“Fetch your girls, and Caroline—do you mind if I call you Caroline, and you call me Elizabeth—notEliza—Elizabeth?”
“I might find it odd, but I will adapt. Elizabeth?”
“Caroline, you askedwhy?”
“Yes, and you gave half an answer, but I will not complain.”
“Let me give you a better answer.”
“I would appreciate that.”
“You will understandwhyI do this whenyou no longer need to ask why.When you fully understand that I had no other alternative,thenyou will understand. If it must be explained,you cannot understand. Once you are capable of understanding, you will not need an explanation.”
“I do not understand.”
“I do not expect you to, but you will.”
“Thank you, Mrs—Elizabeth.”
“You are welcome, Caroline. Bring me some reinforcements.”
~~~Finis~~~
