“I realize we haven’t met formally,” he said, bowing a little, “but in Lake Kenabeek we’re not very formal. I’d be glad to drive you to the theater.”
He hadn’t introduced himself, Peggy realized suddenly, but he seemed so well-mannered that she imagined it was just a slip. “No, thanks again, but the jeep is coming back for me. I’d better wait.”
He gave her a regretful glance and put the lamp carefully on the ground. “Well, I’m sorry,” he said. “It would be a pleasure to help you. A real pleasure,” he added softly, almost under his breath. “But perhaps we’ll meet again sometime.” He looked at her as if about to add something, but then, apparently changing his mind, gave her a peculiar smile and walked to his car. “Good luck,” he called as he got in, leaving Peggy thoroughly puzzled.
The little blue jeep was coming back just as the young man drove away, and they passed each other on the road. Michael turned and pulled up in front of Peggy, exclaiming when he saw the lamp and vases.
“Success! They look wonderful, Peggy, and look what we have!”
The back of the jeep was crammed with chairs and tables. “Mrs. Hopkins has taken care of the table and chair department, and all we have left now of any real importance is that couch. Can’t seem to find one,” Danny said.
“I’ve found it!” Peggy declared. “And wait until you see it! But we have to come back for it later. Oh, I have such a lot to tell you!” She handed Danny the lamp and climbed into the front seat, carefully holding the vases.
“By the way,” Michael said as they drove back to the theater, “did you see one of the ogres? He drove right past you—back there in front of Bladen’s.”
“Who? What ogre?” Peggy asked. “Where?”
“Remember the car that passed us just as we came back for you?”