That afternoon she took Porter down to Victor’s stand for an ice and sat with him on the wall by the memorial fountain. Old Mr. Lamont, who usually did not distinguish one woman from another, walked by and told her she looked a vision today. She had let her skin get dark and it showed up against her white dress. Later, picking up a book at the library, Clara Biggs who was not one for small talk seemed genuinely surprised at how she’d changed since the summer before. It was funny how everyone assumed that happiness made one look well when it could be the opposite. Suffering refines, Aunt Tizzy used to say. Feeling anything strongly gives one the look of being alive.

In the evening she and Gilbert went to the Searses’ for cocktails, and Lilian shook hands with the man who had beaten her husband at tennis.

His name was Hugh Poor. He was tall and half-bald, with a delicate nose and a face pink from the sun. He spoke with a slight English accent, as if he’d lived abroad. I hear you’re an old friend of my cousin Walter’s, he said.

Lilian couldn’t think of anyone by that name.

Walter Vail, the man said.

Oh, she said. Yes. She liked the sound of that, an old friend of Walter Vail’s. A long time ago. You’re his cousin?

My mother was a Vail, he said with a penetrating look.

And how is — ?

Gilbert came over with the interested expression he got when he wanted to go home.

Hugh is Walter Vail’s cousin, said Lilian in a strange, high voice. Gilbert had known of Walter Vail from the years before their engagement.

You know Walter? said Hugh Poor.

Can’t say I do, said Gilbert.

Well, he’s coming day after tomorrow, said Hugh Poor.

Here? said Lilian.

That’s right, said Hugh Poor, not surprised. He’s meeting up with some friends who have a splendid boat, and they’re continuing up the coast to Dark Harbor, I think.

Gilbert made his departure signal.

It was nice to meet you, Hugh, said Lilian.

Ta-ta. I’ll give your regards to Walter.

Do, she said, and smiled. One could always smile and have it mean so little.

As they were getting into their car, Lilian said, I seem to remember a time when the mention of Walter Vail’s name inspired a certain reaction in you. She borrowed the teasing tone Arthur used, not bringing it off.

My young and foolish days, said Gilbert. Later, as if admitting defeat, he said, What’s the matter?

Nothing.

Not having the girls around has given you a turn, I think.

I’m sure you’re right, she said.