did indeed,” I said. “One has to be very firm in situations like these. These women would have had you running errands for them all afternoon! When I particularly want you.” Just for good measure, I picked a non-existent bit of lint off his jacket. He took up my hand and kissed it quickly. I sensed a general intake of breath from all onlookers. “Gently does it!” I warned him. “I need you to be eligible enough to sell all these gimcracks.”
