Once back in the apartment, Jennifer dived beneath a cold shower. Norman, though, went straight to the kitchen where he transplanted the infected plant into a saucepan and took it out on the balcony.
He heard the front door open and close with a loud bang. He started guiltily, thought who could that be? Should the Dohlmites discover the infected plant that he was nurturing on his balcony, the penalty would be swift and final. He dashed into the hall.
Jennifer's head stuck beyond her door revealing one bare wet shoulder. Her blue eyes were panicky. "Who is it?"
He shook his head, went into the living-room. With a sigh of relief, he recognized the Duchess.
"Norman, you're back!" cried the Duchess wildly. "I didn't know what I'd do if you weren't here."
The young man's reassurance evaporated. The Duchess's blond hair was disheveled. She was panting as if she'd been running.
"What's wrong?"
"We've been betrayed!" said the Duchess in a frightened voice.
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