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A Small and Passing Thing  by Lindelea 2 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 26 on 4/22/2023
One way to get rid of the liver. Love the laughs by Hardy and Mum as the enjoy the better tasting fare they are getting. Heh

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 26 on 10/11/2003
It seems that Frodo has gotten at least one point across to Odo. But it takes Sam this time to make the connection to Freddy's latest torment. Freddy's not ready yet to be left with only the innocent hearts of his family to protect him.

I see Frodo doesn't have to face the wrath of the Thain, not this time. I thought the comment by Regi was quite telling. Like gentling the bull in the china shop, everyone tries to work around Paladin to Pip's benefit. Regi sees what Frodo does, and probably tries to help whenever he can get away with it. I bet the Thain never does end up seeing this letter. It's hard to appreciate the good Paladin actually does do, like his protection of the Tookland from the ruffians, when his treatment of our favorite Took rankles so much. That Pippin turned out as level-headed and capable of love as he did is a testimony to his cousins (and Diamond). Regi has had too much practice keeping restless Tooks in bed. Merry doesn't have a chance with him, but the liver jokes are cute. And it's good to see that someone in Buckland cared enough to come and see how Merry was doing. Since Frodo was expected for breakfast, and I think it's actually farther to Buckland from the Smials than to Hobbiton, Merimac made darn good time.

Estella's finally going home. Is she going to show up at the Cottons' as Twig, and scandalize poor Mrs. Cotton, or will her uncle find some way to get her a change of clothing before they arrive? If her original clothes are still at Rosemary's house, it's not exactly on the way, especially when they're in a hurry to see Freddy. I've finally figured out that Mum's name doesn't just mean short for mother, but also is short for Chrysanthemum. Convenient for her, but confusing. I actually went back to chapter 24 to see if Da's name was short for something too (but I couldn't make Harliburt into Da). Takes me a while sometimes. I hope her return will help Freddy turn the corner again.

Your closing was witty as usual. The uppity servants aren't quite as sharp as the rural rubes after all. Except they came close to being right - Estella almost did become a good sturdy Took.

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