"I should be angry at this young man," Mrs. Delacourt mused. "Can't remember why. Well, good day, Mr. Secretary."
She left.
"What did she want?" State asked Channing.
"Beats me."
"I'm tired, Channing. Going to take the afternoon off. You look bushed yourself. Why don't you do the same?"
"Thanks," said Channing.
"I'll keep in touch with the office and call you if you're needed."
"Much obliged," said Channing, and headed for home.
Ellen didn't let him go into the kitchen, but he could smell the chicken cacciatore, anyway. Dinner was interrupted, however, when he received a call from State.