"I neither admit nor deny, but never fear! I'll be on hand when the soup is served! Now I have business with Fratano; please excuse me."
Spanchetta grudgingly moved aside.
"Fratano is occupied with his own dressing and won't wish to be bothered. I'" take in your message, if you like."
"I must see to this matter myself." Scharde stepped in front of Spanchetta, holding his breath against the warm and heavy scent, half perfume, half female fecundity, which she exuded. He entered Fratano's private parlor and carefully closed the door, almost in Spanchetta's face.
Fratano, wearing a loose lounge-robe, sat in an easy chair with one long pallid foot propped on a cushioned stool, while a Yip maidservant massaged his lower leg. He looked up with a questioning frown.
"Well, then, Scharde, what is it now? Can't you come at a more convenient time?"
"The time will never be more convenient, as you will learn.
Send the girl away; our conversation must be private."
Fratano made a peevish clicking sound with his tongue.
"Is it so vital as all that? Paz is not interested in our talk."
"Possibly not, but I have noticed that Namour knows everything about everybody. Need I say more? Girl, take yourself from the room, and close the door as you leave."
After a glance at Fratano, the maid rose. She took up her pot of ointment and with a cool half-smile for Scharde, left the room.
"So, now!" growled Fratano.
"What is of such importance that it interferes with my massage?"
"Today is Glawen's sixteenth birthday, and he becomes a provisional."
Fratano blinked, suddenly thoughtful.
"What of it?"
"Have you been notified of his official SI?"
"Yes, so I have." Fratano coughed and cleared his throat.
"Again-what of that?"
"Spanchetta brought it to you?"
"That is inconsequential, one way or the other. It has to arrive from
Bureau A by some means. Usually Dame Leuta brings it over.
Today it was Spanchetta. The SI is the same."
"Has Spanchetta ever handed it in before?"
"No. Now tell me, once and for all, what are you up to?"
"I think you know. You've looked at the number?"
"Of course! Why not?"
"And what is the number?"
Fratano tried to draw himself up.
"I can't tell you that!
The SIs are fl confidential!"
"Not if Bureau B decides to concern itself."
Fratano pulled himself up in his chair.
"Why should Bureau interfere in House business? I insist on knowing what you are getting,!! at!"
"I am investigating what may be a criminal conspiracy."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"When Spanchetta claims to know Glawen'sSI and tells ArlesJB who crows about his knowledge to Glawen, that is already wrongdoing.! If the Housemaster is involved, the question of criminal conspiracy! arises." S Fratano gave a poignant cry.
"What are you saying! I am guilty of I nothing!"
"Where is the SI?"
