She wiped the metal clean with a gray shop rag from her apron pocket.

“I built the acoustic arch in your main hall, Mr.

Whitmore,” Martha said.

“You signed the quality praise yourself.”

Nathaniel held the edge of the blueprint tight against the plywood board.

“Arthur Vance brought in three framing subcontractors for that hall.”

“He brought in eight men to hang the heavy stock,” Martha said softly.

“Then he sent them away and had me finish the arch alone over six nights.”