Зима тревоги нашей

           Icouldn’tgetbacktothepartybutIheardmyselftalkandtellstoriesandIheardmyMarylaughlikegoldenglorysoIguessIwasfunny,andevencharming,butIcouldn’tevergetbacktothetable.AndIthinkMargieknewit.Shekeptlookingatmewithaconcealedquestion,damnher.Shewasawitch.

           Idon’tknowwhatwehadtoeat.Irememberwhitewinesoperhapsitwasfish.Thebrittleglassrevolvedlikeapropeller.Andtherewasbrandy,soImusthavehadcoffee—andthenitwasover.

           Goingout,whenMaryandMr.Hartoghadgoneahead,Margieasked,"Wheredidyougo?"

           "Idon’tknowwhatyoumean."

           "Youwentaway.Youwereonlyparthere."

           "Arointye,witch!"

           "Okay,bud,"shesaid.

           OnourwayhomeIsearchedtheshadowsofthegardens.Maryclungtomyarmandherfootstepswerealittlejerky."Whatanicetime,"shesaid."Ineverhadabettertime."

           "Itwasnice."

           "Margie’saperfecthostess.Idon’tknowhowI’llmatchthatdinner."

           "Shesurelyis."

           "Andyou,Ethan.Iknewyoucouldbefunnybutyouhaduslaughingallthetime.Mr.HartogsaidhewasweakfromlaughingaboutMr.RedBaker."

           HadItoldthat?Whichone?Imusthave.Oh,Danny—givebackthemoney!Please!

           "You’rebetterthanashow,"myMarysaid.AndinourowndoorwayIgrabbedhersotightthatshewhimpered."You’retipped,darling.You’rehurting.Pleasedon’tlet’swakethechildren."