Read Online The Lockwood Concern by John O'Hara - Free Book Online Page B

Chianti. Without a cup of tea. Why?" "Nothing. It was just one of those statements that women make in front of other people that they'd never make in private. When it's just the husband and wife alone, a statement like that would lead to an argument. In public, you try to avoid arguments. So, since you preferred to make it in public, you obviously wish to avoid an argument on the subject. Goodnight, Geraldine. I won't disturb you in the morning. I'm going downtown early and I'll be gone all day. I'll have my breakfast in the dining room." "Very well. Goodnight, George." Dinner at Wilma Lockwood's the next night was followed by auction bridge, so that the formality between George and Geraldine Lockwood, that had carried over from the previous night, was not noticeable to the host and hostess. Back in the hotel room again Geraldine said: "If there's anything wrong between those two, I didn't notice it. What they're thinking about us is another matter." "Quite. I'm going back to Swedish Haven tomorrow. Would you care to come with me?" "No thanks. If you'll send the car, I'll drive down on Saturday." "Saturday? Well, I suggest you have Andrew check and see what football games are being played Saturday. If there are games in Easton or Bethlehem, or Allentown, you'll run into traffic." "I don't care how long I take." "Very well." "Maybe you'll have thawed out by then. But of course I may be quite cold, after that long drive and all." "Both things are possible," he said. "If I don't see you in the morning, I'll see you Saturday. Goodnight." In the morning he left a note for her: G.- I shall send Andrew to New York today so that you can leave as early as you like tomorrow. Will tell DeBorio to reserve room for Andrew at Roosevelt Hotel. -G. L. George Lockwood obtained the keys for the Packard from the Reading stationmaster and was home in mid afternoon. "Wash the Packard, Andrew, and then I want you to drive to New York. There'll be a room for you at the Roosevelt Hotel, and when you get there, telephone Mrs. Lockwood. She's at the Carstairs, and she'll undoubtedly have a great many bundles to bring home. She'll let you know what time you'll be leaving tomorrow. Take the Pierce-Arrow. It has the most room." "Mrs. Lockwood don't like the Pierce for long drives. She complains it's drafty." "She'll need the Pierce-Arrow. If the weather's bad you can put up the side curtains, and take along enough robes." "I was just thinking, the Lincoln contains as much room, if there's nobody else sitting in the back." "Is that what you were thinking? You don't mind a little fresh air, do you, Andrew?" "No, not me. Mrs. Lockwood, though. She does." He smiled. "What's so amusing?" "Well, just between you and I, and she wouldn't like it if I repeated this. But it isn't only the draftiness in the Pierce. She complains it makes her look older, riding in the Pierce. And when you think of some of the old ladies in Gibbsville with their Pierces - that car's an awful gas eater, too, Mr. Lockwood." "Who's been talking to you, Andrew? The Cadillac salesman? Fliegler? If that's the case, give up, I'll never buy a Cadillac, so you and Luther Fliegler stop conspiring. Now will you give my car a wash, and then get started for New York?" "Nobody else will offer you seven hundred for the Pierce," said Andrew. "It isn't worth seven hundred, therefore the Cadillac is overpriced." "They only give Mrs. Hofman three hundred for her Pierce, the same year as ours. Old Mrs. Hofman." "And that's all it was worth, today. Give up, Andrew. You may get your two percent, but not on a Cadillac. I won't have one in my garage." "Well, if you say so, sir," said Andrew. "While all this talking's been going on there was something I wanted to ask you," said George Lockwood. He stood before Andrew, who was taking off his shoes and getting into his gumboots. "Oh, yes. Was there any more about the boy that was killed?" "They had the trial last night." "You mean the coroner's inquest." "Yes.