for the tastes in food are controlled more by the condition of the body
than by the time of day. When I had satisfied my needs, we reclined in
our chairs and began conversing:

"Tell me," I said, "Did my untimely slumber yester eve cause any
irritated prides?"

"Quite to the contrary, the council was well humored and followed your
lead to their bed chambers."

"I am relieved to hear it, for I was anxious of appearing lax in ardor
or animation."

"Not so, my friend, you are quite exonerated from doubtful thoughts.
There is a session planned for this evening though, so may yet feel
yourself put on trial."

"Unfortunate," said I, "But surely they can mean no harm, am I not the
kinsman redeemer, after all?"

"Yes, you are," Bernibus said with a look of subdued apprehension, "We
have an end in view, though the means are as yet not wholly decided. It
is a complicated situation."

I smiled softly, "So is always the case."

"In truth it is: time reveals all things yet do all things reveal time?"


"What do you mean?" I asked him.