"Curious," said another, "she seems perfectly normal. You know, it must
be like her personality. What's really wrong is invisible."
"Aye, like her invisible god!" volunteered a third, gaining a laugh
from all sides.
"Now girls," admonished Sorpiala lightly, "if you can't say anything
nice, just don't--say anything! Right, Si'Wren?"
Clearly to Si'Wren now, Sorpiala had harbored a secret and unreasonably
jealous attitude toward her, since seeing all of the attention which
Habrunt had so openly bestowed upon a recently convalescing Si'Wren.
Sorpiala never cared a whit for Habrunt, but it vexed her no end that
anyone should enjoy themselves so much. But now, behold, here was
Si'Wren, defenseless!
Sorpiala stepped boldly in front of Si'Wren and said, "I'm sorry about
before, Si'Wren. I must also apologize for the inconsiderate manner of
my friends here. They do not mean to be so rude. Surely you of all
people must understand. I mean, it's just that nobody has quite gotten
over the shock of learning that your personal beliefs were
so--different--from everyone else's."
Si'Wren stood silent, surrounded by them all, and unable to reply.
"Well?" said Sorpiala. She stared full-face at Si'Wren. "You could at
least nod or something when I speak.
Pages:
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154