She had not noticed him before, and his presence startled her. I have never seen our Tish flinch, but she very nearly did so then. And she gave Lily May a curious look.
“I have taken three prisoners,” she said with dignity. “They are locked in, down below in that ship. And here’s the key, for Mr. MacDonald.”
She then felt in her workbag, handed a key to Charlie Sands, and started with dignity to the house. Charlie Sands looked at the key and then called after her.
“Is that all you’ve got?” he said.
She stiffened and glared at him.
“If you mean the curse of this nation, rum,” she said coldly, “I have thrown it overboard.”
“Not every bottle?” he said in a pleading voice.
“Every bottle,” she said, and walked firmly into the house.
Lily May did not follow her. She stood eying Charlie Sands through her long lashes.
“Well?” she said. “Doesn’t papa still love mamma?”