Father had made his way to the front of the room and raised his hand for silence. Mouse made a hasty exit stage left.  "First. I want to congratulate you all,” Father said, turning to the assembled young people. "You were all - every one of you - very, very good, and it was a most - uh - interesting production. Secondly. I would like to remind you that William has provided us with a generous supply of special treats. You are all welcome to remain and enjoy it as long as you like. Just remember that no one is to leave this chamber unless he is with a group. Is that understood?  Kipper, I want to take a look at that foot, and Mouse, I would like to see you immediately, right where you are."   He raised walking stick and pointed it at the hapless figure,  who'd been trying unsuccessfully to blend into the wall.

The crowd began talking and laughing, as they moved about the cavern and made their way to the food table. Beside her Vincent sighed.

“It's okay, Vincent. Nobody was really hurt, and Mouse's special effects were a big hit."

He shook his head. “It was my responsibility, Catherine. I should have known he would be unable to curb his natural inclinations.”

"That's a hard thing to ask of any of us,” she said quietly.

He looked down at her for a long moment but when he spoke, it was to ask her if she'd like something to eat. They moved to the table, stopping to talk with various people along the way.

“Vincent. I'd like a word with you."

Catherine turned to see Father limping determinedly towards them. She'd noticed that his problem became more pronounced when he was agitated.

“How could you let this happen? Someone could have been seriously hurt. This place might have turned into an inferno.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Catherine couldn't help but see something endearing about the scene: the exasperated smaller man, scolding the big one, who stood with his head bowed like a chastened child. The relationship between parents and their children had no regard for age or size. It never really changed.

"I am sorry, Father. Mouse promised me solemnly that he would not go this far.”

"Promised you? Good heavens, Vincent, Mouse has no more self-control than a child - less, and he's far more dangerous."

“Mouse has an extraordinary mind, Father. He's eager to share his talents with those who care for him.  It's his gift to us.”

“A fine gift, if he kills us all.  Oh, hello Catherine.  He seemed to notice her for the first time. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Immensely.”

"Good. Good. Well, I believe i'll see what wonders William has created.”

He moved away, and she reached up to smooth a ruffle at Vincent's throat. “I wonder if Father would be having half as good a time, if there wasn't something to worry about.”

“What he said was true, Catherine. If you will excuse me for a moment. I think I'd better speak with Mouse.”

She watched him stride purposefully across the room. Knots of people parted to let him pass and came together again, seemingly oblivious to the magnificence of the figure that moved so fluidly among them. He was part of them, a fact she knew was precious to him, but she could never watch him walk away without a sense of awe. The red-gold hair spilling over his broad shoulders, his cloak flowing out behind him, as he towered above the more prosaic figures. How could anyone take such a sight for granted?

"Catherine?" The voice at her elbow was Brooke' s. "I wanted to thank you for being here tonight. Did you enjoy the play?”

"Brooke.” She took the young girl's hands in hers.  "It was wonderful . I wouldn't have missed it for the world. You must have worked very hard."

“We all did, but it was fun. I've never had so much fun. Do you think Vincent liked it?”

"I know he did.”

“Good.” Brooke hesitated, as if she wanted to say more, but didn't know how to say it.  “Catherine, have you heard from Michael lately?”

“Yeah, about a month ago he called me to say he'd made the dean's list. I passed that on to Vincent.”

"I know. It's just that it's summer now, and I thought he might becoming down for a visit sometime soon."

“I'm sure he will.”

"I've always liked Michael - a lot, and I think he feels the same way about me."

“Uh-huh."

“It's just that over the last few weeks, I've been spending a lot of time with Richard.” Catherine followed Brooke's gaze to a tall blond boy who was talking with Olivia and Sarah. She recognized him as the actor who'd played Lysander.  "He's really wonderful, Catherine, and we - we've gotten very close.   I just don't want Michael to be hurt."

“Michael's a very unselfish person, Brooke. I'm sure he'll understand."  She hadn't mentioned what Michael had told her about his growing relationship with Tina; some things work out for the best.

"You really think so?” Brooke looked relieved.  "Thanks, Catherine. I feel a lot better.”  She gave her a quick hug and bounced off to join Richard.

Catherine watched her go with a slight smile. Those days seemed  so long ago, when the heart could skip blithely from one object to another. She could see Vincent and Mouse deep in conversation on the other side of the chamber. Vincent had one hand on his hip. Indicating he meant business, but his other hand rested lightly on Mouse's shoulder.

She knew the boy would take reassurance from that, just as he had to accept the rebuke from the one person he idolized above all others.  She helped herself to another delicious little cake, whose ingredients she couldn't quite identify.  When she turned back, Mouse had scuttled off to join a group of children. They were probably working to undo whatever advice Vincent had given him by praising his technical brilliance.

"Catherine, I'm sorry.” Vincent said, as he rejoined her,  "But I promised Pascal I would relieve him in the pipe chamber, so that he could join the party. He absolutely refused to leave his post to see the play. You are more than welcome to stay and enjoy yourself. I can see that someone escorts you safely back."

“Vincent, I came here to be with you - whatever you're doing. Well go together."

His response was a brief nod, as he looked over her head in search of Father. He found him in his element apparently holding forth on some topic that had drawn a group of avid listeners.

Father looked up at their approach. “You're not leaving, are you, Vincent? I was just telling everyone about the time we discovered the alligator near the 23rd Street entrance."

"I must Father. Pascal should have the chance to join you. Catherine will be leaving with me.”

“I see. Well, good night, Catherine. Please be careful going back.  If the wind blows up in that passageway, it could be very. very hazardous. Don't forget to take a light with you.”

"We won't, Father. Good night."  Vincent bent and placed a kiss on the greying head.