“I don’t know how you’re going to react. I don’t know what it means yet, but my period is late. It doesn’t mean I’m pregnant for sure. A lot of women are late all the time.”

She was so concerned for him that she was trying to wish it away. “You are. You’ll see,” he said.

“You’re glad?”

“Am I?” He put his cup and saucer on the table. “Come on. I couldn’t be happier. It’s fine, honey.”

“You’re not kidding me, are you?”

“Do you think I am?”

“I don’t know,” she said.

“I’m not Karen, I’m not.”

“I don’t know what to think. It changes so much. Why should you take it this way?”

“Ah, to hell with that. How am I supposed to take it?”

“That’s it,” she said. “You’re doing what you’re supposed to. Don’t fool me, Joe. If you’re not happy, say so.”

“For what? What would I do that for, anyway?”

“So the truth will be out. We’re not dishonest with each other. I want things going right.”

“I’m glad, Karen. I really am.”

“I was careful. I tried to be.”

“Don’t talk like that.”

“I’m not the mother type,” she said.

“That’s not the way you tell it when the lights are out. Look at me. Is it?”

She kissed him. “That’s different. I’m not the real mother type, a skinny thing like me.”

Now he thought he understood. She wanted to be told and told again. She didn’t believe him. If they had tried for it, it would not have mattered as much to him. It did something to him that he needed. “Karen, I’m very happy. You have to believe it.”

“I hope you are. I’ve hated this. I’ve been afraid to tell you.”

“It was exactly the right thing to do, honey.”

She started to pull away, angry. “Don’t overdo it, Joe.”

“I’m not. I mean it.”

“All right.” She got up.

“Where are you going?”

“To wash my face. I’m all right.”