Dave started introducing them around. The two she'd
sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in
as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no
doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's
faces as they approached. Bain made the introductions, then said, "We
heard what's started happening to you at Mass. Does it . . . Are you
all right?"

"It's painless, and I'm fine. Once I get cleaned up, anyway. What
about you?"

Pritchett looked at his gloved hands, then at hers. "No pain--but what
do they mean?"

Cortin explained as she had to the others earlier, then went on to tell
them the rest of her vision, pleased to see their expressions go from
worry to satisfaction.

"What about the others?" Pritchett asked.

"Brad and Ivan yes, Edward and Ursula I don't know; I haven't seen them
since."

"Doesn't seem right, somehow, to keep them covered," Pritchett said
slowly. "Now I know what they mean, I think they should be seen."

Cortin looked at him in momentary puzzlement, then shook her head
ruefully and removed her gloves, tucking them in the back of her belt.
"You're absolutely right, Tiny--with the meaning changed, they should
be. I suppose wearing gloves has gotten to be so much of a habit it
simply never occurred to me not to."

The older boy tugged on her sleeve. "Can I see, Gramma Joan?"

Cortin knelt, extending her hands to the three children. "Of course,
Luke--and Kateri, and George. God willing, you'll have them yourselves
some day."

"Pretty," Kateri stated unequivocally. "Want now."

"Sorry, sweetheart," Cortin said. "You can't have them till you're
older--but I can offer you some milk and gingerbread our cook made
special for you."

"Okay." With that, the three hurried unerringly toward the refreshment
table and Cortin rose, chuckling.

"I apologize for their rudeness, Excellency," Betty said. "I am
teaching them better manners than that--I'm afraid the trip and the
excitement have taken their toll."

"I understand perfectly," Cortin said. "Despite what some people say,
I was a child myself once. And Dave should have told you: in private,
I'm Joan."

"He did--but I wasn't sure." Betty hesitated. "He and Tiny have told
me so much about you and the team that I feel I've known you all for
years. I don't know how to thank you for inviting us into your hom