“If all he wants is your money he’s not _worth_ your money! Or your time, or your friendship.” “Laura, this isn’t friendship. This is another subject entirely. Honest to God.” Laura blushed. “A man can’t buy a friend. But there’s always a little love for sale.” “Not real love.” He shrugged. “I don’t ask for the moon.” Laura finished her drink. “What’s his name?” she said. “Terry.” “Terry what?” “Just Terry.” “You don’t trust me.” She said it quietly, but she was hurt. “Terry Fleming.” He spoke the name gently and Laura saw a look on his face that changed him entirely. She studied him, surprised. “Jack, I think you’re in love.” Once said, it sounded gauche and unfair. But he only said, “I think so, too.” Laura was lost. What do you do on the spot like this? “I don’t know whether to give you my congratulations or my sympathy,” she said seriously. Jack laughed. “Both, Mother. That’s a beautiful sentiment, whatever it is. Thanks.” He seemed unable to talk about it and Laura finally returned to Sarah. “Is there somebody in the office you could get for Sarah?” she asked. She described her to him. “She’s not pretty, but she’s just a swell girl.” “I know, there are a million of ’em,” he sighed. “I wish to God I were straight. I’d marry her, poor kid.” Laura stared at him, then smiled. “I guess I can arrange something,” he said. “Do we have to double with them?” “She expects it. I hate to ask.” “Okay, okay. It won’t kill me. But dinner only. And I’ll be in a hurry.” “Thanks, Jack.” “I’d better find a tame one for her,” he mused and then laughed a little. “Whatever that means. Jesus, the poor girl has probably dreamed all her life of a good thorough raping. But I can’t assume the responsibility. Maybe Jensen can go. I’ll call you in the morning on it.” “Thanks. She’d be so happy.” Laura finished a second drink. Jack was two up on her. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, wanting to tell him about the change that had come over Marcie but afraid of his sarcasm. Finally she said, in the characteristic blunt way that disguised her uncertainty, “Jack, Marcie is different. Something’s happening to her. I—I’m scared.” She could go no further. She looked away from him. Jack chuckled. “Well, what’s she doing, filching undies from Macy’s basement?” “She doesn’t want to see Burr any more.” Jack frowned slightly. “She’s finally coming to her senses? That was a screwy match to begin with. Burr wants to worship one gal. Marcie wants to raise a little hell with every other man she sees.” “She wants to be like me. That’s what she said. She wants to read books. Spend more time at home. She wants me to help her.” “Help her what?” Laura frowned. “I don’t know what. She says she’s sick of herself and she wants to be a better person.” Jack bit his underlip reflectively. “I know what you’re thinking. And you’re wrong. She’s not turning gay.” “I didn’t say that.” Laura turned to him indignantly.