Music in the Night (Logan 4)

anything hasty or foolish with this person," she said.

"Too many young people today think nothing of

embarrassing their families."

"Of course, I won't."

"Very well. We'll see how things progress.

Someday, you will be grateful for what I've said to

you today, Laura. You'll look back and laugh at

yourself for being so foolish."

She looked confident of that, but inside, I

thought, No, Grandma, never be grateful for your

telling me that magic between people is merely emptyheaded foolishness. I'll never be grateful for your

telling me that people have to be judged by their

family lineage instead of the content of their

character, that status is more important than

anything, even honest feelings. No, Grandma, I won't

be grateful; I'll always be full of pity, and not for

myself but for you.

I said none of this, of course. Instead, I sat

silently watching her look toward the beach where the

men were making their way back to the house. "It looks like the great minds have settled the

problems of the world and are returning," she said

dryly. "Why don't you ask your mother and sister to

come out now."

I rose quickly.

"When I was your age, I always thanked my

elders for taking the effort and time to talk to me and

share with me their wisdom, Laura," she said as I

started away. I paused and turned back slowly. "I know you want only happiness for me,

Grandma. I thank you for that," I said.

It didn't please her enough. She gave me the