"I--no, I don't think so," Krem said, shaking his head reassuringly. He smiled again, just as soft as he had throughout the rest of dinner, no less bright for being gentle.

"I'm sure that you left someone behind. Was that your husband, or someone else?" He was aware, after the words were out, how terribly personal that question was, and he shook his head, laughing a little and flapping a hand. "I'm sorry, that was rude. You don't have to answer that if you don't want to."