Part 35 (1/2)
”Half Greek, don't forget,” Kate laughed. Greek, don't forget,” Kate laughed.
They made their goodbyes, and when the car had driven away the Widow said, ”A handsome pair, aren't they? Makes me think of when Clem would take me to Spring Festival durin' our courtin' days.” A pause, then: ”Wouldn't it be wonderful if-”
”I know what you're thinking.” Beth drew a tremulous sigh.
”She'd make a lovely Corn Maiden, no doubt of it.”
”I never thought I'd see the day when my daughter would be going into the poultry business. The way those two have worked cleaning out that studio.”
”Good for each other,” the Widow replied succinctly. ”Like I say, a handsome pair if ever there was. Pretty dress you're wearin'.”
”If anyone ever told me I'd be wearing maternity clothes again-”
”Are you takin' your elixir?”
”Yes, and I can feel him kicking stronger every day. Missy thinks a 'J.'”
”'J'? John?”
”She says it's got to be six letters. I thought 'Joshua.'”
”Capital! The battle of Jericho and all.” Pause; then: ”Sophie's pear tree's all a-bloom.”
”I saw.”
”Just like in the portrait. Pity it never got finished. Good painter, he was.”
”Yes.”
When the Widow's buggy had gone, Beth came back in the kitchen and busied herself with the remaining details of the lunch. The wicker of the Hammacher Schlemmer hamper creaked as she packed it. The refrigerator door opened and closed several times, and her brisk footsteps took her from one area in the room to another while she went about her work. In another moment the sink tap was turned on.
”'My dear Copperfield,' cried Traddles, punctually appearing at my door, in spite of all these obstacles, 'how do you do?'
”'My dear Traddles,' said I, 'I am delighted to see you at last, and very sorry I have not been at home before. But I have been so much engaged...'”
The gush of water from the tap stopped; then there was a quick zip as Beth tore a paper towel from the roll. She dried her hands, humming lightly, then opened the door under the sink and raised the lid of the trash container.