“I don’t see then why you don’t know him. You got a nice lookin wife.”
“Thank you, I think so too,” said Billy, while Tilly blushed.
“Why did you let her think we were married?” said Tilly, after they had left the old lady behind.
“Well I kinda wish we were, and I hoped she only had the news a little ahead of time.”
“You are certainly a fast worker.”
“Sure, I no sooner saw you than I picked you. I can always make up my mind quickly, and I’m after you from now on.”
This made Tilly laugh, but she did not seem displeased.
They picnicked in a grove near the edge of town and then finished the circuit. Then they navigated all the streets and alleys and returned home to quiz one another all that evening. They were all surprised to find how much they had learned about the city.
Billy’s visits followed one another in quick succession. He knew his own mind, as he had said, and Tilly’s inclined to him more and more. When Sam awoke to the state of affairs he knew the second bomb had fallen and might burst at any minute.