Follow a Stranger

His sister threw Kate a hard look. “Why do our men

always like to play with pretty blonde dollies?” she asked

Helene, her high voice insolent.

Since she had spoken in rapid French, she probably

thought Kate would not understand, but Kate’s French

although not perfect, was quite good enough for her to

comprehend this, and she flushed.

Jean-Paul laid down his knife, wiping his fingers slowly

on his napkin. “Ma chere soeur,” he said coldly, “tais-toi!”

The sharpness of the command to shut up made Marie-

Louise go rigid with fury, but she said nothing else, and

when she came down with Jake, later, her cases packed to

go, she said goodbye to Kate with forced politeness.

Jake struggled off, laden with cases. Marie-Louise kissed

Mrs. Lillitos, gave Jean-Paul a whispered comment about

not forgetting that Kate was ineligible, and departed in a

swirl of perfume.

Helene embraced her mother-in-law more naturally. “I

will see you again soon, Maman. I am sorry this has been

such a short visit. Next time I will come alone.”

Mrs. Lillitos touched her cheek gently. “You must marry

again, my dear, and bring your new husband to see me.

Paul would want you to be happy. No woman can go

through life alone, you know.”

Helene flushed and did not reply.

Kate wished she were going with them. She was aching

to leave the island before Marc returned.

“Kate, my dear,” his mother said quietly, “will you help

me back to my room?”

Reluctantly she obeyed. She had no wish to discuss Marc