it discontentedly. She was going to look a sight when it
flaked off on her back. She would not be able to wear her
bikini for the rest of the holiday.
On the Friday morning the doctor said she could now
get up. “But,” he warned sternly, “no more sunbathing.
No exertion.”
She promised eagerly. “It’s been such a waste of a
holiday,” she said to Sam.
He was looking pleasantly tanned, his freckles
merging with his healthy brown skin.
He gave her his hand. “Come on,” he said, “I’ll help
you downstairs.”
“I’m not an invalid,” she protested.
Sam grinned at her. “You’ve been acting the part jolly
well, then!”
To give herself confidence Kate had put on one of her
new dresses, a cool white voile, very feminine and
delicate, with a full skirt which reached half-way down
her calf, soft frills which left her throat bare, and tight-
fitting sleeves.
She met Mrs. Lillitos as she and Sam were going
down, and the older woman smiled delightedly.
“My dear child, how enchanting you look! A vision
from the past. But you need a hat.” She smiled. “I have
just the hat you need, ma chere.” She walked stiffly
back to her room, leaning on her cane, and returned in a
short time with a large picture hat of white straw,
trimmed with one very floppy pink rose.
Kate stood still while Mrs. Lillitos adjusted it. Sam
watched, smiling.