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Show 228 face - "had much experience." "I was in labor two days," said Evelyn, and the statement seemed to give reassurance. The sake cups were busy. Jennings and soma of tha others, preferring alcohol in greater liberality, had brought their own bottles, and sat finishing highballs before starting in on dinner. The room was full; waves of laughter broke across the tablas. The lights of Miyazu twinkled below: on the bay a ship moved into darkness. "Must be one of the last," said Yosh. "Probably. Nakhodka freezes over. No PWs till spring." Yosh gazed northward. "Poor bastards. Another winter in Siberia." The meal progressed in leisurely stages. Some of the guests, finishing early, leaned back and lighted cigarettes, A group newly arrived from Oji stepped into the dining-room; there were greetings and laughter, and the waitresses prepared another table beside the rioor- Yosh stood up from time to time, and left to check on mike; returning he said she was "all right," but his face was taut and he sat abstracted. For a while, after the meal ended, the party grew quiet. The guests were drowsy or subdued, the conversation muted. Waitressss scurried about, pouring sake or preparing more drinks. Sato-san entersri and gave orders; quickly the sliding doors were removed to make the room larger. Windows looked out |