Good thoughts about Adam's idea of who is at the door.
Interesting business with Vicki and Stokes when he comes to Collinwood. Vicki is waiting anxiously when Stokes arrives and explains that Jeff doesn’t know who he is. With great courtesy and gentleness, Stokes rebukes her in the mildest possible way for putting pressure on Jeff, whatever his past might be. In any event, Stokes really came to see Julia. Vicki inadvertently gives him the shock of his life by casually mentioning that Cassandra told her earlier that Julia had gone out. To Stokes's dismay, Vicki tells him Cassandra’s "Philadelphia story." While Stokes is still recovering from this staggering news, Nicholas walks into the drawing room, and Vicki makes the introductions. The two men fence carefully. We’ve met before, Stokes says. I was at the antique shop when you sold Angelique’s portrait to the owner. Nicholas denies it and leaves shortly after. The portrait of Angelique is in its original state again, isn’t it? Stokes comments rather than asks. He doesn’t even need to see it. Surprised, Vicki says it is.
