Follow a Stranger

right with Kate to keep me company. Young company

makes me cheerful, and Kate is such a pretty child.”

He nodded. “Very well, Mama. Good night.” He hesitated,

then added coolly, “Good night, Kate.”

His mother picked up a piece of blue sky. “Now, where does

this go, I wonder? All these blue pieces look the same

shape.”

Kate hunted for a moment or two, then at last managed to

fit the piece into place.

“It’s a hard puzzle,” she said. “Do you do many of them,

Mrs. Lillitos?

“It helps to pass the time. Marc is so absorbed in the

business, and Helene is always in the States. Even my

little Pallas is away at school.”

Kate felt herself flushing. Did Mrs. Lillitos know about

Jean-Paul’s change of mind? Had Marc told her that he

blamed Kate?

The older woman’s fragile hand suddenly reached out

and took hers.

“Ma chere,” she murmured gently, “there is no need to

look so tragic. You are worrying about Pallas, no? Comfort

yourself. I have had a long talk with Jean-Paul today. He

told me everything.”

Kate looked up, eyes wide. “Oh!” she breathed, with

relief. Then, “You haven’t told Marc?”

“Of course not, as Jean-Paul asked me not to do so, but I

think you are both wrong. My son is quite capable of

understanding the matter, if it is explained to him carefully.

Pallas is a girl of temperament. Like a wild bird, she flies

hither and thither, struggling. She needs Jean-Paul’s