Dean had to give Cynthia credit. She pretended so well to be interested in the recitation of the saga that he almost believed she was becoming a fan. However, when the phone rang-one a reservation, the other a lengthy call for Fred from his current beloved-Cynthia jumped like a startled rabbit. In an attempt to calm his wife's progressive nervousness, and because he too felt like a snort, Dean broke out a jug of left over Christmas cheer. It didn't last long as it was within Gladys' frequent reach.
The others returned in a group, the climbers boisterously chatting, but any sign of camaraderie among the others was absent. Ryland made a beeline for his room, and the Quincy sisters tromped up the stairs, Effie giving a three-finger wave and Claire looking as if she'd punch out the lights of anyone who got in her way. The reunited Shipton family stood like a Saturday Evening Post cover. Jerome held Donnie's hand while his other arm was about Edith's shoulder, in a grasp that looked to Dean a tad too tight for simple affection. Cynthia cast her eyes downward while Gladys glared at Jerome with unfettered hatred, looking as if she wished she had a giant icicle to do her research here and now. Edith stared straight ahead, looking as zonked as Gladys was well on her way to becoming.
"Donnie's going to sleep with Ryland tonight," Shipton said with a smile, as if he was sending the boy off to a slumber party. The look on Donnie's face indicated this was news to him. The look on Edith's face said she was off visiting the planet Zzz.
"There's only one bed there and the room's small," Dean said. "Donnie can bunk in our office." The boy smiled at the suggestion, but Shipton shook his head no.
"He can sleep on the floor. Just make a pallet with some blankets." He let go of Donnie's hand and turned to his wife, with more of a leer than a look of love. "Edith and I need privacy." He turned, and was off up the stairs, propelling his bewildered wife before him. Donnie ran off to Ryland's room. Cynthia began to quietly cry out of sheer frustration while Gladys Turnbull snored loudly.