Section 45Peter was now in a state of utter funk. He knew that he wouldhave to face McGivney, and he just couldn’t do it. All hewanted was Nell; and Nell, knowing that he would want her, hadagreed to be in the park at half past eight. She had warned him notto talk to a soul until he had talked to her. Meantime she had gonehome and renewed her Irish roses with French rouge, and restoredher energy with coffee and cigarettes, and now she was waiting forhim, smiling serenely, as fresh as any bird or flower in the parkthat summer morning. She asked him in even tones how things hadgone, and when Peter began to stammer that he didn’t think hecould face McGivney, she proceeded to build up his courage oncemore. She let him put his arms about her, even there in broaddaylight; she whispered to himto
