one muchliked, and spent some time with various of the big cats, which wereNurses favorites.Theyfinished their circuit of the menagerie and headed back home. Coracontrived to take hold of Martins hand and skipped ahead, leavingHenry and Nurse to walk behind.Randolphlet them in at home and took their coats, and Henry bid his sisterfarewell in the hall before the elevator.Whywont you come play with me? she asked, hanging from his arm.Itstime for our lunch, Henry told her, and we just spent the wholemorning with you.Butwe didnt play,Cora insisted, digging her fingers into his forearm. We didntplay with my dolls or my circus.Theelevator bumped to a halt in front of them.Saygoodbye to Martin, Henry told her, prying her fingers back.Martincrouched down. Goodbye, Miss. I enjoyed spending the morning withyou.Coraflung herself into Martins arms with a little sob. When willyou and Henry visit me again? she asked, her voice muffled againstMartins neck.Wellvisit when your brother has time, Miss.Whyis Henry so busy?Cora asked, quite despairing.Henry,who was busy by no ones estimation, bit his lip against guiltylaughter.Martinunwound Coras arms from around his neck and stood. He pulled backthe elevator grille for Nurse and Cora to step inside.Nursereached for Coras hand. Come along, Miss. Let the boys get onwith their day.Coracalled out mournful goodbyes as the car rose and both Henry andMartin had to work to keep from bursting out laughing at herdistress. As the car disappeared from view, they headed for thebreakfast room.Henrysaid, I shouldnt laugh, I guess, but shes so dramatic!Sheis indeed, Sir. If it werent an entirely unsuitable profession fora gentlemans daughter, Id say shed excel on the stage.Donttell her that, or shell want to do it, Henry cautioned. Wedont need my father getting mad because you talked my sister intobecoming an actress.Martinpulled out Henrys chair, then prepared a plate for him withsandwiches and Saratoga potatoes. There was cake on the sideboard, aswell.Whatsort of cake is that? Henry asked, craning his neck from his seatat the table.Coconut,I think, Sir. Do you want a glass of milk?Yes,please.Martinbrought Henry his food, then prepared his own plate.WhenMartin sat down, Henry leaned toward him and said, Im trying tohelp teach her manners, of course, so Im going to tell her thatother peoples opinions count just as much as her own...but I dontreally feel that way. You arethe best one, Martin, no question.Martinlaughed. Im glad you feel that way, Sir. It would be terriblysad for me if you preferred another.Henrychewed a bite of egg salad sandwich and thought on this a moment. Iasked you before, a long time ago, but I dont think you reallyanswered. Do masters ever prefer anothers slave?Martinswallowed and drank some milk before answering. Oh, certainly,Sir, but I dont think they prefer another passionately.Do you remember at New Years, Sir, what Mr. Ross said aboutand here he lowered his voice preferring Stuarts mouth overSimons?Henrydidnt like to think of New Years, but he did remember. Yes,of course.Stillspeaking scarcely above a whisper, Martin said, Well, its notas if Mr. Ross is pining away for Stuart, Sir. He just has apreference for him at swaps, and Stuart doesnt mind at