Men have either painted me, or been in love with me, or just plain ill-treated me — some men have to do a lot of ill-treating, you know, it’s good for their work; but one way or another, I’ve always been needed. I’ve got to inspire people, Cassandra — it’s my job in life.” I told her then that I had a faint hope that father was working. “Do you mean I’ve inspired him just by keeping away from him?” We both roared with laughter. Topaz’s sense of humor is intermittent, but good when it turns up. When we had calmed down, she said:
Topaz the muse.
