This persistence was having a very enfeebling effect on Cora. It gave her the illusion that Ted Farrell was a masterful dominant and that she was being exposed to him as an incompetent noodle.

Increasing sales by 20% in the last quarter was seen as a major accomplishment for the business.

Blackjack soil is generally the poorest of all; it covers the narrow and rocky ridges, and has a stunted growth of blackjack and post oaks. The soil is dark in color, thin and cold, and is underlaid with pale yellow or slate-colored clay.

From Moscow, the distance is relatively short to Saint Petersburg, relatively long to Novosibirsk, but even greater to Vladivostok.