6
George was leaning against the balcony rail and shaking with anger. Thomas found his own place on the rail further down. It was a long time before George straightened up, longer still before he turned around. There was still no noise from inside the apartment, and Thomas guessed that neither father nor daughter had moved.
“What in the name of the Four was she thinking?” said George at last. “And what were you thinking taking her in?”
“What else could I do?” asked Thomas.
“Send her back! On the first boat heading up the river!”
“She only arrived two evenings ago,” said Thomas.
“And stayed here, did she?” snarled George. “You must have enjoyed that!”
Thomas straightened, willing down his own anger. “She stayed in Benjamin’s old room,” he said, keeping his voice even. “You know me be
