the covers on the king-sized bed were in a tangle , and yesterday 's underwear lay on the floor . they had to get a closer look . after a few rings he stirred and rolled off the bed to retrieve it . when he glanced back at her , the joy that had been in her face was gone and she was wrapping her arms around herself . operating against all of beths expectations , the talker smiled . well , i am sorry about that , mrs. partridge said softly . 