mean that it is an... adequate reward for your... er... services and that..." Mia hastily interjected, already accustomed to his roundabout manner of speech. "I love my work and rejoice in the contribution to my client's lives," she lied shamelessly. "The financial rewards are merely a bonus. Now, be gone! As you leave this tent, keep in mind that you must throw yourself at the world with gusto!" Jason was so inspired by her words that he almost knocked over his stool in his hurry to put her advice into practice. As the tent flap fell to behind him, Mia eagerly gathered the coins and smiled in satisfaction at her financial gain. A pang of guilt struck her suddenly as she realised the extent of her manipulation. After all, the lad was young, naive and innocent and she had used these factors to her advantage. She hurriedly dismissed this train of thought, explaining to her troubled conscience that she had done the young lad a great service by helping him to discover his inner confidence. Perhaps, she had changed the course of his life by invoking belief in himself and his future, she told her protesting subconscious, self importantly. Besides, she mentally concluded, regretful thoughts and moral misgivings are out of place in this business. As she counted the day's takings, Mia heard the rustle of her tent flap parting. "Oh, you're back, are you?" she inquired, without looking up. "Haven't you learned enough about your future yet?" she scolded,