“I hope you haven’t been extravagant now your wife’s away,” she went on, wagging her finger at him. “I know how my dear husband used to behave as soon as I went away.”
I wonder if you do, you silly old fool, Ken thought. I bet he kicked the can around as soon as he got rid of you.
“And you’re keeping such late hours.” She smiled archly at him. “Didn’t I hear you come last night after two?”
Ken’s heart gave a lurch.
“After two?” he said. “Oh, no. Couldn’t have been me. I was in bed by eleven.”
Her bright smile suddenly became fixed. Into her eyes came an inquisitive, searching look that made Ken’s eyes give ground.
“Oh. I looked out of the window, Mr. Holland. I am quite sure it was you.”
“You were mistaken,” Ken said shortly, caught with the lie and having to
make the best of it. “You’ll excuse me. I have to write to Ann.”
“Yes.” Still the bright eyes stared fixedly at him. “Well, be sure to give her my love.”