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Show ever been autocratic, aye, and perhaps the child has spoken of this failing of mine to her friend Lori on Earth, as children will do, as they will speak of their parents who are of such trials to them. At that point, Dr'Anya's face felt hotter still and she became, against, all logic, gripped by resentment. Talked she thus of me, she thought? Could such a thing come to pass between us? And if I insist on the closeness we had at one time, if I force myself upon her, she will assuredly hate me as one hates a boil stuck onto the skin. She was shaken to the very core with these musings. I must perforce let go with such dignity as I can! she thought despondently. Let g o . . .. "And of thy future, my child," she said cooly, "hast thou thought on't? Of trips? Of researches, or work? Of mayhap taking over the Gundarholt manor?" The maiden started at her good mother's tone which had changed so precipately in the space of a moment. Ah, 'tis come, she thought. I have ever been a great worry and trouble to her-as now, due to my plaguing Skill-I have ever done things naught to her wishes. I have ever defied her in my youth. Why should she not will me now to leave her in peace, even if I must stay here in the Cloisters for good and all? And indeed, I am almost to my majority, and I have mine own income from my villainous father. Mayhap my good mother had not wished me to come home at all! A wave of loneliness swept over the maid at these thoughts, for she had so looked forward to her homecoming, had hoped that she and her mother might become close friends and comrades now that she'd finished her schooling. But clearly her good mother willed it not and with fair reason, 81 |
