Follow a Stranger

he smiled politely, as if at a stranger.

“Good morning again! A good game?”

Pallas linked her arm in Sam’s, leaning against his

shoulder with an unusually demonstrative gesture.

“Wonderful!” she gushed.

Sam gave her a curious look, but said nothing.

When they had gone in Kate looked down at Jean-Paul’s

bent head. He was frowning slightly, his mouth drawn in

at the edges.

“That was for your benefit alone,” she said.

He jumped and looked up quickly. “I beg your pardon?”

he mumbled, flushing.

Kate smiled at him. “You heard what I said, Jean-Paul,”

she said dryly.

He shrugged. “I wish I could believe you, but I am

afraid I do not agree with your diagnosis. Pallas, it seems

to me, is far too interested in Sam. And after all, why not?

I like your brother, Kate. A nice boy.” He stood up, smiling

politely at her. “As pleasant as his sister. I am very glad to

have met you, Kate. It has made my stay here a charming

one, after all.”

“You make it sound so final,” Kate said, watching him.

“Are you leaving Kianthos soon?”

Very soon, I think. But I hope I will see you again, Kate.

Will you give me your address? If I am in England I might

call and see you, perhaps. Or would you object to that?”

“No, of course not, Jean-Paul. I should like to see you

again.” She wrote it for him on a piece of paper he found in

his pocket. “There you are!”

He put it carefully away. Pallas came out on to the