Follow a Stranger

with his mother, but she sensed that Mrs. Lillitos wished to

talk to her about something. But, she thought hopefully,

perhaps she is still worrying about Pallas.

Mrs. Lillitos sat down with a sigh of relief. “Ah, that is

much better. Kate, sit down near me. I want to talk to you.”

Kate drew up a chair and sat down, her hands folded in

her lap, her face under control.

Mrs. Lillitos smiled at her, dark eyes soft. “I have grown

very fond of you, child. You have a soothing gentle

presence—that is why it makes me sad to see you look so

pale and unhappy. Won’t you tell me what is wrong?”

Kate tried to laugh. “Nothing is wrong, madame. I am

enjoying my stay here very much. I like to see Pallas having

fun. She ...”

“Please!” The older woman held up a hand. “Do not try to

throw me off the track by talking of my daughter. It is you

for whom I am concerned. You look ill. I see that you no

longer wear your engagement ring, for instance.” The dark

eyes rested on her hands, then rose to search her face. “Is

this why you are so sad? I had gathered that it was you who

broke off the engagement and that you were relieved to do

so. Yet you look depressed and lonely. Why is this, Kate?”

“I ...” Kate broke off, catching her breath, then

went on after a moment, “I expect I have not yet recovered

from the attack of sunburn, madame. You have been so

kind to me since I arrived. Kianthos is a lovely place. How

could I not be happy here?”

Mrs. Lillitos sighed. “How reticent you English are—well, if

you will not discuss the matter with me, I cannot be ill-

mannered and press you. But remember, Kate, I am ready