City of Night
Page 31

“Wait right there,” she said. “I’ll be back.”
She went into the kitchen, found a wicker picnic hamper in the pantry, and filled it with cheese, roast beef, bread, fruit, and a bottle of white wine.
She thought the troll might be gone when, she returned, but it remained at the window.
When she opened the porch door and stepped outside, the troll took fright and scampered across the lawn. It didn’t run away, but stopped to watch her from a distance.
She put down the hamper, returned to the porch, sat as before, and refreshed her glass of cognac.
Hesitantly at first, then with sudden boldness, the creature went to the hamper and lifted the lid.
When it understood the nature of the offering, it picked up the hamper and hurried toward the back of the property, vanishing into the night.
The perfect hostess does not gossip about a guest. She never fails to keep secrets and honor confidences.
The perfect hostess is creative, patient, and has a long memory—as does a wise wife.