rail. "You've disappointed a lot of young men in
the Palace," The Lord God announced, "they were looking forward to
their education, as well. But as you bought her freedom, she must have
pleased you, and that is what I desired. Do you wish any others to
further your education?"
82 "Not right now, Father," Morn answered. "And when I do, I would like
to make my own selection."
83 "Of course," agreed The Lord God. "Any time you're in the mood just
go down and look in the book. There's plenty of selection. As your
mother is with me many nights, I will feel better if you have
companionship, anyway. Perhaps this talk about you and your friend
North will die down, if it's known you're dating like other young
nobles and learning the ways of life."
84 "If you don't mind, Father," Morn requested, "my day started rather
early. I'd like to make it a short evening."
85 "Of course," agreed The Lord God. "Your mother will be with me
tonight. Have a good evening."
86 Taking his regular escort, Morn started back to his apartment. As
they entered the flier and lifted off from the parking tower, the Guard
spoke to Morn while he kept his eyes on his instruments. "This will be
the last evening I will be with
you, young Lord, I am being transferred to an outlying colony."
87 "Why?" asked Morn. "Your service has been excellent. We requested no
transfer."
88 "I had a disagreement with the Guard General of the Palace,
concerning my daughter. She is barely your age, and the General wanted
us to leave her alone in our apartment so he could visit her ...." the
Guard stopped for a moment, swallowed, then continued, "so he could
visit her and contribute to her education. Not only that, the night
before he wanted my wife and I to show her what would be expected, what
she was to do. I told him no. No matter what he did I would not allow
him to shame my daughter, or, my wife. So my orders of