’ ‘Twelve.’ ‘Fifteen.’ ‘Oh all right twelve to fifteen years ago smarty pants.’ Nearing the end of the ceremony the school principal sai..., ‘It is the tradition at this school for the valedictory to be presented by our highest academic achiever of our graduates. For the past eleven years this honor has gone to a female. But this year it goes to William Russell Belair.’ The two women gasped. Julia said in disbelief, ‘You didn’t know?’ ‘No, All he said was he came near the top of his class. That’s. He wishes he had listened to you earlier. Bessa, could you tell me something? Why does Master Norlan want me tonight?" I don't know. An' I don't know 'ow I'm s'posed t' prepare yew!"Amanda heard the panic in Bessa's voice again. "You didn't get any directions?"Bessa shook her head. "'alno said yew could tell me."Amanda slowly nodded. "Well ... Master Norlan told me he was not going to unseal me for awhile, so--"Bessa stared. "Wot?! Still? But that's not..." She trailed off. "There, again, I'm. ‘Lovers, Amy. We thought you guys were lovers.’ Amy nearly choked at the admission. ‘What?! Why in the world would you think that?’ Julia resumed eating, ‘Well, I’m surprised you didn’t figure it out yourself. I mean, neither of you ever goes out, except together, you’re absolutely inseparable, you obviously care a lot about each other, there are times that I feel like an intruder when I’m around you two…the sparks are flying so high and bright.’ Amy was staring blankly, blinking from time. ”It was time to shoot this down. “I already know that. I think, in fact, that you are more than capable of writing your own papers.” She looked surprised. That may have been the first time someone had ever indicated that she had intellectual abilities.I said, “Come on, let’s go to the West End and have a drink; let’s celebrate the end of the term. We can get a cab.” That was a bar and grill across the street from Columbia University.She gave a scoffing motion with her hand, “Don’t bother with a.