But Nell heard rumors about Fiona from the other girls, who had picked up 
snatches from their parents. After Fiona had been gone for a year or so, word 
got out that Fiona's mother had obtained a divorce—which, in their 
tribe, only happened in cases of adultery or abuse. Nell wrote Fiona a
long letter saying she was terribly sorry if her father had been abusive, and 
offering her support in that case. A few days later she got back a curt note in 
which Fiona defended her father from all charges. Nell wrote back a letter of 
apology but didn't hear from Fiona Hackworth again.