Follow a Stranger

was telling her. That is how a man wants his woman—

flirtatious, flattering, attentive.

Mrs. Lillitos rose soon after Marc had gone, and said

that she was going to her room to rest.

“I will come with you, Maman,” said Helene, slipping

an arm around her. “We have so much to talk about, you

and I.”

Marie-Louise yawned. “I might as well have a nap

myself. If Marc is going to be boring, I might as well not

have come.”

Sam and Pallas stood up, too, as Mrs. Lillitos walked

slowly out of the room. Pallas said, “A game of tennis,

Sam?” and Sam nodded.

Kate was taken back to find herself thus left alone

with Jean-Paul.

“You are also going to sleep?” he asked her, as she rose

instinctively.

She shook her head, smiling. “I think I’ll take a stroll

in the garden. I’ve been ill for a few days and I need the

fresh air ”

“May I come, too?” he asked, head to one side,

scrutinising her.

“Why not?” she returned politely, and they went out

into the garden.

They walked beneath an arched trellis, hanging with

vines, out on to the lawn. The cypress trees and flower

beds gave a quiet grace to the little garden, which was

framed in a close-set hedge.

“Tell me about yourself,” said Jean-Paul. “A

schoolteacher, Marc said—how did you come to meet