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"Told you all those things. She hasn't spoken of those things for years. And that answer she gave you... surely, it was something she has been thinking about a long time, but she never said it to inc."

"I'm very grateful."

"No," he said. "I'm not Irving to get you to appreciate it. I'm telling you I appreciate it." He smiled. "There's something about you. Isabel. Something special. I think that was what made me want to paint you"

I started to shake my head.

"No," he said, taking my hand and looking at me so intently my heart began to skip beats. "I want this to be the greatest painting I have ever done. It will be. Will you go sailing with me tomorrow to nu; private bay?"

"But you've already begun on the beach here," I said, not wishing to upset him.

"That doesn't matter. The painting isn't there. It's here." He pointed to his temple. 'I do my best work at the bay. It's only about half an hour at the most I'm a good sailor, better than Thatcher, believe me," he said.

"That's not my concern."

"What is, then?" he practically demanded.

I thought a moment. "Nothing. Okay. I'd like to see your bay."

"Great," he said. smiling. "No one, no one, has gotten my mother to talk like that," he repeated, and started back toward the patio. "I'll see you in the morning."

Spirited, he rushed into the house and left me standing there.

Why was it I felt as if I were standing in quicksand?

13

The Party

.

It was six-fifteen, and I was getting ready to go

out to dinner with Thatcher. He had called and left word with Jennings that he would pick me up at seven-thirty.

Mr. Bassinger had called as well. Fearing something had happened to the house or Miles. I phoned him back as soon as Jennings gave me the message.

"Is there anything wrong, Mr. Bassinger?" I asked as soon as he said hello.

"Your aunt Agnes has been calling me and saying things that were very disturbing."

"Like what?"

"She is convinced you're at the mercy of some fortune hunter down there. Willow, someone who is taking advantage of your vulnerability. She actually threatened to hire a private detective to locate you and follow you around. I can't say she won't do it." he warned.

"If she does. I'll never speak with her again."

I was almost ashamed to ask him about Miles's fantastic tale. but I did. "You did check on my father's office, when you were in the house, didn't you, Mr. Bassinger?"

"Oh, yes. Nothing was turned on and running, and Miles said nothing to me about any computers. It was probably all a dream that he has already forgotten. I did speak with him in detail and outlined how your father provided for his needs. He'll be fine once the house is sold."

"I'm glad." I said. relieved.

"You are all right, are you not. Willow? I would hate for your aunt to have even an inkling of truth."

"Don't worry . She couldn't be more wrong about me and what I'm doing."

"It has to do with the papers I gave you, doesn't it?" he asked. "Yes."