After Ian Quincy left the room, Cecilia Adler opened a book to read while she waited. A long time passed, but he didn't return.
A thought crossed her mind.
'Is he writing a note?'
She got out of bed to find him, planning to catch him by surprise. Surely then he would have to confess the truth, right?
The side room was lit, but the door and windows were closed, and the curtains were drawn. She couldn't see what was happening inside. She reached out and knocked on the door. "Ian, are you in there?"
There was no answer.
She pushed the door, and it opened easily.
The room was empty.
'Where did he go?'
"Cecilia, still awake?"
Cecilia Adler turned around. It was her mother-in-law. "I can't sleep."
"Is it because your father brought someone home? Are you upset about it?" Mrs. Quincy said. "His reason wasn't just an excuse, you know. He really thought you weren't home. You're partly to blame, too. You never come home before dark, but of all days, you came back early today."
