Carmella Commands
With this came realization that she hated his sister. Margaret’s questions had been petty, and all for purposes of comparison. She had set out to feed a superiority complex. John was just talking. His questions, and the discussion that followed, helped to let out feelings instead of imprison them.
“This,” said Carmella to herself, “is probably the only time I shall ever have luncheon here. But I should like to see John again. He’d make a wonderful bootlegger.”
Her interest in the food and service and the other children ceased abruptly, however, when she heard the front door open and a breezy masculine voice call from the hallway:
“Sorry to be late, m’ dear. Unexpected thing came up about that Greendale deal. Be right in, as soon as I wash up.”
Carmella almost jumped to her feet in her excitement. Her thoughts raced in a way she had learned to dread. For when they raced she usually did something to worry about later. But by the time Mr. Barrington entered the room, she was calm again.
Her teacher, Miss Kelly, had once told Principal Carroll that Carmella had wonderful control for so high-keyed a child.
[85]
