other people, other teachers, she'll be fine. I can't tutor
her too much longer anyway. My mother needs me
more at the plant and store. She's not well herself and
she has been trying to get me to stop doing this." "Oh. I'm sorry."
"Don't mention it to Mrs. Westington yet. I
don't want to upset or frighten her about it."
"I won't." I told him.
We went inside and he retrieved my exam
papers, glancing quickly at them.
"Urn, not so bad. We'll see. I'll be back
tomorrow, same time," he said.
"Thank you. I'm sorry about before,' I said.
"Accusing you of things and all that."
"No, it's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault or
at least any of our faults. If Echo had a decent mother,
this might have all turned out differently for her and
for Mrs. Westington."
"Someone once told me you have to deal with
the hand you're given," I said.
He smiled. "Sounds to me like an old Chinese
proverb."
My laughter followed him out. For a moment I
just stood there in the foyer. Then I heard Mrs.
Westington tap her cane. I turned and saw her peering
at me from the doorway of the kitchen.
"Well now, this is the latest that boy's stayed
here. He's going to catch hell and walk the plank
when he gets home." She smiled. "I guess you're
getting along then."
"We'll see. Mrs. Westington. I did the best I can