Gwen had to be escorted from the room by Amelia, who came back 
immediately and stationed herself nearby, hands clasped behind back like a 
military sentry, observing Hackworth's every move. Hackworth couldn't imagine 
what they suspected he might be capable of—incest in the parlor? But 
there was no point in spoiling the moment by thinking of galling things, and so 
he shut Amelia out of his mind.