No, Lilian said, putting out her chin.

I love a pretty girl not married, the man said. She still has personality.

Lilian smiled.

He leaned forward conspiratorially. You know the bride and groom?

Jock’s my second cousin. She I’ve only just met.

Handsome fellow, Jock. The man craned his neck for a glimpse, but didn’t spot him anywhere. He shrugged. Shame she doesn’t love him.

What?

The man spoke as if this were news everyone knew. She — well — doesn’t love him.

How do you know?

Because, said the man pulling himself up to his full height. I believe she loves me.

Lilian regarded him with a slack mouth.

His eyes were merry, he winked at her. Sad for poor Jock, he said. Though Esther’s an odd girl. He smiled broadly, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle the world had to offer. He said he was delighted to have met her and disappeared into the swaying crowd.

Who was that? said Mrs. Eliot.

A friend of Aunt Tizzy’s, Lilian said with a look of wonder.

I should have known, said Mrs. Eliot. She shivered, and adjusted the lace fichu around her shoulders. Frightful fellow.

18 • A tireless suitor

18 • A tireless suitor

IT WAS over a year after Walter Vail had not come home that Lilian was courted by a young man named Mike Higbee. She knew she would have to go into the world again and did, feeling dead, feeling also stronger with that deadness since nothing mattered enough to hurt her.

Mike Higbee would arrive at the house, shake hands heartily with Mr. Eliot, and compliment Mrs. Eliot on the lacework smocking her dress — it was French, wasn’t it? He always arrived early, and would take Lilian to concerts and shows and want to know her opinions. She had met him with the Cunningham boys who were in the same club. Mike Higbee was small with a broad back, he’d grown up in Hanover, New Hampshire, and lived on Berkeley Street in a basement apartment with two other law students like himself.

Mike Higbee had an open, confident manner. He shook his head at Lilian, marveling at her. He told her how beautiful she was in such a natural, normal way she wondered what he was after. He had a thick hide and she found herself saying things which the old Lilian would have found impolite.

How did you like the first act? Mike Higbee turned his eager face to her. He withheld his opinions until she’d spoken.

Actually, I rather hate musical comedies.

How do you like my new jacket? Smart, eh?

I’m not partial to plaid.

To everything she said Mike Higbee exhibited amusement and admiration, and yet not seeming to hear her at all. It got on Lilian’s nerves.

So what do you like best in a person? Mike Higbee grilled Lilian, preferring questions to statements.