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           Leaningagainstthewallforsupport,Annebentoverthewickerbasketandliftedthebabyup,thenmanagedtoshuffletothebedandsitdown.Lukemadenomovetohelpher,ortakethebaby;helookedratherfrightenedofhisdaughter.

           "Goaway,Luke!Youdon’tdeservewhatyou’vegot.I’msickofthesightofyou.GobacktobloodyArne,andtheflamingsugar,andthebackbreak!"

           Atthedoorhepaused."Whatdidshecallit?I’veforgottenitsname."

           "Justine,Justine,Justine!"

           "Bloodystupidname,"hesaid,andwentout.

           AnneputJustineonthebedandburstintotears.GoddamnallmenbutLuddie,Goddamnthem!Wasitthesoft,sentimental,almostwomanishstreakinLuddiemadehimcapableofloving?WasLukeright?Wasitjustafigmentofwomen’simaginations?Orwasitsomethingonlywomenwereabletofeel,ormenwithalittlewomaninthem?NowomancouldeverholdLuke,nowomaneverhad.Whathewantednowomancouldevergivehim.

           Butbythenextdayshehadcalmeddown,nolongerfeelingshehadtriedfornothing.ApostcardfromMeggiehadcomethatmorning,waxingenthusiasticaboutMatlockIslandandhowwellshewas.Somethinggoodhadcomeoutofit.Meggiewasfeelingbetter.Shewouldcomebackasthemonsoonsdiminishedandbeabletofaceherlife.ButAnneresolvednottotellheraboutLuke.

           SoNancy,shortforAnnunziata,carriedJustineoutontothefrontveranda,whileAnnehobbledoutwiththebaby’swantsinalittlebasketbetweenherteeth;cleandiaper,tinofpowderandtoys.