Carmella Commands
that any interview should be begun by the other side Carmella, instantly alert, walked toward the car.
“Hello, Kid Kate!” he exclaimed cordially.
“Good morning! Thank you for the ride home last night. I forgot.”
“You thanked Dixon, all right.”
“Yes, but it was your car. I should have said it to you. I’m sorry.”
“By George, what a kid!” thought Mr. Barrington, thinking the while of his own polished daughter’s carefully cultivated rudeness.
As they talked, Tommaso came slowly toward them. Slowly and doubtfully. He knew that all was not going well. For days he had been sick of the job, sick of the constant harassment from unknown sources—frequent inspections and criticism from town officials. He would like to quit.
But the Colettas did not quit. He had it on his father’s word, backed by the word of his grandfather, years ago, back in Italy. He had fought the strike, but he hated to fight unseen opponents.
The trio stood silent for several moments. Mr. Barrington was determined that Tommaso should make the first move. Carmella, inwardly frightened but outwardly calm, did not know what to say. Tommaso rarely spoke first in any matter.
It was Dixon, seeing the impasse and sensing its cause, who stepped forward and broke the spell.
[191]
