hesaid, I havent forgotten what weve talked about, darling,but I simply havent got any good information for you yet. But whenIm back in the city, Ill find out absolutely everythingthere is to know, all right?Thankyou, Uncle. Henry returned Reggies one-armed hug. It means alot to me.Reggieturned to Martin. And you, you exquisite thing, you must promiseto take the best care of my darling boy!Martingave Reggie a dazzling smile. I promise, Sir.Reggiereached up and laid his hand against Martins cheek. Really, youbeautiful boys needto have a portrait done. Ill look into that when I return, aswell.Thatdbe great, Uncle.Remember,Henry, darling, youre not to do anything until I return, allright? No going off on your own!Goingoff where? Jesse was suddenly there, popping up from behind Reggiewith a full champagne flute. Can I come?Henrysletting me redecorate his room, Reggie lied smoothly. I dontwant him going shopping without me.Oh,Jesse said, quite uninterested. Say, Henry, I forgot to tell you,Elizabeth wrote me a poem. Ive committed it to memory, and I thinkyou should hear it. He pulled Henry over to huddle with Eli andLyle and recited the entire thing, giving a very dramatic reading. Itwas full of references to nudity both innocent and carnal, vaguelydirty talk about loves nectar, and a flower bursting intobloom that seemed to represent the loss of virginity. Elizabeth was,it seemed, a good match for Jesse.Bymidnight, Mother was clearly exhausted, haggard and drawn, but sheseemed loath to say goodbye to Reggie. Pearl whispered in her ear andshe nodded her head reluctantly in response. Martin went across theroom and conferred with Pearl, then returned to Henrys side.Wereleaving, Sir. You should say your goodbyes.Jesse,who had been drinking champagne like it was water, put his armsaround Henry and hung off him bonelessly. Were going to begreat friends, arent we, Henry?Henryattempted to set Jesse back on his feet. I thought we alreadywere.Jessegazed at him, unfocused and fond. Aw, Henry! He patted Henryscheek.Elicame up behind Jesse and put an arm around his shoulders.Hegets like this, Eli said apologetically, pulling Jesse away. Illhold him off while you make your getaway.Henrysaid a final farewell to a tearful Reggie, who insisted on walkingthem out to their carriage, kissing Mother on both cheeks over andover again and whispering in her ear. As they pulled away, Old Bobturning the carriage in a tight circle and heading back uptown,Mother began to cry.Iknow hes coming back, she said, voice quavering. I just wishhe didnt have to go.Henryleaned forward and reached out and to pat Mothers hand in her lap.Maybe we can see Uncle Gilbert and Aunt Virginia while hesaway, Mother. I always like to see Jesse.Youreright, darling, she said with a sigh. I should see them, Ishould, and Ill let Virginia take me shopping. I need new dressesand new hats. Everything I own is so terribly out-of-date.Thatsa good idea, Mother. You should do that. Let Pearl arrange it foryou, will you?Allright, darling. Pearl, will you do it, please?Pearllooked thrilled at the idea of Mother leaving the house to do someordinary thing. Of course, Maam. Ill call Mrs. WiltonsDolly first thing tomorrow.Itneednt be done in a hurry,