Her face cleared. "Augusta never told anyone her name."
He hesitated, then blurted out: "She's not an 'unfortunate' woman."
Mother was embarrassed: men never mentioned such things as prostitution to their mothers. "I see," she said, looking away.
Hugh plowed on. "She is lower class, that much is right. And Jewish." He looked at her face and saw that she was startled, but not horrified. "She's nothing worse than that. In fact ..." He hesitated.
Mother looked at him. "Go on."
"In fact, she was a maiden."
Mother blushed.
"I'm sorry to speak of such things, Mother," he said. "But if I don't you'll only know Aunt Augusta's version of the story."
Mother swallowed. "Were you fond of her, Hugh?"
"Rather." He felt tears come to his eyes. "I don't understand why she disappeared. I've no idea where she went. I never knew her address. I've inquired at the livery stables she worked for, and at the Argyll Rooms where I met her. Solly Greenbourne was fond of her too, and he's as baffled as I am. Tonio Silva knew her friend April, but Tonio has gone back to South America and I can't find April."
"How mysterious."
"I'm sure Aunt Augusta arranged this somehow."
"I have no doubt of it. I can't imagine how, but she is appallingly devious. However, you must look to the future now, Hugh. Boston will be such an opportunity for you. You must work hard and conscientiously."
"She really is an extraordinary girl, Mother."
Mother did not believe him, he could tell. She said: "But you'll forget her."
"I wonder if I ever shall."
Mother kissed his forehead. "You will. I promise."
Section 2
THERE WAS ONLY ONE PICTURE ON THE WALL in the attic room Maisie shared with April. It was a garish circus poster showing Maisie, in spangled tights, standing on the back of a galloping horse. Underneath, in red letters, were the words "The Amazing Maisie." The picture was not very true to life, for the circus had not actually had any white horses, and Maisie's legs had never been that long. All the same she cherished the poster. It was her only souvenir of those days.
