"
"I'm not very congenial, either, Mr. Penny, with the boys and girls I am
thrown in with. Flora's all right, and Vincent, but I'd rather stay at
home with my music or a good book than waste my time with social life. I
just ache sometimes for something better."
"Well, well," he said, "we certainly agree in a lot of ways. I thought I
was the only home body."
She was inside the door now, bare arm escaping the cape and out toward
him.
"Good night, Miss Becker. I--I hope I may be permitted to bring over
those dippers some evening."
"Why--er--yes, thank you."
"Good night."
Turning out the hall light, Lilly felt her way carefully upstairs to
save creaks.
"Lilly, that you?"
"Yes."
"Tear your dress?"
"No."
"Turn out the hall light?"
"Yes."
"Tight? Wait. I'm getting up."
"Never mind."
But during the process of Lilly's undressing, huddled on the bed edge,
arms hugging herself, Mrs. Becker held midnight commune.
"Who was there?"
"Oh, the usual crowd."
"Refreshments?"
"The usual."
"Anybody admire your dress?"
"No."
"Don't tell me too much, Lilly.
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