She bit her fingernails, lost in thought. She realized she had bitten them down to nothing when she tasted blood. Finally she went to the dresser, th... one she had only filled the day before, and began to empty it. Devereux Manor was not her house. Devereux Manor had never been her fathers house either, really, and maybe had never even been the Devereuxs. Whoever had claim to it now, she was happy to leave it to them. Her fathers old suitcase was big enough to hold almost everything she had.. Neha and I would arrive at the flat by ten, change into our workclothes and then start painting. We had already moved a double-bed in, and were intending to transfer her wardrobe soon. My 'artist's clothes' consisted of a worn jeans and a torn shirt, and Neha, taking after her dear old Dad, would wear a similar attire. After washing up - the bath had a very enviable shower - we would go home.On this particular night, though, my wife was out of station. Being a little behind our plan, Neha and I. Make sure you finish your homework beforeyou watch TV or play with your Gameboy."Jerry Parker looked up from the book on his desk and smiled at hismother, who was dressed to the nines for her book club meeting. "Okay,Mom. Have a good time. When will Dad be home?" Past your bedtime. He's flying in late from New York tonight. We canall go out for pizza tomorrow night if he's not too tired."Jerry's father had just made captain after nine years as a co-pilot andthree years before that as a flight. I squirmed uneasily.I wanted to put hands in lap but that might be viewed as weakness.I helplessly watched the crowd as Vijaya explained that today was a festival day when all married women perform pooja and give gifts to other married women.It seems the number goes up by five until a figure of 25 is reached.Women have choice to complete before 15 years. After that it was optional.Today Vijaya was celebrating 25 gifts.All ladies brought their daughters, sisters ,hence such a big crowd.I.