At six thirty I set three places at the dining table.

The fourth chair remained empty until our guest arrived.

PART 6: A Visitor at Seven

Mrs.

Eleanor Gable arrived at exactly seven, in a dark green coat and sensible shoes, carrying the lemon pie she had insisted she would not bring.

At seventy-eight, she moved slowly, but her posture was so straight that she seemed taller than she was.

Lucas opened the door and turned crimson.

“Grandma?”