-He was on the telephone, talking to Mimi Carson. ' want to buy your ponies,'Woody said. His voice was filled with excitement. He listened a moment. ''s right, the whole stable. I'm very serious. Right.' The conversation lasted half an hour, and when 244 Woody replaced the receiver, he was grinning. He went to find Peggy. She was seated alone on the veranda. Woody could still see the bruises on her face where he had hit her. tpeggy ... I She looked up, warily. " have to talk to you. I ... I don't know where to She sat there, waiting. He took a deep breath. ' know I've. been a rotten -husband. Some of the things I've done are inexcusable. But, darling, all that is going to change now. Don't you see? We're rich. Really rich. I want to make everything up to you.' He took her hand. ''m going to get off drugs this time. I really am. We're going to have a Whole different life.' -She looked into his eyes, and said tonelessly, ' I promise. I know I've said it before, but this it's really going to work. I've made up my minding to a clinic somewhere where they can cure nt to get out of this hell I've been in. Peggy .. e was desperation in his voice. ' can't do it with- "Out you., You know I can't.' he looked at him a long time, then cradled him in ra s. ' baby. I know,'she whispered. ' know. 111 help you ...' 245 It was time for Margo Posner to leave. Tyler found her in the study. He closed the door. ' just wanted to thank you again, Margo.' She smiled. it's been fun. I really had a good time.' she looked up at him archly. ' I should become an actress! He smiled. ''d be good at it. You certainly fooled this audience! 11 did, didn't IT "Here's the rest of your money.'He took an envelope out of his pocket.
"And your plane ticket back to Chicago." you.' He looked at his watch. ''d better get going! '. I just want you to know that I appreciate everything. I mean, your getting me out of prison and all! He smiled. ''s all right: Have a good trip."! lie watched her go upstairs to pack. The game was over. Check and check mate. Margo Posner was in her bedroom finishing packing when Kendall walked in. ', Julia. I just wanted to She stopped. ' are you doing?"'m going home.' Kendall looked at her in surprise. ' soon? Why? 1 246 was hoping we might spend some time together and get acquainted. We have so many years to catch up on.". Well, some other time.' Kendall sat on the edge of the bed. ''s like a nuracle, isn't it? Finding each other after all these years- Margo went on with her packing. '. It's a miracle, all right! ' must feel like Cinderella. I mean, one minute you re living a perfectly average life and the next minute someone hands you a billion dollars! Margo stopped her packing. " said ..." billion dollarst '. According to Father's will, that's what we each inherit. Margo was looking at Kendall, stunned. ' each 4 get a billion dollarst ''t they tell yout ','Margo said slowly.'They didn't tell me.'There was a thoughtful expression on her face. ' know, Kendall, you're right. Maybe -we should get better acquainted! 4111., Tyler was in the solarium, looking at photographs of yachts, when Clark approached him. ' me, Judge Stanford. There's a telephone call for you."'ll take it in here.' 247 _711,@ It was Keith Percy in Chicago. ".' J have some really great news for you!" 60ht ' that I'm retiring, how would you like to be appointed chiefjudge?' It was all Tyler could do to keep from giggling. ' would be wonderful, Keith.", it's yours!" ... I don't know what to say.' What should I say? ' don't sit on the bench in a dirty little courtroom in Chicago, handing out sentences to the misfits of the world?' Or '1l be too busy sailing around the world on my yacht?" soon can you get back to Chicagot ' will be a while," Tyler said. ' have a lot to do here.", we'll all be waiting for you.' Don't holdyour breath. '-bye.' He replaced the receiver and glanced at his watch. It was time for Margo to be leaving for the airport. Tyler went upstairs to see if she was ready. When he walked into Margo's bedroom, she was unpacking her suitcase. He looked at her in surprise. ''re not ready.' She looked up at him and smiled. '.
I'm unpacking. I've been thinking. I like it here. Maybe I should stay awhile.' 248 He frowned. ' are you talking about?- You're catching a plane to Chicago., ''ll be another- plane along, judge.' She grinned. ' I'll even buy my own., ' are you saying?' 4YOu told me You wanted me to help you play a little joke on someone ' "Well, thejoke seems to be on me. I'm worth a billion ..' Tyler's expression hardened. ' want you to get out of here. Now." you? I think I'll go when I'm ready,, Margo said. ' I'm not ready., Tyler stood there, studying her. ' ... what is It u wantt I She nodded.
"That's better. The billion dollars I'm supposed to get. You were planning to keep it for yourself, right? I figured You were pulling a little scam to Pick UP some extra money, but a billion dollars! That's a different ball game. I think I deserve a share of that.' There was a knock at the bedroom door. ' me,' Clark said. ' is served.
Margo turned to Tyler. ' go along. I won't be joining you. I have some important errands to run.' Later that afternoon, packages began to arrive at Rose Hill. There were boxes of dresses from Armani, 249 - sportswear from Scaasi-Boutique, lingerie from Jordan Marsh, a sable coat from Neiman Marcus, and a diamond bracelet from Cartier. All the packages were addressed to Miss. Julia Stanford. When Margo walked in the door at four thirty, Tyler was waiting to confront her, furious. ' do you think you're doing?' he demanded. She smiled. ' needed a few things. After all, your sister has to be well dressed, doesn't she? It's amazing how much credit a store will give you when you're a Stanford.
You will take care of the bills, won't yout ' ...".' She reminded him. ' the way, I saw the pictures of yachts on the table.
Are you planning to buy onet ' none of your business."'t be too sure. Maybe you and I will take a cruise. Weill name the yicht Margo. Or should we name it Julia? We can go around the world together.