One evening before supper, and before Miriam arrived home from the telephone office, Matthew announced that he had invited a man to have supper with them that night. The man bought a motorcar that morning and paid cash.  Nona shouted, “You should have told me sooner so we could have a company style supper!” as she secretly wanted to make a good impression on anyone who could pay cash for a motorcar, not realizing that everyone paid cash.  Matthew replied that the man, who was about his age, would not mind eating anything that was put before him but in the future he would let her know.

            Miriam arrived a few minutes later and took her place by the dinning room table just as someone knocked on the front door.  Matthew answered it and escorted Sam Wallace into the dinning room.  Miriam was stunned and looked away.  Matthew introduced him.  When Miriam was introduced San smiled, “Yes I know the young lady well.  We have worked together for quite sometime.”  Matthew and the others were surprised, as Miriam had never mentioned Sam Wallace.

            Nona motioned for everyone to sit down and placed Sam next to Miriam, as he was a man who could pay cash for a motorcar.  The meal always began with a prayer, Matthew was asked to deliver it.  He gave his usual prayer but ended with, “and thank you Lord for giving us such a fine new friend.  May he be with us forever, Amen.”  Miriam wanted to stifle Matthew as she realized that Sam had put his leg against hers.  She looked at him, he was smiling at her.  Miriam suffered throughout the meal but did not move her leg as she didn’t know what foolishness Sam Wallace would try next…

            After supper the four young people went to the veranda.  Sam guided Miriam to the swing and helped her sit down.  Matthew said to Sam, “If you will move a little closer to Miriam we can all sit on the swing,” as he was not about to relinquish his place by Prin.  Sam gladly moved closer.  Rory, who had just walked out with Nona, could not help kidding them, “If you are crowded there are plenty of rockers with new soft green cushions.  Nona just made them,” as he thought I wonder why Nona is always making chair cushions.  Matthew and Sam assured him that they were comfortable, as their sides were touching the girls. But that was not mentioned.  Prin was thrilled.  Miriam was afraid of what Sam would say or do if she moved.  Rory and Nona exchanged sly glances.  About ten minutes later Rory said that he had early rounds to make and had better turn in.  Nona said that it had been a busy day for her also.  When they reached their bedroom they both broke into gales of laughter.  In bed Rory snuggled close to Nona, “Oh, to be young again.”  Nona knew what he was thinking.  She laughed, “If you were any younger I don’t think I could handle you!”   Rory immediately gave her a deep kiss and the lovemaking began. 

            On the veranda everyone was flirting, except Miriam, who was miserable.  Matthew leaned over Prin, touching her breast with the upper part of his arm, and asked Sam how long he had known Miriam.  Sam replied, “Since the day I came here.”  Matthew continued, “And how long have you been in love with her?”  Sam replied, “Since the day I came here.”  With that statement, he leaned over and kissed Miriam on her cheek.  Miriam was embarrassed and furious.

            She yelled, “I should poke you in the nose for that, you rogue!”  Sam laughed but 

was pleased with himself, for kissing her.  Matthew smiled, “If you can do it, I can too!”  He quickly put his arms around Prin and kissed her on the lips.  Prin didn’t mind but felt obligated to say, “You need a poke in the nose too, shame on you.  I am a respectable lady and don’t you ever forget it!”  All was quite for several minutes until reluctantly Sam said that he better be going.  Miriam quickly replied, “Good night!”  Sam rose to leave, Matthew spoke, “Sam we have enjoyed having you, how about coming back tomorrow night?”  Sam smiled, “Thanks for the invitation, I’ll be here at 6:30 sharp.”  He bowed and walked away thinking I should not have kissed her but I had already admitted my love for her.  She can’t treat me any worse than she already does.