The leader finished unshackling the remaining girls, then walked back to the one on the floor, and crouched beside her. "I said to drop your hands," s...e said softly, though everyone could hear her. "Did I say anything about rubbing your wrists?" No," gasped the girl on the floor."No, I didn't"You hurt, right?" God, yes!" It will fade in about an hour. I will help you stand."After doing so, she continued. "You have three minutes to clean yourself. Fail to be thorough, and you will be joining. Fewer than 100 and it would just be considered a dance. Fewer than 50 and it would be considered nothing more than a dinner party. But 160 is grand enough for the title of “ball,” and it is sure to be the most extravagant affair in the city of New Orleans. All of the best people in the city have been invited, and I am well aware that the reason is entirely for my benefit. My older sister was married last month, so it is now acceptable for me, as the second oldest at age 18, to be courted…and. ** Along with whatever youcurrently know.**"I would know what I would need to carry out her destiny? Tohelp those people she would have helped?"**Yes.** The voice said with quiet certainty. **And now, you mustchoose. . . **Closing whatever it was that passed for eyes in this betweenplace, he nodded his understanding. "I choose . . ."~-----------~A hand shook gently at his shoulder and once again, he cameawake. "Are ya all right, Sister?" a big, gruff voice asked.His eyes opened and he found. As soon as the docklines were secured, she took off for the onshore bathhouse.Gary was making his rounds. "Jo? The redhead with the flute?" he asked."Yeah," I said."First time I ever noticed you taking an overnighter with a girl," he said."Not just any girl. Wife." Seriously? Married?" Yessir," I said."How long?" Since Friday," I said. "This is the honeymoon." I'd've taken THAT girl to see the Wonders of the World," Gary said."I know ... And one day we will ... But she's got school. I've got.