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Show 210 very mention he snorted, saying without apology that he intended to eat with the Lamberts, though some vestigial sense of decency made him call over later; Harriet had invited a few people in; wouldn't she and Marvin drop by? Bitterly, angrily, Mrs Satterwhite drew on her burgundy; silent in fury she and the Colonel drove round the bay. They were met at the door by both the Lamberts, Harriet brilliant, Franklin ingratiating; were led into the living-room and introduced around with the sliding ease accorded great guests. The General greeted them happily, ensconced in his own circle, but made no move toward inviting them over. The party was quieter than usual, as if aware of the tension. The conversation was modulated, a bit dull; even the General's normal ebullience seemed muted. The guests chatted quietly, the laughter gentle. Toward the end of the evening, when most of the guests had departed, the moment arrived. A phone call came through from Tokyo, Greaves was called to answer, and returning a few moments later stood in the doorway smiling and expansive. "That was it," he said. "Reassigned," "Marvellous! cried Harriet. "Where?" "Kyoto." "And" -- Harriet's face was radiant -- "Oji?" He nodded, and the congratulations surged forward, the Detachments' as forthright as the Engineers*. The General accepted all as due, and only after the first wave quieted down did |