"I understand you. What is it like then?" The fever may destroy the potency of the man's essence. My mother told me of this and I have seen it thrice ...n the last years." Rebecca counted on her fingers. "Hannes the Cooper sired four children before the fever hit him and none after. The tanner Anselm had five before and none after. Henning the Baker had two children by his wife and three on the side. Again, none after the Mumps. It does not strike all men either. The smith Rumpolt had it, but his. She’s been gone ten years…’ ‘And there’s no one else?’ ‘My brother and his family, but he’s been in Australia for forty years. I don’t know and have never met his wife or children.’ ‘Friends?’ ‘At work. And they’re moving away.’ Maureen’s hand reached out and gently took mine. ‘You have a friend. Me. It’s a start. We might not know each other well, but you’re helping me now. I’ll help you. Fair exchange?’ I couldn’t speak. My throat was tight. I nodded. Maureen’s hand squeezed mine. I looked at. Liz revealed some information on her love life. She and Wyatt had a big fight at school on Wednesday. By Friday they had split up. As usual, details were lacking in her story. I wasn't surprised at the news.I enjoyed the dinner. Liz seemed more mature than I was used to at home. That was a good thing. She was shopping for colleges now and would be on her own in a year. She had Penn, Princeton, Columbia, Bucknell and Dickinson on her list. Poor Dad, he was going to have to spend fortune for Liz. " She was in a good mood, fueled in part by the wine and in part by the wonderful evening.Julie spoke in a light voice and not at all confrontationally. "I've been waiting for this, you know. I've been waiting for ... it seems like a long time." The wine had obviously done its work."Well, does that mean you agree?" he laughed as he realized she was a bit tipsy."Of course, stupid! I'd have married you a long time ago if you'd have asked me. After all, I am twenty-one," she stated.