"And so you will. Rose. I am looking forward
to working with you all," Mr. Marlowe said. "So are we," Howard quickly followed. Laura Fairchild came walking quickly down the
corridor from the rear of the house, her tall, thin heels
pinging like steel raindrops over the floor.
"Oh, Mr. Marlowe." she said. "Madame
Senetsky was asking after you. The rest of the staff
has been meeting with her in her office. She sent me
for you. Girls, boys," she continued turning toward us.
"'follow me into the dining room for your seating." "See you in a while then," Mr. Marlowe said,
and hurried down the corridor toward Madame
Senetsky's office.
"She won't spank him for being late, will she?"
Steven quipped. Ms. Fairchild ignored him and led us
into the dining room.
"You'll sit across from your teachers." she
began. "Ice here." she said, holding the back of the
chair at the near end of the long table. "Steven. Rose.
Honey. Howard. and Cinnamon," she continued down
the table.
She nodded at the empty chairs.
"These will be your permanent seats at this
table.."
"Permanent seats? What is this, grade school?"
Steven asked.
"Maybe that is how our teachers will recognize
us," Cinnamon wondered aloud.
"No." Ms. Fairchild said. "You'll be properly
introduced when they arrive. Please be seated. Do any
of you have any questions about dinner table
etiquette? Which fork to use when. anything?" She