it was the business of words-to communicate-clearly.”
“Oh Mama, don’t be mad,” Mary cried. “I understand. I appreciate the suggestion. I just can’t see that in a-that in this particular case, it’s anything to be seriously concerned about. It’s Jay we’re thinking of. Not other people.”
“I see; perhaps you’re right. Praps I shouldn’t have me…”
“We’re very glad you mentioned it, Mama. We appreciate you mentioning it. It hadn’t even occurred to me and it ought to. Only now that it does, now that you’ve told me, why, well, I just still think it’s all right as it is. That’s all.”
“Let it go, Catherine, for God’s sake let it go!” Joel was saying in a low voice; but now she nodded and became quiet.
“I hate to hurt Mama’s feelings,” Mary said, “but really!”
“It’s all right, Mary,” Andrew said.
“Let it go, Poll,” her father said.
“I am,” Mary said; she took a drink.
“We’ve got to let them know,” she said. “His mother. We’ll have to phone Ralph. Andrew, will you do that?”
“Of course I will.” He got up.
“Just tell them I’m sorry, I couldn’t come to the phone. Will you, Andrew? I’m sure they’ll understand.”
“Of course they will.”
“Just tell them-how it happened. Tell Ralph I send his mother all my love.” He nodded. “And Andrew. Be sure and ask how Jay’s father is.” He nodded. “And let them know when-why; why we don’t even know, do we? When the-what day he’ll-be-the funeral, Andrew!”
“Not for sure. I told them I’d see them in the morning about all that.”
“Well you’ll just have to tell them we’ll let them know as soon as we do. In plenty of time. To get here I mean.”
“What’s the number, Mary?”
“Number?”
