I will tell you truly that I thought long and hard before I admitted
that there was a chaance for Debra, and even then I would have hidden it
for my own selfish happiness, You still do not make sense. How can
Debra regaining her sight affect you?
Look at me, said David softly, and the Brig glared at him ferociously,
expecting more, but when nothing further came his expression eased and
he did look at David, for the first time truly seeing the terribly
ravaged head, the obscene travesty of human shape, and suddenly he
thought on it from David's side, whereas before he had considered it
only as a father.
His eyes dropped and he turned to replenish his whisky glass.
If I can give her sight, I will do it. Even though it will be an
expensive gift for me, she must take it. David felt his voice
trembling. But I believe that she loves me enough to spurn it, if she
were ever given the choice. I do not want her ever to be tortured by
that choice. The Brig lifted his glass and took a deep swallow, half
the contents at a gulp.
As you wish, he acquiesced, and it may have been the whisky, but his
voice sounded husky with an emotion David had never suspected before.
Thank you, sir. David set down his own glass, still untasted. If
you'll excuse me, I think I should go and change now. He moved to the
door.
David! the Brig called to him and he turned back.
The gold tooth gleamed in the dark bristly patch of mustache, as the
Brig smiled a strangely embarrassed but gentle smile.
You'll do, he said.
The reception was in the banquet-room at the Heerengracht Hotel, and as
David and Debra rode up together in the elevator, she seemed to sense
his dread, for she squeezed his arm.
Stay close to me tonight, she murmured. I'll need you, and he knew it
was said to distract him and he was grateful to her. They would be a
freak show, and even though he was sure most of the guests had been
prepared, yet he knew it would be an ordeal. He leaned to brush her
cheek with his.
Her hair was loose and soft, very dark and glossy and the sun had gilded
her face to gold. She wore a plain green sheath that fell in simple
lines to the floor, but left her arms and shoulders bare. They were
strong and smooth, with the special lustre of the skin highlighting the
smooth flow of her flesh.
She wore little make-up, a light touch on the lips only, and the serene
expression of her eyes enhanced the simple grace of her carriage as she
moved on his arm, giving David just that courage he needed to face the
crowded room.
it was an elegant gathering, women in rich silks and jewellery, the men
dark-suited, with the heaviness of body and poise which advertises power
and wealth, but the Brig stood out amongst them, even in a civilian
suit, lean and hard where they were plump and complacent like a falcon
amongst a flock of pheasants.
He brought Reuben Friedman to them and introduced them casually. He was
