McNally's risk

"No," I said, "have you?"

"Of course not," she said. "At my age naughtiness is a necessity-like Fiberall."

"At my age, too," I said, and we both laughed as she drifted away to greet newly arriving guests.

I looked about for Consuela Garcia but couldn't immediately spot her. So I ordered a kir royale at the bar and joined the gossiping throng of friends and acquaintances. You must understand that you are required to pass a Gossip Aptitude Test before you are allowed to live in the Town of Palm Beach.

That evening the only topic being bandied about was the Chauncey-Theodosia affair. There were many reports, rumors, hints, insinuations, and much ribald laughter. I listened but contributed nothing.

Finally I espied Co

"Hello, stranger," she said with a bright smile.

"Co

"I'll be too busy getting the place closed up after di

"Then may I see you home, later?"

"I have my own car," she said and looked at me speculatively.

I interpreted that look to be half-challenge, half-invitation. "Suppose I tailgate you to make certain you arrive home safely," I suggested.

"If you like," she said. "Now go eat before all the prawns are gone."

I dined at a table for four with my parents and Mr. Griswold Forsythe II, a supera

After that yummy feast was demolished, dancing commenced on the pool verge and the cropped lawn. I watched affectionately as my parents waltzed to a fox-trot, and then I lured mother into joining me for a sedate lindy. We did beautifully, and it was a moment to treasure.

The night spun down, Mr. and Mrs. McNally departed, other guests shouted their farewells and were gone. The caterer cleared up, spurred on by Co

Finally, only Co

"Bless you, my child," I said gratefully.

She drove back to her condo and I followed closely. We arrived without incident and within fifteen minutes were lounging on her miniature balcony, gazing down at a simmering Lake Worth and sipping sancerre. What more, I wondered, could life hold for a growing boy.

"Tell me, Archy," Co

"Busy, busy, busy," I said. "Di

"More of the same," she said, and we both burst out laughing.

"Actually," I said, "it's been sluggish."

"A drag," she said.

"Nothing," I said.

"Zip," she said.

We were contentedly together.

"Must you go?" she asked in a wispy voice.

"No," I said, "I must not."

"Promise not to snore?"

"I never snore," I said indignantly.

"Perhaps not but you do burble occasionally."

"I'll promise not to burble if you promise not to kick."

"I never kick," she said firmly.

"Do so."

"Do not."

"Then you sometimes jerk in your sleep. You convulse."

"Convulse?" she said. "Is that fun?"

"It can be," I said. "Under the right circumstances."

She refilled our glasses. "I've missed you, Archy," she said casually.

"And I've missed you, Co

"It's been silly-time," she added.

"Too true," I concurred.

"Right now?" she asked.

" 'Barkis is willin'," I told her.

"Who's Barkis?"

"A close friend of mine."

"I think I've had enough of your close friends," she said.

I ski

She climbed into bed and we moved close.

"Let's go for it," she said.

I still refuse to believe romantic love is a myth. But an intimate friendship between a man and a woman is better.

I think.