People had moved into the house next door so Lilian could no longer steal flowers or sit on the rocks. One of the new inhabitants whistled for the dog with two long notes, keeping it for too long a time, and Aunt Tizzy referred to him as the fiend. Lilian felt as if her life had been whittled down to a stick. The papers arrived a day late on the Island, and Lilian read them, drawn to the morbid news.

The Sedgwicks sailed through on their boat with Marian and Dickie Wiggin. They came to dine, bringing stories of the parties in Boston. Arthur maintained an aloof manner while they told of Jose Cutler’s having nibbled the diamond earring off Amy Snow as they were dancing. Lilian tried to listen, but found it hard to take pleasure in the old things.

I’m reading a delightful book about how nasty the Germans have always been, Arthur said.

Lot of those, I should think, said Dickie Wiggin, looking summery in a white linen suit.

Did you tell the children about the Northern Lights? said Mrs. Eliot, for whom the next generation would always be children.

Cap and I saw them last night! said Sis Sedgwick. She was a strapping girl who loved sports and the outdoors despite a complete lack of coordination. Weren’t they marvelous?

I was dead to the world, said Marian Wiggin, wrapping her sweater more cozily around herself.

They may be out tonight, Lilian said. Arthur and I see them from the roof.

She’ll fall one day and break her neck, said Mrs. Eliot. And I won’t be the least surprised.

A husband would keep that from happening, said Marian Wiggin.

She’s too ill-tempered for a husband, said Arthur, adjusting the columbine in his buttonhole.

Lilian gazed at him merrily. Far too, she said.

Oh, we’ll find someone, said Marian with authority.

Lilian shuddered at the thought.

Best place to see the Northern Lights is out on the water, said Cap Sedgwick. He was a soft-spoken lawyer who stooped in doorways and had been a great rower for Harvard. Sis was as proud of his modesty as she was of his prowess, both of which were considerable. We’ve got to get you out there, Lilian, he said.

Lilian said she’d love to go and was glad when the next morning opened to downpouring rain.

22 • An incident involvinga white boat

22 • An incident involving
a white boat

IT RAINED for a week, imitating the deluge. On the first good day they took the boat up Molly’s River.