“To Pigeon Place,” Bug responded. “The Pigeon woman is there now. I saw her coming, and I must go right away and confessing.”
“I'll go with you, Bug. I want to see that woman, anyhow,” Fenneben said.
And the two went away in the early twilight of this rare June evening.
Out at Pigeon Place, when Dr. Fenneben and little Bug walked up the grassy way to the vine-covered porch in the misty twilight, Mrs. Marian sat in the shadow, unaware of their coming until they stood before her.
Lloyd Fenneben lifted his hat, and little Bug imitated him.
“I beg your pardon, Mrs. Marian. This little boy wanted to tell you of something that was troubling him. I think he trespassed on your property unknowingly.”
The gray-haired woman stood motionless in the shadow still. Her fair face less haggard than of yore, as if some dread had left it, and only loneliness remained.
“I was here, and you was away, and I peeked in the window. It was rude and I never did see you to tell you, and I'm sorry and I won't for—never do it again. Dennie told me to come tonight, and bring Don Fonnybone.” Bug had his part well in hand.
Even as she smiled at him, Dr. Fenneben noticed how her hand on the lattice shook.
“And I want to thank you, Mrs. Marian, for your bravery and goodness on the night I was assaulted here.” Fenneben was a gentleman to the core and his courtesy was charming. “I meant to find you long ago, but my brother's death, with my own long illness, and your absence, and my many duties—” He paused with a smile.