"The answer seems to be no."

"Emphatically! If you and I went frolicking off in a boat leaving Julian standing on the shore, we could expect a cool reception on our return, and only haughty glances from Julian."

"And still he is considered a philosopher?"

"As a matter of fact, we are demeaning poor Julian. He is actually rather a pleasant fellow, although prone to impromptu political speeches."

"Hm. Someday I would like to meet this splendid young prodigy!"

"That is easy enough. Julian is quite approachable, even amiable, if you don't annoy him." Wayness seemed to reflect.

"There is nothing to stop you from calling today, if you were of a mind to do so."

"Why not?" said Glawen.

"Spoken like a true Clattuc! Why not indeed? But you must come as if paying a formal visit, or Mother would politely ask you to call another day, in order to give Julian a free hand with me."

"A formal visit?"

"It's a common custom in Stroma, and considered a compliment to the hostess."

"I need no invitation?"

"Not for a formal call. Best of all, she is obliged to be agreeable." Wayness turned a quick look over her shoulder.

"But you must conduct yourself by the proper etiquette."

"That goes without saying. I may be a Clattuc but I do not dip my chin in the soup."

Wayness made an impatient gesture.

"Listen carefully! You must wear a hat, if only your sailing cap."

"I understand. Proceed."

"Pick a nice bouquet of flowers, then come to the front door at Riverview House."

"And then?"

"Listen carefully! Every detail is important! Sound the chime, and stand close by the door. If Mother appears, you must step forward into the doorway, proffer the flowers and say: "Dame Cora, from my house to yours comes this blessing of flowers." Say no more, no less. Etiquette requires that Mother take the flowers and make a formal acknowledgment. No matter what she says, pay no heed, even if it is something like "Thank you, Glawen; today we are all sick." Just pretend you did not hear. Step forward and hand her your cap. She must now say: "What a great pleasure! How long will we enjoy your company?" You will say: "Today only!" And that is the whole of it. You have used the proper ritual and you are now a welcome guest, on a level with Julian."

"What if someone else answers the door?"

"Then you must step forward into the doorway, but not into the house just so that the door cannot be closed and say: "I bring a token for Dame Cora Tamm." Then wait until Mother appears, and proceed as before. Can you remember all this?"

"I'm afraid I'll feel embarrassed."

"Julian Bohost would perform the ritual with total aplomb and excite Mother's admiration."

"I'm not embarrassed after all," said Glawen.

"I'll be there as soon as possible."

"Today should be interesting," said Wayness.

Glawen changed into garments he thought suitable for the occasion, pulled a soft cap slantwise over his forehead and left the chambers. From the House gardener he obtained a bouquet of beautiful pink jonquils, then took himself at best speed south, down the Beach Road, to River-view House.

He halted before the massive front door, where he discovered that his heart seemed to be beating faster than usual. He muttered under his breath: "Am I really such a coward after all? Dame Cora is a gracious lady! I have no real cause for fear."

He settled his jacket, arranged the bouquet, marched forward and sounded the chime.

Moments passed, one after the other. The door opened, to reveal Dame Cora herself, stately in a gown of soft dark blue weave, enlivened by stripes of rose red. She looked at Glawen in mild surprise, which became startlement as he stepped forward into the doorway and thrust the bouquet into her hands.

"Dame Cora, from my house to yours comes this blessing of flowers!"

Dame Cora at last found her tongue.

"The flowers are beautiful, Glawen, and I am pleased to find that you are familiar with the old courtesies, even if you don't quite understand all their implications." She went on, rather lamely: "I fear that both Milo and Wayness are occupied today. But you'll see them soon at school. I will tell them that you called."

Glawen grimly stepped forward, so that Dame Cora was forced to sway back. He took off his cap and pushed it into her limp fingers.

"Indeed, Glawen, this is a great surprise and a great pleasure. How long may we expect to enjoy your company?"

"Today only, sad to say."

Dame Cora closed the door with a hint of unnecessary emphasis.

Glawen took occasion to look about the room, which was pleasantly dim. Age-darkened wainscoting covered the walls;

on the floor a heavy rug displayed patterns worked in odd combinations of black, black-red, sour green and blue-green, with accents of dark orange, white and red. Across the room a line of glass-fronted cabinets displayed

oddments and curios collected across eras of time and light-years of I space.

Dame Cora, turning from the door, stood irresolute a moment, chewing on an invisible bit of thread. Then she said crisply: "Naturally, Glawen, we are always happy to see you, but " Glawen bowed.

"No more need be said, Dame Cora. I am happy to be here."

Wayness entered the room.

"Who is it, Mother?" She had changed from her dark green blouse and now wore a dusky-pale frock almost the same color as her skin; in the dimness her eyes seemed large and luminous.

"Glawen? How nice to see you!"

Dame Cora said: "Glawen has presented himself as a guest, despite the inconveniences which our other guests may impose upon him."

Wayness came forward.

"You need not worry about Glawen; he is flexible and not at all diffident. In any case, either Milo or I will see to his comfort."