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"I shall return to the back country for a time," he said

My throat suddenly swelled inside; I sed

"I want to be with the clan, to help to defend Barraigh, if needed," he said

"Of course," I whispered

We did not speak again until the dance ended As he led ed to say, "When shall you depart?" looking down at uests have departed; perhaps as soon as the day after to myself to look into his face He bowed "Your servant,into the crowd

I rested, as I had promised Mrs Randall I would do, and then danced with Kevin The evening now seemed interminable I looked for Mrs Randall; she was seated on a sofa, surrounded by guests I went to her and told her that I was tired and wished to retire She s me leave, and I curtsied to her Ito everyone as I passed

I went up the stairs and into the bedrooown and into htdress I stared at myself in the mirror as Susan brushed my hair

I would not think of Robbie I would not reone I would shoulder o his oay