“Thank you, Rene. Have you had a good day?”
He jumped at the chance to talk about it. “It’s been very profitable,” he began, falling in beside me as we walked toward the cottage. “I found several celts—that means their worked stones, naturally, not the people themselves—and a small circle of the Breton type that I believe—I’m almost sure—has never been documented.”
“What a pleasant surprise!”
“Indeed it was!” His gaze slid sideways toward me, then appeared to bolt like a frightened rabbit. But I had caught a glimpse of his eyes, shining with mingled excitement and anxiety, and I thanked all my heathen gods that I had come.
“Then on top of that to be surprised out of your wits by a visitor—” I said.
“I’m acting quite witless, I know.” He stopped and, with an effort of will, steadied hi
