Oh no, Jane said. I think it’s fascinating.

Mr. Crook spooned ice cream into his spreading face, then puffed on his cigar. More fascinating in books, I’m afraid. Lilian was having a difficult time picturing him as a spy. Behind him she saw the Finch brothers walking up the rise of the lawn. For a moment, it appeared the younger Finch was looking at her in a peculiar way.

Mr. Crook indicated his empty glass and heaved himself out of the chair.

Jane watched him go. Just imagine where he got that limp, she said.

Did you see Winn Finch? Lilian said.

I don’t know, said Jane. She glanced down in her lap at the book she’d filched from the Crooks’ study.

Do you know the brother? Lilian said.

Jane looked over to where the brothers were now at the bar, exchanging greetings with the spy Mr. Crook.

I’ve seen him, Jane said.

Something about him, Lilian said. Acts like he disapproves of you.

Since when do you know him? Jane said.

Since a minute ago. They laughed.

Near the end of the party some of the young people had drifted to the far side of the terrace and settled loosely around a table. Lilian sat on a garden bench beside Irene Minter who was carrying a parasol.

… it’s just what happened to Wally Vail, said Emmett Smith with his usual authority.

A charge went through Lilian, turning her from solid into vapor.

I don’t believe it, said the dark-haired girl with Chip Cunningham. Poor Chip continued to find girls who resembled Marian Lockwood — this one was petite too and had Marian’s slight overbite.

True, Emmett Smith said. Despite his freckles and red hair, he carried an air of sophistication. Burt Noble’s cousin saw them last week in New York. I’m surprised, Clare, you didn’t know.

Lilian had never heard him called Wally. Perhaps they were talking about someone else.

He’s back from France? said Tommy Lattimore. Tommy remembered him shipping over the same time as his brother, among other things. He looked in Lilian’s direction. She was tucking at the sleeve of her dress.

He is, said Emmett Smith proudly.

I knew Wally growing up, said Clare. I can’t at all picture him marrying a French woman.

Everything around Lilian seemed to stand out and pulsate.

Were they actually married or is it just the engagement? said Chip Cunningham, taking an interest because Clare did.

Already married, said Emmett Smith. He sniffed. That’s what the scandal was, you see. The Vails had not been able to go to the wedding. It was small and quick — well, we know what that means.

The woman named Clare giggled at the back of her throat. Has he brought her back here? she said.

No, said Emmett Smith. They’re staying in France. The wife doesn’t speak English, and he’s got that job now.