was a party. Part of Kate's mind was in the kitchen, pouring on the salad dressing at the last minute; part was watching Aunt Sarah, absorbed in her food, wrinkled and tiny, eating something up close, like a monkey eating a nut. Her foot felt about under the table for the bell.
Joe wanted them to love Evelyn; he tried to bridge the space between them. It was touching to his mother to see him simple, like a little boy again, after the months he had hidden away from her. She tried to be simple, too. I will love her, I will, no matter how I feel. Oh, Joe, why did you marry her?
"Shall we have our coffee in the living room?"
"Mother, I never knew anything so stylish as you're being!"
Joe made her so mad sometimes!
They sat making conversation.
"That's not a very comfortable chair, I'm afraid, Charlotte."
"Oh, it's very nice, thank you, Aunt Kate."
"What are you making, dear?"
"Just some little bluebird for happiness aprons for the hospital fair. Marcia Quackenbush has the apron table, and I said I'd help her out. I think these little afternoon-tea aprons are awfully sweet, although I can't imagine anyone ever wearing one; still, they're nice to give away. There're some darling ones in pastel colors, with baskets of flowers appliquéd, even prettier than these, I think."
