"Well, uh," she continued briskly. "Natalie is pretty good to look at." There was the tiniest hint of sarcasm in her voice. She caught it and hoped he didn't. God, what was the matter with her? Everything seemed to be falling apart, and she was losing control of her own emotions. She really hoped he would stay!

"She's a very pretty little thing," she tried to add in a more enthusiastic tone, but she still heard that ugly note of bitterness and resentment.

"Come now, Ma," he said, sitting opposite her at the table. "You know there's no one more beautiful than a man's own mother!"

And for some stupid reason, she had begun to weep. Before she knew it, he was beside her instead of opposite her and had his arms wrapped around her heaving shoulders. She pulled away at first. Her instant reaction was fear of discovery, but the touch of his hand seemed innocently sympathetic as it caressed her thick auburn hair. She felt uneasy with him pressing his warm body close to hers.

"You know I admire Pa, but I don't think he does right by you. Sorry if it's none of my affair, but… but it's rather obvious. He gets home such late hours. I mean you are a human being and…"

"Kevin, what are you saying?" she demanded, knowing full well that he was venturing in where only young people today dared venture. But he didn't realize that such an intrusion would only upset her more. "Honey, I know you mean well, but I can't take this talk."

"You're a human animal as well as a human being," he continued stubbornly. "You have needs, excesses in your system that require… attention… for your nerves and health."

"Kevin!" she cried, trying to sound indignant between sobs.

"Oh, gosh, Ma, I'm sorry," he said stroking her shoulder. "You know I admire Pa, and I wouldn't hurt either of you for anything, but I just can't understand why… well, people can tell, you know!"