When my aunt was ready for bed there was no Deolda. Later came the sound of footsteps and my aunt's voice in the hall outside my room.
"That you, Deolda?"
"Yes'm."
"Where were you all evening?"
"Oh, just out under the lilacs."
"For pity's sake! Out under the lilacs! What were you doing out there?"
Deolda's voice came clear and tranquil. "Making love with Johnny Deutra."
I held my breath. What can you do when a girl tells the truth unabashed.
"I've known Johnny Deutra ever since he came from the Islands, Deolda," my aunt said, sternly. "He'll mean it when he falls in love."
"I know it," said Deolda, with a little breathless catch in her voice.