She knew by the expressions on their faces that they thought this very unlikely.
Then fortunately, far quicker than she expected, the servant returned with a tray full of fancy pastries which the children were delighted with and so were their mothers.
They ate quickly, then as if they sensed as Giona did that it would be a mistake for them to linger any longer, they took their leave.
Giona tried to shake hands with the mothers, but to her embarrassment they curtseyed, then went down on their knees to kiss her hand and the children followed their example.
They were so effusive in their gratitude that it was pathetic and, when she waved them goodbye from the top of the steps, she thought, if nothing else, she had made a few friends in Dūric.
Then, as she turned back to go through the hi
