"Oh, I'm prefectly fine. I don't, however, think the handbags are as in fine condition though."

"Oh, I hope I haven't spoilt them." She laughed ruefully despite herself. "This is why I wish I were seventeen. A flick of the wrist and no one would ever know. Then it wouldn't matter where I danced."

"This might just make it that much easier."

"I'm glad of that. Anything in particular you are looking for."

She placed a few more hand bags precariously back on the racks they had fallen from, and a slight bounce had returned to her steps.

"At least you've chosen a nice pair of robes to be dancing in."

Josephine was really much too thrilled with the idle compliment, but she couldn't help but show her pleasure. "That's really very nice of you to say." She smoothed over the silk with her fingers.

"I'm Josephine Mar-" She closed her mouth quickly over the introduction. "I'm Josephine."


'Love me like your eyes; but that is not enough: like yourself, more than yourself, than your thoughts, your life, all of you. Till then, a thousand kisses, mio dolce amor! but give me none back for they set my blood on fire. ' -Bonaparte