House Party (31 page)

Mr. Hemingway was a cautious driver. He went at exactly fifteen miles an hour on the left side of the road and boasted that he had never had an accident, although he had caused a good number of them. The train was standing in the station when he opened the door to let Claire and Manning out.

"Thanks oaffly," Manning said. "Teddibly nace of you to give us this lift."

Being quite deaf, Mr. Hemingway smiled politely and drove on. His nostrils dilated and relaxed. There was a funny smell about the car. "Think I’ll take it around to the Buick agency for a check-up," he said to his wife.

Claire and Manning ran for the train.

"Take your time," the conductor said genially. "This one's
always
late."

On the platform they stopped and looked at each other. Manning started to speak.

"So long," Claire said.

"So long," Manning said. Very carefully they got into different cars.