“Do you believe that falling stars mean somebody has just died, Johnnie? But gee, if that was true, the skies would be just showering with ’em. Specially these days.”

Grandin lighted a cigarette and tossed the match into the dark water at their feet, which, for all its small lapping sounds, looked solid, hard, a substantial flooring or roadbed leading off into the night and far far on, under the fog.

“Go on back to the dance, Cliff.”

“You coming in too?”

“Soon.”

“Yeah, Billie’ll be missing me—maybe I better go.”

“Yes.”

“See you later, Johnnie.”

The mysterious tension held. When he had gone, John Grandin was more than ever certain that Cliff Hauman was marked for death. Viewed realistically, his dying could be of little concern or interest. Death in itself didn’t matter, it was not even dramatic. What did matter—what was dramatic and passionate—was the intense fact of his present living, his vitality, charm, and enjoyment of life, and the peculiarly refreshing effect he had on everyone he came in contact with. Hauman’s imminent death was of no real moment. Grandin was only involved because Cliff Hauman was supremely alive now, almost a “classic” example to him of the wanton and extravagant waste that was the pattern of the times.

The fog had settled in so that he could scarcely see the breakwall at his feet. He was chilled and needed his topcoat. He got up and returned to the lighted clubhouse, to find Ethel and go back to Sconset.

He ran into Bill Howard.

“Sadie’s been looking for you. She wants to go home.”

“I’m ready.”

“Then why don’t I stay on with Ethel for a while?” Bill Howard said. “Would you mind?”

“Not at all, if she wants to stay,” and he meant it.

But Ethel was ready to go too, or at least would not stay without her husband. The four of them made their way to the checkroom and collected their things. They were unwilling to interrupt the Haumans’ fun by seeking them out to say good night, which might seem to suggest that they should leave too. From the small group of drivers at the door, the young man who had driven them from Sconset came forward and ushered them to the car in the parking lot.