and did not want to ask and have Father denyMartin the privilege outright. He resolved that hed make sureMartin was properly fed as soon as possible.Its been sometime since Ive seen you on a Saturday, Father. Henrys voicewent up a register at the end of his sentence, making him soundshamefully unsure of himself.Father dabbed at hismustache with a napkin. Is that a question?Er...no, just anobservation, sir.I had a rare freehour, Father said. I expected I would see you at table atnoon.Im sorry, sir.I-I dont come at any set time.You mightconsider keeping to a schedule, Father remarked. Its a formof discipline, and you could certainly use more of that.Sullenly, Henrysaid, Yes, sir, and began to eat his lunch.Does your motherever join you?Henry swallowed.Almost never, sir, he admitted. He didnt feel compelled tocover for Mother; after all, Father knew what she was like.Hmph. Anotherperson who could use some discipline.Now, really,Sir, Timothy said, his tone amused and slightly admonishing. Noone else would dare speak to Father in such a way.Father did not mindTimothys mild scolding. Are you almost done, old man?Timothy coughedbehind his napkin. Yes, Sir. Im quite full. He stood andwent to help Father out of his chair.Martin also hurriedto pull out Henrys chair so he could stand to shake his fathershand.Discipline,Henry.Yes, sir.Father gave Henry adoubtful look and shook his head before leaving the breakfast room,Timothy at his heels.Henry sat quietlyand listened to the sounds of Father and Timothy preparing to leavethe house echoing down the marble-floored hall. When the front doorhad shut behind them, he turned in his chair and looked up at Martin.Theyre gone.You can eat now, dont you think?Martin nodded. Itshould be all right, Sir.After Martin wasseated with a full plate before him, Henry leaned close and in a lowvoice asked, Do you think my father knew?Knew what, Sir?Knew what we weredoing.Martin thought amoment. He couldnt possibly know the specifics, Sir, but Imsure he had some idea I was helping you achieve release.Henry felt heat riseup from his collar, coloring his cheeks and the tips of his ears.Hed rather hoped Martin would say otherwise, but Martin wasnt aliar.But, really,Sir, Martin said, its an entirely respectable activity. Youneednt be ashamed. Its a large part of what young gentlemenhave slaves for, after all. He took a bite of his sandwich andchewed.Henry wished hecould be relaxed about it, just as Martin was.Youre a veryprivate person, Sir, Martin continued. It is importantto keep and here he lowered his voice some thingssecret, but not anything any of your friends might do withoutconcern. He thought a moment, then added, It might even be agood idea to share a little more with your friends, Sir. Just thingsyou have in common with them. Youd stand out less, Sir. Itssomething to consider.Martin was probablyrightno, Martin was definitely rightbut Henry couldntcountenance relating any of the intimacies he shared with Martin tohis friends, even a heavily-edited version. He did not trust himselfto get it right, to share just the right amount, and felt quitecertain hed give too much away.They ate theirsandwiches, followed by yellow cake with chocolate icing, and leftthe dining room.