She took that right in her stride. “It’s smaller,” she said, and then, after a moment: “Who told you I’d been in London?”
I gave her my best smile, which seemed wasted on her, probably due to the absence of her glasses. “Your manner,” I said. “You have developed a cosmopolitan manner. You don’t seem a part of Oakview any longer.”
“Good Lord, I should hope not! This place gives me the willies.”
I took out a notebook and scribbled a note.
“What’s that?” she asked suspiciously.
“Just stating that you said the town was quaint, but had retained its individuality.”
She said, “You’re tactful, aren’t you?”
“A reporter has to be. Have you kept in touch with Dr. Lintig?”
“I wish I had. I understand he’s made a lot of money somewhere. After the raw deal he gave me, it wouldn’t hurt him any to do something for me now.”
“Then you’ve heard from him?”