Follow a Stranger

She stared from one to the other of them, frowning,

very pale and fragile in a black satin housecoat.

“Well?” she demanded. “What is the matter? Will

neither of you tell me?”

“I’m sorry. Mrs. Lillitos,” Kate said quietly. “It was

my fault, I’m afraid. Marc offended me and I insulted

him to ... to get my own back.” The words sounded

childish and stupid as she said them, and she flushed

hotly.

His mother threw up a protesting hand. “I am at a

loss for words! But I am too relieved to see you both to

be angry. Come, my son, kiss me!”

Marc obeyed, and she clung to him.

“I hope you were not too anxious, Mama,” he said

gently. “We were quite safe once we reached land, but I

had no means of letting you know.”

Sam tumbled down the stairs, dressed in a sweater

and jeans. “Glad to see you, Sis,” he muttered, hugging

her clumsily. “We began to think you were in Davy

Jones’s locker.” Then he threw a nervous look at Mrs.

Lillitos and bit his lip.

She held out a hand to Kate. “My dear, I hope your

holiday has not been totally ruined by such an

unpleasant accident. I am so sorry this happened.”

Kate smiled, shaking her head. “I’m pretty tough,

Mrs. Lillitos. I was frightened at the time, but I’m fine

now.”

“But there is a bruise on your forehead. How did that

happen? It looks very painful.”

“I’ll ring the doctor,” Marc said brusquely.