Henry was fumingthe entire time, mad at the world, and Martin hoped Henry realizedthey were on the same side, that he would always be on Henrysside.However,part of being on Henrys side was preparing him for the future, forreality. Martin didnt want to do it, not at all, but he felt hewould be doing Henry a disservice if he didnt encourageparticipation. Martin had always been taught that swaps were animportant social event, a bonding experience for young men, and Henrywas missing out on all of that.Martinhurried to keep up with Henry as he strode down the sidewalk, handsjammed in his coat pockets.Sir?Sir?Henrywhirled to glare at him. What is it? His gaze softened; hewasnt really mad at Martin, after all.Thebest way to say it was maybe just to say it. II wouldn't mind,Sir. If you want. It wasnt true. He would mind.What?Hisheart was not in the offer, but he had to make it. If you wantedto go back, Sir, I...would understand. This sort of thing...I knew itcould happen. It's well-known that gentlemen have these sorts ofparties after all, Sir.Henrycame to a halt beneath a streetlamp and grabbed Martins wrist,jerking him to a standstill. What? You wouldn't mind?Imind, Martin! You...you matterto me. Henry took hold of Martin's shoulders and gave him a singlehard shake. He looked so sad and hurt that Martin felt terrible formaking the suggestion.Martinpushed his glasses up his nose. Sir, I only meantIt'sbad enough there were men beforeme, Martin. There aren't going to be any others afterme.Ofcourse, Sir. He was flooded with relief, warm and golden.Henrystrode off again and Martin hurried to catch up. And why the hellwould I wantto go back? he demanded. What possible reason would I have?Martinchose his words carefully. It's just that the boys you know nowwill be your business associates in the future, Sir, and these sortsof activities bond boys together. It may be advantageous in thefuture, is what I'm saying, Sir.Henryscowled and shook his head adamantly. It doesn't matter to me,Martin. They're all careless and selfish, even Louis. I would neverlet them use you.Justso long as you know, Sir. I wasn't sure you understood theimplications, seeing as how Mr. Blackwell is such an iconoclastAwhat?Aunique individual, Sir. A self-made man. Mr. Blackwell wasn't broughtup understanding how things are done in high society, if you don'tmind me saying so. As Henry considered this, Martin added, Thankyou for considering my welfare, Sir. I appreciate how much you carefor me.Henrysighed and gave him an affectionate bump with his shoulder, andMartin was relieved that he wasnt angry, that he wasnt accusingMartin of wanting to participate in an orgy. They walked the rest ofthe way home in a comfortable silence.Athome, Paul, obviously intoxicated, let them in.Henryshrugged his coat into Pauls hands and turned to Martin. Is hedrunk? Are the slaves having a party? Did you know?Martinlaughed. Keep it down, Sir. Don't wake the house!CanI go? To the slaves' party?Martindidnt want to drink anymore, and he didnt want Henry drinking,either. He had another sort of celebration in mind. He steered Henrytoward the staircase. Why don't you let everyone have their littledrinking party, Sir,