Henry Blackwell & MartinHiram Blackwell & TimothyLouisa Wilton Blackwell & PearlCora BlackwellHenrys classmates at the Algonquin School:Walter Addison & HarveyJeremy Blankenship & Ray*Joshua Brand & Miles*Louis Briggs & Peter*Freddie Caldwell & Tom*Albert DeWitt & Stuart*Randall Fox & HowardWendell Franklin & Ralph*Maurice Gaines & OllieDaniel Hollingsworth & Allen*Gordon Lovejoy & Julian*David Maxwell & Alex*Adam Pettibone & SamCharles Ross & Simon*Victor Spence & Will*Robert Townsend & Dick*Philip van Houten & Davey**Henrys friendsBlackwell Family Slaves:Nurse: EstherButler: RandolphFootmen: Billy, PaulHousekeeper: DoraCook: BertieScullery Maids: Vida, RubyChambermaids: Peggy, Delia, KatieParlor Maids: Lucy, Ruth, EllenLaundress: MaryLaundry Maid: SallyGardener: PatCoachmen: Jack, Old BobGrooms: Jerry, ArthurStable Boys: Little Bob, DannyErrand Boy: Johnny Wewere used to a certain standard of living, you understand. We neededmoney to maintain something like the life we were accustomed to. Itwas clear to me that I should marry the richest man I could find.Wiltons are society people from way back. Our name was still worthsomething. Your father had somuch money, darling, but he was common as mud. He didnt understandhow anything was done, you see. He negotiated for me as if Gilbertwere my pimp, offering to buy me outright.Standingbehind Mothers chair, Pearl made a tiny, startled, Oh!Henrywas taken aback, shocked that his mother would even know what a pimpwas.Motherturned to Pearl. Oh, hush, Pearl. Im quite sure Henrys heardthe word before.Myapologies, Maam. Pearl met Henrys eyes and gave him a littlenod, and it was clear she felt she should apologize for Motherscrude statement since Mother would not.Iinsisted on negotiating with him myself, Mother continued. Iwanted my brothers taken care of. Reggie has never been good at anysort of work, and Gilbert is little better. Really, if anyone wassuited to work, it was me. I think that charmed your father a little,me negotiating terms. He was quite taken with me in those earlydays.Shepaused again and sipped. I dont think Reggie knows this, andyou mustnt tell him, but Benjamin was purchased for him as part ofthe price of my marrying your father. We Wiltons had absolutely nomoney left for a companion, but it wouldnt have done for him to gowithout, or to have gone with some slave of lesser quality.Isthat why Benjamins from Ganymede? Because thats the houseFather likes?Well,Ganymede isthe best, darling, Mother said, as if this should be obvious.Your father has made quite a study of the finer things, and hewants to be sure to have the best of everything. I dont know thathe truly appreciatessuch things, though. Im not sure he understands whyGanymede is best. She gazed pensively into the distance, thenshook off the reverie. I want you to be a real gentleman, darling.I want you to properly appreciate things. Ive let your educationfall by the wayside, but Reggie will help with that when he comeshome. Hell be delighted to have you as a project, you know. Healways loved you so!Henrydidnt like the implication that he was an incomplete or unfinishedor otherwise faulty gentleman, but grudgingly accepted that thismight be an accurate assessment.Sinceyou wont be seeing Reggie after all, what are you doing with yourday, darling? Mother asked. She set her cup down in its saucer andpushed