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Show then was shaken by a surge of anger the likes of which she'd never felt before. To say such a thing to a parent like that, full bald! Then, as suddenly as her anger came, it dissipated, leaving her drained and much ashamed. "Aye," she said. "Thou speakest truly, methinks. In faith, the boy would need a good head as partner to successfully run that Hold. In truth, he has neither his father's craft nor his grandfather's good sense " Her voice trailed away, her heart heavy with both self-reproach, disappointment at her most wished-for union for Janni, and at the loss of the young Igor so long before, a loss that she had never gotten over in all these TwelveMonths since. Aye, she'd been enamored of Dr'Igor, indeed! Had the girl only known the grief! But she had obeyed her father, as was proper for a maid of her degree. She had obeyed.... There ensued several moments of silence, and Janni laid her head back down and closed her eyes, from under the lids of which issued two tears. She had indeed not wished to wound her mother; but she knew full well that wound her she did. Dr'Anya brooded the whilst, then said slowly. "But, my child, hoped I indeed for grandchildren." She splashed her feet in the hot water and looked at Janni out of the corner of her eye. II _ II Dr'Anya sighed heavily, and Janni rolled over onto her back to gaze at her. "But," continued the woman "that be indeed full selfish of m e . . . -" Though she thought it selfish not at all. "'Twould make me fair glad to givest thee grandchildren. Little ones I would fain bring to thee," Janni said quietly, examining her fingernails. Then she turned to her mother abruptly- "Tell me, my mother, why can I not?" 203 |