“ ‘Quinn,’ said Fr. Kevin, ‘cease and desist. You can talk to Mona in normal fashion. You don’t have to be offering her a ring. You don’t even know her.’

“ ‘And look,’ she said, pointing over at the table. ‘Your ghost is standing up and staring at you. He knows I can see him and he doesn’t know what he thinks about it. Look how he’s looking down at Stirling.’

“ ‘Stirling, the Talamasca, that’s what he said, right? I have to learn about it. You know this Talamasca, Fr. Kev?’

“ ‘About as much as a priest of the Church of Rome can ever know it,’ he answered easily. ‘Quinn, Stirling’s a decent man. I can’t endorse the organization, but he’s been a good friend to Mona and to me.’

“ ‘You need somebody like him,’ said Mona. ‘Not me. I’m too ruined for you.’

“ ‘What on earth are you talking about?’ I said. ‘Ruined! You’re gorgeous. I want to . . . I’m going mad. I knew I’d go mad today. First it’s a panel of psychiatrists, and then it’s Goblin acting sullen and weird, and now you’re telling me you won’t even think about marrying me! Let me just call on you, let me just bring you a bouquet of flowers and sit with you in your parlor with your mother, all right? I swear, I’ll be a perfect gentleman.’

“Her smile broadened and I could see the most shadowy humor in her quick green eyes. I could see secrets, I could see cleverness and sweetness.

“ ‘I wish to God, if I wasn’t who I am—’ she said. ‘Mayfairs like me always marry other Mayfairs. We have no choice. Nobody else understands us.’ She sighed.

“ ‘I understand you. You’ve seen other ghosts, haven’t you? You knew Goblin for what he was immediately.’

“ ‘I’ve seen plenty of ghosts,’ she said soberly. ‘Maybe you and I could just play for a while.’

“ ‘No, I don’t think this is a good idea,’ said Fr. Kev. ‘Quinn, your Aunt Queen is getting pretty heated over there.’ He rose to his feet. ‘I think it’s time for me to step in and restrain Stirling. I’ve never seen Stirling play it quite this way. I think Stirling thinks you need him, Quinn. And you come back with me now.’

“ ‘But I don’t even know where you live!’ I said to Mona.

“I stared at Dr. Winn. His cold blue eyes and impassive face told me nothing.

“ ‘Come on, Quinn,’ said Fr. Kev.

“ ‘First and Chestnut Streets,’ said Mona. ‘Can you remember that? Riverside downtown corner. That’s the Garden District—.’

“ ‘I know it totally,’ I said. ‘My grandma grew up on Coliseum Street. I’ll come to see you.’

“I let Fr. Kev direct me back to my table. Stirling Oliver was in my chair talking heatedly to Aunt Queen.