Nature.

Mrs. Gottlieb's hand rose, perhaps to beckon him in, but stopped and turned to me. "Ah. This is uh...," she began, her head turning on a swivel. Aware of my... new-ness to their ways, she asked me, "Would, would it trouble you if I... attended to this matter, Mr. McKay?"

Recognizing the Dance her servant was trying his best to not dance, I knew Time was of the essence. "By all means!" I replied, putting my Cup aside. "I'll just step out a minute, won't I?"

"Sorry, Sir, but I don't think you have the time," he grunted, his face turning red from effort.

Pointing the the far wall, where all her Books were stored, Mrs. Gottlieb snapped at me, "Won't you go have a look at my collection, Mr. McKay? I'm sure you'll find something to hold your attention!" Catching her meaning, I made my way over quickly and started counting the spines of her collection. Behind me, I heard her hiss, "Quickly, Jeffery, quickly! You'll ruin my favorite Carpet!"

Behind me, I heard hurried steps and rustling of Clothing, accompanied by a very grateful and rushed, "Thank you Sir, Thank you Ma'am!", which was then followed by a long sigh of relief.

And much swallowing.

After perhaps my second time counting from the top, I heard Mrs. Gottlieb cough. "Well, that was quite a lot wasn't it?"

Jeffery cleared his throat. "Yes Ma'am. Haven't been since noon yesterday."

"Oh. Yes, so you haven't," she mused. "Is that all?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Good. Oh, Mr. McKay," she said, her voice becoming clearer. She must have turned to speak to me. "Will you be staying for dinner?"

"Pardon my rudeness for not turning, Mrs. Gottlieb," I answered, "but I'm afraid I have to decline the invitation. Perhaps another time?"

"Very well then. Thank you Jeffery, you may leave," she said, dismissing her servant. When his steps fell silent, she said to me, "Find anything you'd like to borrow? And do come sit back down. I swear upon God Almighty, that I am presentable." I took a deep breath and turned slowly. Still sat upon her seat, as if nothing had happened, Mrs. Gottlieb smiled at me. Taking my seat once more, I picked up my Cup, and then promptly put it back down again. "Is something the matter, Mr. MrKay?"

Resting my arm upon the chair, I gesticulated wildly with my finger, my mouth opening and closing like a fish, unable to find the words, until I finally said, "Was that his Freedom...or yours?"