She sat haughtily young, and without tolerance, her profile averted and trying to keep the quiver off her lips.
"Just when I'm ready to graduate and preparing for my audition—to have this—"
"Zoe—Zoe—don't make it harder—"
"I'm a dog, Lilly—forgive me."
"The entire abominable condition is my fault—"
"Then thank God for the abominable condition. I love you and everything you've done."
"Then be sweet to them for my sake. Your grandmother, she's going to be unlike anyone you have ever known. She's a great one to pick up the bread crumbs of life with a great ado. That's been her existence, dear—little things. And your grandfather, Zoe, he's so gentle. Somehow I imagine he is even gentler now. You remember I used to tell you how we'd play at hide and seek long after I was grown. Oh, Zoe, be sweet!"
"I will, dear."
"And—your father. Whatever his attitude may be, remember the fault lies in me—not him."
"Trust me, Lilly, if only he doesn't drop dead when he sees me!"