< previous page page_56 next page >

Page 56
went off very well. Not a single broken dish or spilled liquid marked Peter's trail. Only once, when he crossed his long legs suddenly, did the delicate luncheon table quiverand it was only a quiver.
Peter did spend most of the luncheon questioning Linda about her home in the United States, but there was no hostility in his attitude. He seemed a bit homesick and more intent on making pleasant conversation to amuse his aunt than on extracting information. Linda was able to say with perfect truth that she had attended a boarding school in Massachusetts, and then they had spent most of the time comparing their experiences because Peter had had the same kind of education.
He even accepted without protest the news that Linda intended to drive Mrs. Bates to the hairdresser. In fact, he grinned broadly, the expression lighting up his usually solemn face.
"I hope you prefer her driving to mine, Aunt Em," he said, then turned to Linda. "She's a terrible backseat driver, Miss Heplernot that she sits in the back seat. Oh, no. She has to be up front so she can see all the things you don't see."
Mrs. Bates, who seemed more relaxed than usual in her nephew's presence, laughed. "Don't believe him, Linda. When I'm in a car with Peter, I'm too paralyzed with terror to say a word. And Peter, you should call her Linda. That would be all right, wouldn't it, my dear? After all, you two will see so much of each other."

 
< previous page page_56 next page >