And what else was it you wanted?
You said two things."
"Oh, the other doesn't amount to much," said Linda. "I only
wanted the comfort of knowing whether, as soon as I graduate, I
may take Katy and come home, Peter."
From previous experience with Linda, Peter had learned that a
girl reared by men is not as other women. He had supposed the
other thing concerning which she had wanted to appeal to him was
on par with her desire for sympathy and help concerning her book.
At her question, with her eyes frankly meeting his, Peter for an
instant felt lightheaded. He almost dodged, he was so sweepingly
taken unawares. Linda was waiting and his brain was not working.
He tried to smile, but he knew she would not recognize as natural
the expression of that whirling moment. She saw his hesitation.
"Of course, if you don't want us, Peter--"
Peter found his voice promptly. Only his God knew how much he
wanted Linda, but there were conditions that a man of Peter's
soul-fiber could not endure. More than life he wanted her, but
he did not want her asleep. He did not want to risk her
awakening to a spoiled life and disappointed hopes.
"But you remember that I told you coming home from San Francisco
that you knew the Lady of my Iris better than anyone else, and
that I was planning to take Katy, not from you, but with you."
"Of course I remember," said Linda. "That is why when Marian and
Eileen and Donald and all my world went past and left me standing
desolate, and my work piled up until I couldn't see my way, I
just started right out to ask you if you would help me with the
proof.
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