unless she had faced days of loneliness and deprivation; unless her mind had known bitterness and heartache; and yet, she had remained sweet by knowing it. It occurred to Gaylord that he had a wonderful mother. A mother who loved him above anyone, and whose only incentive in life was for his happiness. Still, he didn't want her around today. He didn't want anyone … today, he wanted to be alone.
"Oh, no, Mother; you go with Dad. I'm just going to mess around the house. Dad hates to go by himself … I think it would be nice for you to go with him."
"I know he likes me to go with him." She took another sip of coffee. "Darn, this is strong."
"Guess Dad did make it, because it was made when I got up. He hasn't been in though. I heated it and it boiled before I knew it. Guess that's why it's so strong. I tried to drink a cup but gave up after a sip."
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to give up too."
They both laughed.
The outer kitchen door opened and tall Clayton Le Claire came into the room. He was wearing a pair of grey tropical wool slacks, white shirt and a grey gabardine jacket. The plain blue tie was held in place by a gold clasp and a miniature oil derrick, made of the same shining ore, dangled from it. On his right hand he wore a three carat diamond solitaire; a present from his wife last Christmas. He didn't care for diamonds, but this one he liked … Had liked the words uttered from Carol when she had given it to him. "Just because I love you," she had said and he had loved each word.
He looked around now as if the surroundings were not familiar; then said, "Carol, for Christ sake, aren't you ready?" He was peeved, noticing the robe. "I've got a helluva lot to do … I should be there right now … I thought sure you'd be ready by now, or are you going?"
"It won't take but a minute, dear," she cried, springing from the chair. "You watch and see." She ran for her bedroom.
"Damn, it'd better not," he yelled. He shrugged his shoulders and winked at Gaylord. "That's the way to handle women. Make them jump when you yell frog."
He went to the cupboard, got a clean cup and poured himself a
