She chuckled softly and looked out over the moor as well.“About a quarter of a mile that way.” she pointed slightly to the left of the view. “Is...a sacred spot to the Goddess. If someone makes a wish from the depths of their heart there at certain times of the year the Goddess may see fit to grant them. Last winter she granted your wish.”“I guess someone did,” I murmured not quite sure if I believed in a mythical Goddess, but then it was the only thing that so far could even begin to explain. So, for the next week, I tried hard to make careful sure that I didn't touch my Daughter in any way, shape or form. But it was nearly impossible, considering how much she loved to hug me and kiss my cheek whenever she went to bed or left the house. After that loooooong week of torture, I decided to give up and let things run there course. If I kept on like this, I would just end up exploding in carnal lust. The next morning my shower finally ran hot again. And the following day too, and the. It was so nearly the same color as the flora surrounding it that I didn't see it until I had gotten closer. I assume that I triggered a defense mechanism. The next thing I knew, I was going through the decontamination sequence." Yeah, that's my fault," admitted Jim. "I panicked when I saw you attacked and ordered Esther to pull us out immediately. I felt that safety should be our primary concern." Oh, yes, I agree, whole heartedly! Thank you for your quick action. I could have been injured or. "It was too warm in the room, was it not, count?" she asked."Yes, madame; and it was an excellent idea of yours to open the doors and the blinds." As he ceased speaking, the count felt the hand of Mercedes tremble. "But you," he said, "with that light dress, and without anything to cover you but that gauze scarf, perhaps you feel cold?" Do you know where I am leading you?" said the countess, without replying to the question."No, madame," replied Monte Cristo; "but you see I make no resistance.".