Dr. Pelham was heard running lightly down the stair. The two girls went hastily out into the hall.
“Well, I’m off,” he said. “Eustace won’t need me again today.”
Polly moved toward him. “I was going to take you for a drive to Cape May this afternoon——”
“Oh! I’m sorry. I promised I’d meet a colleague in the Traymore Book Store at three and take him for a tramp. He’s only able to get down to Atlantic City for the day. I’ll be over in the morning. Go up and sit with Eustace for a few moments, Elsie. He’ll be glad to see you.”
He smiled and nodded to Polly, and a moment later he was striding down the avenue. He had driven his car from New York but rarely used it.
Gita entered through a door at the end of the hall.
“Amanda has two more lemon pies,” she said encouragingly. “Intact. She made apple dumplings for the kitchen table. Bring your things over, Elsie?”
“Topper took them up to my room. Geoff just gave me permission to sit with Eustace for a few minutes.”
“Splendid. Go right up.”
She took one look at Polly and then made for the stair herself. “I’m going to lie down,” she announced in a high clear voice. “Awfully tired. Don’t sleep well. Amuse yourself, Polly.”