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Katherine’s sharp gazeJulia start at the mention of Professor Martin’s name

“Jeremy was an ally to both of you last year He tried very hard to help Gabriel, but in the end, there was only so much he could do”

Julia shifted in her seat “I alondered why he helped Christa transfer to his alma mater There were rumors they were involved”

“Rumors hurt people Sometimes, they hurt innocent people I expect better froossip about Professor Martin”

Julia grew flustered

“I’ht, of course”

“I’ve known Jeremy and his wife for years Believe me, Christa Peterson couldn’t catch his eye if she were naked, holding the original manuscript of The Decah at Professor Picton’s iinative description, such as it was

“Two days after I explained my situation, Jeremy approached Gabriel In short order, he volunteered to take over my seminar and any other responsibilities while I ay”

“I didn’t know that”

Katherine tipped her head to one side “But it shouldn’t surprise you Gabriel likes to do his good deeds in secret, I think, but that he does them is unremarkable When he volunteered to help he was a first-year assistant professor, just out of graduate school It was an extraordinary kindness on his part for so As it happened, I ay until after Christ ood friend to me So as you can appreciate, I owe him a debt”

“I’ you’ve done for us, the debt isat their surroundings thoughtfully “Gabriel tells s”

“I am Did you know theirl My father was a Beowulf specialist at Leeds and he and Tolkien used to correspond with one another I came down on the train with my father to visit him”

“What was he like?”

Katherine sat back in her chair and regarded the ceiling

“I liked hiht of him as old, likehiers that lived behind our house He seeestured to the corner in which they sat “This was the exact spot where the Inklings used toin her rooined that one day she would be sitting where Lewis sat It was nothing short of aht in her throat

“My pleasure”

Katherine’s expression shifted

“It took me almost an entire semester to see Old Hut When I arrived in Oxford, his wife bannedto change herthat he wouldn’t pass away before I could see him”

“Who would be so cruel?”