@@@@@ On one of the afternoons in a
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On one of the afternoons in a sailboat:
You know, I've always disagreed with the family, EdwardThrough no fault of your own they've never entirely approved of youI think their backward attitude is a little distressing, but of course you understand it
I think I do, Minot(There is this other network of emotions and ambitions which recurs now and thenThe ineffable perfection of Boston, which had beckoned him, leaves him always curiously satisfied yet troubledHe has traded on Boston in Washington, he knows cynically, aware of himself, but there is still the attraction and the uncertainty His speech sounds florid in his earsMargaret has been mighty fine about it all
Wonderful woman, that sister of mine
I think it a shame I didn't know you very well years agoYou really would have fitted into the departmentI've watched you develop, Edward; I think, when the occasion demands, you have as much perception and tact, you grasp the core of a situation as quickly as any man I knowIt's a pity it's too late now
I think sometimes I might have been good at it, Cummings agreesBut you know I'll be lieutenant colonel in a year or two, and after that I'm free of seniorityIt might be a little impolitic to brag, but I should make colonel within a year afterYou don't speak French, do you?
A fair amountI learned some over there in '17, and I've kept up with it since
The brother-in-law fingers his chinYou know, Edward, I suppose it's one of the laws of government, but there are always many points of view in a departmentI'll tell you, I've been wondering if you couldn't be sent on a little joust to France, in your capacity as an officer of course
What about, Minot?
Oh, it's nebulousA few talks here and thereAn element in the department is attempting to change our Spain poli