right with Kate to keep me company. Young company
makes me cheerful, and Kate is such a pretty child.”
He nodded. “Very well, Mama. Good night.” He hesitated,
then added coolly, “Good night, Kate.”
His mother picked up a piece of blue sky. “Now, where does
this go, I wonder? All these blue pieces look the same
shape.”
Kate hunted for a moment or two, then at last managed to
fit the piece into place.
“It’s a hard puzzle,” she said. “Do you do many of them,
Mrs. Lillitos?
“It helps to pass the time. Marc is so absorbed in the
business, and Helene is always in the States. Even my
little Pallas is away at school.”
Kate felt herself flushing. Did Mrs. Lillitos know about
Jean-Paul’s change of mind? Had Marc told her that he
blamed Kate?
The older woman’s fragile hand suddenly reached out
and took hers.
“Ma chere,” she murmured gently, “there is no need to
look so tragic. You are worrying about Pallas, no? Comfort
yourself. I have had a long talk with Jean-Paul today. He
told me everything.”
Kate looked up, eyes wide. “Oh!” she breathed, with
relief. Then, “You haven’t told Marc?”
“Of course not, as Jean-Paul asked me not to do so, but I
think you are both wrong. My son is quite capable of
understanding the matter, if it is explained to him carefully.
Pallas is a girl of temperament. Like a wild bird, she flies
hither and thither, struggling. She needs Jean-Paul’s