10
part resented that her daughter spent so much time on them. "It's
a wonder she didn't think shs to send a message back by you."
"I don't think she was that fussy about me seeing who she was with."
"Who was she with?" asked Mr Jackson, taking an interest in the
conversation for the first time.
"Oh I don't know if I should tell you that." Linda lowered her
eyelashes.
"Maybe you shouldn't then," said Tommy quickly. He got up. "Come
on, then, Linda, let's get going or we'll miss the start of the picture
Linda uncrossed her elgs reluctanly.
"Just a minute." Mrs Jackson dried her hands.
"I think Linda* knows something we ought to know," said Mr
Jackson.
"Dad, you'll be late for the start of your meeting," said Tommy.
"Away you go to it and let Sadie alone."
"You're always covering up for that girl," said Mrs Jackson," but
I'm her mother and I've a right to know what she's up to."
"Sadie's all right," said Tommy. "Come on Let's go, Linda."
Linda got up and pushed back the chair. She looked round from one
to the other. Her lower lip trembled slightly. "I don't want to
cause any trouble."
"No, all right then, let's go." Tommy took hold of her arm.
Linda pulled it away and rubbed her elbow with her hand as fe
if he had hurt her.
"Mind your manners, Tommy," said his father sharply.
