"I'm curious," Delilah said. "What did my mother see in you?"

Lineus gulped, and looked down at Delilah's hand, resting with deceptive lightness on his arm. His answer, when it came, was just barely audible.

Delilah tightened her grip verrry slightly. "Speak up, uncle dear."

Lineus licked dry lips, and whispered, "Understanding female companionship... mostly..."

Delilah stared. "What?"

"You heard me..."

"You're joking!"

"Under these conditions...?"

Delilah attempted to gather startled thoughts. "You mean that you're..."

"My name's... actually Deirdre," said her aunt. "All this... is just because Gideon gets embarrassed having his little sister tagging along behind him everywhere..."