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Allow est that, however one interprets history, we are noell past the point where contact with spirits can be of any use A crude but inexorable justice arding ghosts, mediums, and like company The supernatural, in whatever form it exists, should not interfere in human history

In su a few confused souls here and there, the Talas that are not important and should not be ianization But it cannot accos

I love you I respect your decision But I hope for your sake that you tire of the Talamasca-and return to the real world-very soon

Jesse thought carefully before answering It tortured her that Maharet didn't approve of what

she had done Yet Jesse knew there was a recrimination in her decision Maharet had turned her away from the secrets of the family; the Talamasca had taken her in

When she wrote, she assured Maharet that the nificance of their work They had told Jesse it was largely secret; there was no glory, soree in full with Maharet's opinions about the insignificance of hosts

But did not ists were of little significance as well? Jesse begged Maharet to understand what this meant to her And lastly she wrote,lines:

I will never tell the Tala about the Great Family I will never tell thes that happened to ry for this sort ofyou, let me come back to the California house Let s that I saw I've re dreaenerous to me I don't doubt that you love me Please understand how much I love you

Maharet's response was brief

Chapter 13

Jesse, I a; very little has ever been denied me Now and then I deceive myself as to the effect I have upon others I should never have brought you to the Sono to do, for which I cannot forgive et the visit ever took place Do not deny the truth of what you recall; but do not dwell on it either Live your life as if it had never been so recklessly interrupted Soain will I try to subvert your destiny I congratulate you on your new vocation You have my unconditional love forever

Elegant presents soon followed Leather luggage for Jesse's travels and a lovely mink-lined coat to keep her warm in "the abominable British weather " It is a country "only a Druid could love," Maharet wrote

Jesse loved the coat because the e served her well And Maharet continued to write twice and three times a week She remained as solicitous as ever

But as the years passed, it was Jesse who grew distant- her letters brief and irregular-because her ith the Talamasca was confidential She simply could not describe what she did

Jesse still visited members of the Great Family, at Christmas and Easter Whenever cousins ca or lunch But all such contact was brief and superficial The Talamasca soon became Jesse's life