Willie opened the door and narrowed his
eyes upon seeing Quentin. Angeliques not home, Quentin.
She went ttalk to- his eyes widened when Maggie moved
from behindQuentin. MAGGIE? You werent supposed to
be here until later.
Maggie smiled at his surprise and the evident still strong
feeling Willie held for her. I took an earlier bus. I simply
couldnt wait any longer to get home. Youre looking
very well, Willie.
So are you, Willie said, turning to accompany her
into the house. A little tired, maybe, but still as pretty
as ever. Come on in-
Uh, Willie? Quentin asked, still standing in the
doorway.
Willie didnt look away from Maggie. Yeah, Quentin?
Am I included in the invitation?
Willie grinned then, realizing that he had been ignoring the
man. Of course.
Maggie sat down in the parlour, and looked up at Willie. How
did you know I
was coming back, Willie?
Mrs. Stoddard came over to talk to Angelique this morning
about hiring you to
be Sarahs governess. He paused, frowning. I
guess Quentin told you about Barnabas being married and having
a daughter-?
Yes.
All three heads turned toward the stair as the sound of a little
girl singing London Bridge came down the stairs and
entered the room.
Sarah clutched her doll tightly as she looked around. I
heard voices, Willie, and I thought Mother might be home. Hello,
Quentin.
Hi there, princess, Quentin said, going to the
child. Theres someone here who wants to meet you.
Sarah smiled at Maggie as she came farther into the room. Sarah,
this is Maggie Evans. Maggie, Miss Sarah Collins.
Willie watched Maggies face carefully as she looked at
the child. There was no
hint of recognition as she smiled. Hello, Sarah.
Im pleased to meet you, Miss Evans.
Youre a very pretty little girl, Maggie said.
Thank you. She looked up at Willie. May I
go outside, Willie?
I - uh -
Quentin jumped to Willies rescue. How about if
Maggie and I went with you,
Sarah? You see, Maggies been gone awhile, but she grew
up around here -and she used to be Davids governess.
Sarahs eyes were wide. Did you? Mother and Father
are trying to find a
governess for me.
Have they found one?
I dont think so. May I go out if Quentin and Miss
Evans are with me, Willie?
Please let her, Willie, Maggie said.
Quentin nodded in agreement. Well keep a close
eye on her. And I wont let her get too tired.
All right. But dont go far. Angelique will be back
before too long.
Well keep a watch for her, Maggie promised.
Once they were gone, Willie went to the telephone and dialed
a number. Mrs.
Davis, its Willie. Is Mrs. Collins still there?
Ill meet Maggie at the bus and bring her out
to the house, Barnabas told
Angelique as they came from his office.
Very well. Should I tell Sarah?
Not until after she meets Maggie, he said.
Mr. Collins -
Yes, Janet?
Willie Loomis is on the telephone - Barnabas moved
to take the receiver, only to stop as she finished. For
Mrs. Collins.
Angelique smiled at his surprised expression and took the telephone.
Yes, Willie? . . .Shes - there? But - . . . Oh, I
see. Has she met Sarah? . . .Ill be home in a few minutes
. . I will. Goodbye. She hung up the telephone and moved
across the room with Barnabas as he spoke quietly.
Maggies at the Old House? he asked.
Apparently she arrived early and Quentin took her out
there. She and Quentin
have taken Sarah out for some fresh air.
Id go home with you, but I have a meeting in an
hour-
I understand. I can handle this.
He smiled at her. Capably as always, Im sure.
He took her elbow and looked at the receptionist. I wont
be a moment, Janet. Im just going to walk Mrs. Collins out
to her car.
It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Collins.
Thank you, Mrs. Davis. Outside, she said, Willie
sent a message for you.
Oh?
He said you shouldnt worry. That seeing Sarah hadnt
seemed to trigger
Maggies memory.
Not yet, at any rate. He closed the door of her
car, glancing across and down
the street. Nicholas is at the Antique Shop window.
Then this is as good a time to start as any, she
said.