The Second Confesion

Madeline had joined the pair in the living-room, or maybe I should just put it that she was there when I entered. When she came to intercept me the big dark eyes were wide open, but not for any effect they might have on me. Her mind was obviously too occupied with something else for dallying.

“Where have you been?” she asked.

I told her to Chappaqua to make a phone call. She took my arm and eased me along through the door into the reception hall, and there faced me to ask, “Have you seen Gwenn?” “No. Why, where is she?” “I don't know. But I think-” She stopped. I filled in, “I supposed she was off in a corner making up her mind.” “You didn't go out to meet her?” “Now I ask you,” I objected. “I'm not even a worm, I just work for one. Why would she be meeting me?” “I suppose not.” Madeline hesitated. “After dinner she told Dad she would let him know as soon as she could, and went up to her room. I went in and wanted to talk to her, but she chased me out, and I went to Mother's room. Later I went back to Gwenn's room and she let me talk some, and then she said she was going outdoors. I went downstairs with her. She went out the back way. I went back up to Mother, and when I came down again and found you had gone out I thought maybe you had me her.” “Nope.” I shrugged. “She may have had trouble finding the answer in the house and went outdoors for it. After all, she said before bedtime and it's not eleven yet. Give her time. Meanwhile you ought to relax. How about a game of pool?” She ignored the invitation. “You don't know Gwenn,” she stated.