“Greetings’” Benia welcomed the approaching hobbit.
“Benia, Benia, I am so sorry to have taken so long” apologized Gilly . “The seems the day has flown by! Well, that is what comes of sleeping so late, isn’t it? I hope that your day has gone well…not too tedious. And that you are finding The Green Dragon a comfortable lodging.”
“Yes, is has been quite fine.” Benia replied smiling and motioning her friend to join her at the table.
The hobbit put the letter she was holding in her pocket and seated herself. Looking at Benia for a moment, she felt it strange that one could see she was smiling only by the squint and sparkle of her eyes. Her veil was on again, Gilly noted. Now why was that?And why did she feel so irritated by it, as if it were a wall?
Gilly looked around the room. There were a few new faces, just a few. Was there someone here Benia knew? Now that would be strange indeed and highly unlikely.
But still she was smiling. It must not be anything threatening, though she did seem lost in thought.
“You must feel absolutely wretched wrapped up in all that drapery in this weather! I don’t know how you can stand it.” Gilly regretted saying this the moment the words left her mouth. “I’m sorry. It’s just that it is so hot out. And…oh, never mind, I’ve put my foot in it again, haven’t I? You’d have every right if you were unhappy with me! But tell me before banishing me, why are you veiled just now? Is something amiss?”
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