for cake.Butthere was no time. They hurriedly changed their clothes, Henrychoosing the bottle green suit and the green-striped waistcoat hedworn to the auction.Ido so like you in this, Martin told him, wondering if Henryremembered that this was what hed worn when theyd met. Henrykissed him in reply, and it was a kiss that might have easily ledsomewhere, but Little Miss was waiting and Martin gently pushed Henryaway.DECEMBER20, 1900Thenext day at school, the others continued eager and interested inincluding Martin in swap talk at the meal break, but Martin heldback. If Henry had made it clear what he intended, Martin would knowwhat to do, but it was not clear at all, and Martin did not feel hecould ask for clarification. If he knew Henry wanted to participatein the swap, then he could feel free to indulge in all manner offantasies and to flirt with his friends, but if Henry did notwant to playwhich is what Martin suspectedthen such fantasieswould do nothing but lead to dissatisfaction and disgruntlement. Hewas so very happy with Henry, but hed always liked novelty. Hedalways liked to show off. Hed always liked being at the center ofa pile of boys, crammed full and gasping, hands on every inch of hisskin, and hed never tell Henry that he missed it, but sometimes hedid, just a little bit.Itwas cold out in the yard, but they were all tired of being cooped upinside. Shivering in his overcoat, Martin leaned against the brickwall in between Sam and Tom. Poor Sam didnt look well at all, buthe wouldnt talk about whatever Mr. Pettibone might be doing tohim, and Martin knew better than to hope that this meant the tormentshad ceased.Tomslipped his arm through Martins and leaned against him,companionable and a little possessive, and Martin had to admit heenjoyed Toms attention, his affection and little gallantries. Hehad never given Tom any reason to think it could go any further,though, and Tom knew better than to push.Themasters divided into two groups during breaks, Henrys faction andMr. Pettibones, but the slaves always mingled freely. Miles andSimon stood huddled together for warmth, both eager to tell Martinabout swaps. Ralph and Peter played rock-paper-scissors, laughing outclouds of steam. Allen and Ray lounged against the wall at Tomsother side and Will came to join them, Allen greeting him with aneasy embrace. Stuart and Alex stood a few yards distant, having someprivate discussion. The restJulian, Howard, Harvey andOllieplayed catch with a ragged baseball, gloves off, fingers palewith cold. Mr. van Houten had called Davey out of the game and seemedto be giving him instruction on some point, their body languagerelaxed and friendly.Partiesare almost always held at the Ross house, Miles offered, drawingMartins attention back from the game. The masters can dowhatever they like there and no one interferes. Martin alreadyknew this information from past discussions. However, now that hemight participate in a swap, everyone was especially keen to makesure he understood exactly how their factions parties were run.Mr.Ross parents are very indulgent, Simon said of his mastersfamily. They like to keep him close.Peterand Ralph came to join the discussion.Therearent any little