'When?'

'When there is one. I don't know. They won't have one in this
God-forsaken place until the autumn.'

'That's a long time ahead.'

He spread his hands. 'You see, I never have any luck. I just want you
to promise.'

'Oh, I'll promise,' Henrietta said.

'It will be the first time I've been anywhere with a girl,' he said.
'I don't get on.'

'Have you wanted to?'

He sighed. 'Yes, but not much.' Her laughter, which was so pretty,
startled him; it also delighted him with its music, and his sad eyes
grew wider and more vague. He had an inspiration. 'I'll take you home
now.'

'I'm not going home. I've promised to go to Sales Hall.'

'Sales Hall--oh, yes, he's the man who talks at concerts--when he
goes. I know him. Have you ever wanted to murder anyone? I've wanted
to murder him. I might some day. You'd better warn him.'

Was this another strand in the web of her drama, she wondered. Was
Aunt Rose involved in this too? She breathed quickly. 'Why, what has