Part 27 (1/2)
When he ca, his face was more troubled than ever Ed inquired as to his trouble Pinero shrugged his shoulders and brought a s to concern you, my boy A little ive you two your readings today I shall need to overhaul my machine Can you come back tomorrow?”
”Why, I think so Say, I'm sorry about your machine I hope it isn't serious”
”It isn't, I'm sure Will you come back into my office and visit for a bit?”
”Thank you, doctor You are very kind
”But, Ed, I've got to meet Ellen”
Pinero turned the full force of his personality on her ”Won't you grantlady? I aet very little of it Please” He nudged theently into his office and seated them Then he ordered learettes and lit a cigar
Forty minutes later Ed listened entranced, while Betty was quite evidently acutely nervous and anxious to leave as the doctor spun out a story concerning his adventures as a young ht his cigar, she stood up
”Doctor, we really must leave Couldn't we hear the rest tomorrow?”
”Tomorrow? There will not be time tomorrow”
”But you haven't ti five times”
”Couldn't you spare me just a few more minutes?”
”I really can't today, doctor I have an appoint for me”
”There is no way to induce you?”
”I'one, the doctor stepped to theand stared out over the city Presently he picked out two tiny figures as they left the office building He watched thee, then start across the street When they were part way across, there caures hesitated, started back, stopped and turned Then a car was upon them As the car slaer two figures, but si
Presently the doctor turned away from theThen he picked up his phone and spoke to his secretary
”Cancel my appointments for the rest of the day
NoNo oneI don't care; cancel thear went out
Long after dark he held it, still unlighted
Pinero sat down at his dining table and conteourmet's luncheon spread before him He had ordered this meal with particular care, and had come home a little early in order to enjoy it fully
Somewhat later he let a few drops of fiori d'Alpini roll down his throat
The heavy, fragrant syrup warmed his mouth and reminded him of the little hed It had been a good meal, an exquisitewas interrupted by a disturbance at the front door The voice of his elderly maidservant was raised in remonstrance A heavy male voice interrupted her The co room door was pushed open
”Mia Madonna! Non si puo entrare! The ela I have tio”