I have known Marian ever
since I can remember, and I don't know one thing about her that I
could not look you straight in the eye and tell you all about.
There is not a subterfuge or an evasion or a small mean deceit in
her soul. She is the brainiest woman and the biggest woman I
know."
"I haven't a doubt of it," said Peter Morrison. "And while you
are talking about nice women, we met a mighty fine one at
Riverside on Sunday. Her name is Mary Louise Whiting. Do you
know her?"
"Not personally," said Linda. "I don't recall that I ever saw
her. I know her brother, Donald. He is the high-school boy who
is having the wrestle with the Jap."
"I liked her too," said Henry Anderson. "And by the way, Miss
Linda, haven't bug-catchers any reputation at all as nest
builders? Is it true that among feathered creatures the hen
builds the home?"
"No, it's not," said Linda promptly. "Male birds make a splendid
record carrying nest material. What is true is that in the
majority of cases the female does the building."
"Well, what I am getting at," said Henry Anderson, "is this. Is
there anything I can do to help you with that billiard room that
you're going to convert to a workroom? What do you lack in it
that you would like to have? Do you need more light or air, or a
fireplace, or what? When you take us to the station, suppose you
drive us past your house and give me a look at that room and let
me think over it a day or two.
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