hand-painted scarf. "Oh, this is great, Leigh. How
clever of you to pick it out. It will go with so many of
my outfits. I'm sorry I wasn't there with you, but I will
make it up to you in a thousand ways. You'll see." "I bought Daddy a hand-carved cane," I said
softly.
"That's nice." She went into her bathroom to run her water. I stood there for a moment listening to
her hum to herself and then left.
Daddy arrived shortly before dinner. Momma
was still in her suite talking to her friends on the
telephone and doing her nails and hair. I still hadn't
had an opportunity to tell her about the Spenser sisters
and Fulton and Raymond, but I expected to tell her
everything at dinner. Suddenly, I heard the front door
open and heard Clarence say, "Hello, Mr.
VanVoreen."
Daddy! I thought and jumped up. He was
already in his office, gathering some papers. " Daddy!"
"Hello Leigh. All settled back, are you?" "Yes. Momma's here. She's upstairs." "I see." He went back to his papers quickly. "Are you staying here for a while?" I felt so
sorry for him. He looked tired and worn, older than
ever, and I kept thinking how much worse it would be
for him once he learned about Momma's love for
Tony Tatterton. Maybe he still held on to some hope,
like I had, even though she had gotten the divorce. "No, Leigh. I've got to get back to the office
and prepare for my next journey."
"But where will you sleep tonight?"
"I have rooms at the Hilton. You must not
worry about me. I want you to take good care of
yourself and . . ." His eyes rose as if he could see
through the ceiling into Momma's suite. "And your
mother." He went back to his papers, sorted through