“Whether he approves or not, there’s nothing he can do about it!” Aunt Hetty said firmly. “They both run the movie house, but it’s Max who makes the decisions and Bill just follows along.”
“That’s right, Peggy,” Howard Miller agreed. “I’d hate to stir up any friction between those two brothers. I spoke at length to Max the other night, and I’ve never heard him so unreasonable about anything in all the years I’ve known him! He won’t even discuss the problem. He’s so terrified that we’re going to ruin his business that he just clams up.”
“Was Bill Slade there when you saw him?” Peggy asked curiously.
Mr. Miller nodded. “And he didn’t say a word. I hate to disappoint you about Bill, Peggy, but he’s never been strong enough to stand up to his brother; and no matter how he impressed you, I don’t think this issue is the one to change his character.”
Peggy sighed. “Well, I guess that’s that,” she said regretfully. “I’m sorry—for a while I thought something could be done. He seemed so nice—and sad somehow. It’s a shame.”
“How’s Angel Street going?” Aunt Hetty asked, tactfully closing the subject of Bill Slade.
“Wonderful,” Richard said. “It’s going to be even better than Dear Ruth—if that’s possible! Come on, Peggy,” he said, “I’ll walk you home.”
“Thank you for the coffee and the cake,” Peggy said to Aunt Hetty. “It was wonderful to have something homemade for a change!”
“Remind you of home?” Aunt Hetty asked.
“Yes—it all does,” Peggy said wistfully, looking around the comfortable living room with the beamed ceiling, fireplace, and gay chintz coverings on the furniture. “But then,” she laughed, “anything like this is a startling change from the annex! It makes me wonder if I shouldn’t go home for a visit after the season is over....”