Neighbors’ faces appeared in the windows, eager to watch the strange meeting of Darsie Anderson and Charlotte Grey. “Thank you very much, Mr. Anderson,â€? I shook my head again, “I’ll be fine. If you’ll excuse me…â€? I motioned for him to continue on his walk.
“But of course,â€? he bowed and strolled off whistling “It’s a Lazy Afternoonâ€?. Staring after him a moment, my eyes narrowed. Darsie’s whistling was flat. My breath grew sharp, and I finally had to look away.
No sooner had he turned the corner than Mrs. Malloway scrambled across the street. “What did he say?â€?
“What?â€? My eyes opened wide.
“I said ‘What did—’â€? She spoke slowly and enunciated her words.
“I heard you!â€? I snapped. “He didn’t say anything really…â€?
“What did he say yesterday? I saw you let ‘im into your house.â€? Mrs. Malloway raised an eyebrow.
“Nothing, he simply wanted to use my telephone.â€? I sniffed. Mrs. Malloway clicked her tongue and hurried over to Mr. Donner’s porch to gossip.