaction at having completed his duties without an error, Sid grasped Lambert's arm, and they moved off too. "What a lovely surprise," said Harriet, sinking into a proffered chair. "In a new town I'm always a little apprehensive. But to make friends the first hour - -!" Her eyes touched each face. "I can live anywhere if there are friends." The statement did not seem to need a reply, and she looked around. "Is this all?" "Almost all," said Louise, looking around. "The Murakamis, Captain Bain. . . ." "They'll be here later," said Phyllis. "I'd thought Oji was larger," said Harriet. "The American contingent, that is." "There's another unit across the bay," said Louise. "Oh?" Harriet's eyes sought the window, but as it happened, |