[ there is a twitch of pain in her expression. quickly recovered, however. the announcement had gone out a day earlier -- and although the two hadn't been on ideal speaking terms, peggy can't ignore the scrape of regret and grief it had left on her heart.

but she can bury it under another coat of professionalism. ]

Another long-time resident. [ but not so long as six years. good god. ] You're the first person I've met here, Ms. O'Connell, who's known me from here rather than from home. Which makes me half-inclined to apologize for whatever impression I must have made.

[ she knows she's not always the friendliest creature. ]