“You sit here,” I said. “Don’t get out of the car. I’ll be back in a minute.”
I ran in and found Mrs. Eldridge.
“We’re going to need that room again, Mrs. Eldridge,” I said. “My cousin’s boy friend didn’t show up. His boat has been delayed. It won’t be in for two or three days yet.”
“How about the young man’s mother?”
“She’s been staying there for the last day or two, but some relatives came in, and the beds are all taken.”
She said, “All right. She can move back in the same room. How long will you want it?”
“Four or five days.”
“Give me three dollars now,” she said.
I gave it to her and took a receipt. Then I went out and got Marian. I said, “You’re going to stay here again for a while, Marian. I want to be where I can watch you.”
“I feel safe here, Donald. It gets pretty lonely being around a big city where you don’t know anyone.”