Oh no. Was his Jewishness scaring him off? Back home, while hardly egalitarian, there was more interaction between the staff and household what with sharing an oppressed faith. He had not had reason to notice how the staff scurried off like caught mice amongst his own peers, since he had the privilege of having his attentions elsewhere.

“Oscar Wilde’s!” he called back. “Intentions by –...” he paused, shook his head and untangled his legs from the side of the chair.

Zechariah started toward Simon with the book in hand, holding the cover up so he could read. He approached carefully, hesitantly, like one might in trying to investigate a wounded deer.