No, she said, and her arm turned into something else with his hand on it, something otherworldly, while the rest of her remained as before. She did not look at him, hoping to stay aloof as Dolly Cushing had advised. She could feel him checking her expression, expecting her anger. But what claim did she have on him? She was not about to let him know he mattered in the least. And if she was mad? She’d never expressed anything of the sort, except to her family, and even if she had felt confident to do so, which she didn’t, she would not have chosen the Cunninghams’ Christmas party as the backdrop.

Walter Vail explained how they’d gone to Prides Crossing to visit the bachelor uncle who had a small house by the sea in addition to the house around the corner on Lime Street where the Vails were staying now. Lilian was glad to hear he was no longer at the Fenwicks’. He said his mother loved to visit the North Shore even in winter, and so they’d left straight from the dock when their ship landed. Walter Vail had spent the summer there the previous year and was fond of his uncle.

There were lots of people we had to visit, he said. I didn’t know we’d stay so long. He checked Lilian’s expression again, but she was doing her best to reveal nothing. Now that we’re staying so close we can see each other without my having to sneak in the garden door, he said. Though I wouldn’t mind.

Lilian smiled.

I am sorry, he said in a softer tone.

Lilian nodded.

I thought you’d understand, he said.

Against all her instincts, Lilian shrugged. It was only lunch, she said offhandedly.

Walter Vail looked down, frowning with mild perplexity. The stain on his cheek appeared darker. Oh, he said, and with a shock Lilian realized that he was not looking down in embarrassment but was checking his buttoned pockets to locate his folded cap. Was that all? Would he try so little?

Now he was standing up. Now he glanced at her, disappointed, desperate to be gone. Oh, what would Dolly say to this? Let him go? Yes, let him go and he’d think it over, he’d realize she was not a girl to be pushed around, that she was a spirited girl, one to contend with, and then he’d be back.

But would he? Lilian’s mind was racing. It wasn’t as if he were a regular boy from Boston who lived a few streets away on Mount Vernon or Willow, or even that he was returning to New York the day after tomorrow, even New York was not so far away but he was going much farther. He was going overseas, and he might never come back.

He was heading for the door.

Lilian watched him.