It was a charming little place, set among trees in a small green garden

with flowers: thatched, whitewashed and surrounded by a wooden picket

fence. Sean hitched his horse at the gate and went up the path.

There were two women in the sitting-room when he pushed the door open.

They both stood up, surprise instantly becoming delight as they

recognized him. It warmed him inside to see it, it's good to be

welcome.

Oh Sean, we weren't expecting you. Ada came quickly to him. He kissed

her and saw that sorrow had left its marks on her. He felt vaguely

guilty that Waite's death had not wrought so obvious a change in him. He

held her away at arm's length.

You're beautiful, he said. She was thin. Her eyes were too big for her

face and the grief was in them like shadows in the forest, but she

smiled and laughed at him.

We thought you'd be back on Friday. I'm so glad you've come earlier.

Sean looked past Ada.

Hello, Strawberry Pie. She was hovering impatiently for his attention.

Hello, Sean. She blushed a little with his eyes on her, but she did not

drop hers.

You look older, she said, hardly noticing the dust that caked his skin,

powdered his hair and eyelashes, and reddened his eyes.

You've just forgotten what I look like, he said, turning back to Ada.

No, I'd never do that, whispered Audrey so softly that neither of them

heard her. She felt swollen up inside her chest.

Sit down, Sean. Ada led him to the big armchair across from the

fireplace. There was a daguerreotype of Waite on the mantel. I'll get

you a cup of tea. How about a beer, Ma? Sean sank into the chair. Of

course, I'll get it. No. Audrey flew across the room towards the

kitchen. I'll get it. They're in the pantry, Audrey, Ada called after

her, and then to Sean, She's such a sweet child. Look again, Sean

smiled.

She's no child! wish Garry - Ada cut herself short.

What do you wish? Sean prompted her. She was quiet for a moment,

wishing that Garrick could have found a girl like Audrey instead of

Nothing, she said to Sean and came to sit near him.Have you heard from

Garry again? asked Sean.No. Not yet, but Mr Pye says he had a cheque

come through the bank, cashed in Capetown Capetown? Sean raised a dusty

eyebrow. Our boy's living life to the hilt. Yes, said Ada, remembering

the size of that cheque. He is. Audrey came back into the room: she

had a large bottle and a glass on a tray. She crossed to Sean's chair.

Sean touched the bottle; it was cold.

Quickly, wench, Sean encouraged her. I'm dying of thirst The first

glass emptied in three swallows, Audrey poured again and, with the

replenished glass in his fist, Sean settled back comfortably in the

chair. Now, said Ada, tell us all about it. In the warmth of their

welcome, his muscles aching pleasantly, the glass in his hand, it was

good to talk. He had not realized that there was so much to tell. At

the first hint of slackening in his flow of speech either Ada or Audrey

was ready with a question to keep him going. Oh, my goodness, gasped

Audrey at last. It's nearly dark outside, I must go. Sean, Ada stood

up. Will you see that she gets home safely? They walked side by side