He was slender and a couple of inches less than six feet. The most amazing part of Dick was his handsome face-pretty would have been a better word-but Sue did not want to insult the boy, even in her thoughts: Though Dick said little, his penetrating blue eyes watched the blonde constantly. His attention unnerved Sue. But it flattered her, too. She felt instinctively that the boy's scrutiny was heavily laced with admiration.

It was Luke who dominated the dinnertime conversation. As an outsider, Sue quickly sensed who the pivotal figure in the family was. She joined the others in making casual remarks to supplement the subject matter that Luke chose to deal with in his monologues. The general rule seemed to be 'speak when spoken to, or during intermissions.' Even Dan followed the rule-Sue had never seen her handsome fiance so quiet.

"Yeah, Dan, I'm going to have to take this family of mine out to California one of these days to visit you two. I've heard it's a dandy place to live, out there. I'm never going to doubt that business about beautiful California girls again, I tell you. Sue's proof enough for me. I'm proud of you, boy. You got yourself a fine-looking woman there. Make sure you hold onto her."

"Don't worry, Dad. I don't have any intention of letting Sue go. You can take my word on that. "Sue nudged Dan in the ribs, a reminder of his promise to keep their engagement secret for the time being. She kept her eyes studiously directed to her plate, pretending she was paying more attention to her food than to the conversation between father and son. Luke's heavy-handed compliment had set her heart beating like a bass drum. She knew she was blushing, and she hated herself for it. She did not usually blush. That Luke did something to her that she did not like made her feel small and vulnerable. Both his size and the force of his personality threatened to overwhelm her.

The defensive feeling made her bristle. She was not going to let any big galoot make her feel like a sweet little thing with a bow in her hair. She looked in Luke's direction, fully intending to give him a stare as cool and controlled as any she had ever produced.