She adjusted her shoulders against her chair. It too was oddly cheap. All that I could see of her costume was a plain, even coarse, cloth of a streaked and faded mauve. And she wore no jewels. What did she play at here that she would meet me in a hole like this? Did she seek to cheapen me, discount me before Pennbaston? For of course she knew Pennbaston accompanied me. She had received her reports from those who served her and before we had ever entered her estate. Before we had crossed her lines, I was certain. It could not be otherwise with her the Progenitor she was. She may have done it merely, or precisely, to test my balance. I did not believe it was a casual thing. I didn't believe she did anything casual, without regard for audience and history. "1st you must rest and be refreshed," she said. "Then we will talk more and you will learn the details of this job. I think you will like it."          "I think not."          Again that little smile. "You will be enticed."          I answered nothing.          She moved 2 fingers and Vryyh went to the door and summoned the servant. The Progenitor directed her to escort us to our suite.