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There was a vast glare fro outdoor set ahead, where the extras, the bed of fish baking on charcoals, and Mad Fritz aiting

A woman stood in the mouth of the alley as J C and I approached She was silhouetted against the light, only a dark shape

Seeing us, she ran forward, then stopped when she saw J C

“Good gravy,” said J C “It’s that Rattigan woman!”

Constance’s eyes glanced froain, almost wildly

“What do I do now?” she said

“What—”

“It’s been such a crazy night Crying an hour ago at a terrible photo, and now—” she stared at J C and her eyes flowed freely— “having wanted to meet you all my life And here you are”

The weight of her words caused her to sink slowly to her knees “Bless me, Jesus,” she whispered

J C reared back as if su the dead from their shrouds “Get up, woman!” he cried

“Bless me, Jesus,” Constance said And then, alain and in my white first coood just before the world got bad”

“Get up, young woman,” said J C quieter

But she did not

Her lips pantomimed, Bless me

And at last J C reached out slowly, forced to accept and gently accepting, to put his hand on the top of her head The gentle pressure forced more tears from her eyes, and her mouth quivered Her hands flew up to hold and keep his touch on her head a moment more