The male rubbed his face into her palm, the female narrowed her eyes. Both purred.

Althene was sitting in one of the green chairs.

"I did knock, but you didn't wake. Forgive my coming in unannounced. But I wanted you to see them and they were annoyed with the basket."

"Where have they come from?"

"Ah," said Althene, secretively, "I had them made especially for you."

"You mean you're giving them to me?"

"My messengers while I'm away."

"A farewell present."

"Bookmarks," said Althene, "to mark my place in your heart."

"But how can I—I don't—" The male cat was up on her breast now, rubbing his head under her chin. The female had begun to wash her paws.

"They are not a responsibility," said Althene. "Your windows open and they will be able to climb down the roofs to the common. They'll come and go. They'll sleep on your pillows."

"Something to love," said Rachaela.

It was difficult to be churlish with the two cats purring and washing and rubbing.

"Cheta will cook them food," said Althene.

"Caviar and dover sole with lemon," said Rachaela. "Marrons glaces."

"Nasty bloody liver, chopped small," said Althene, "boiled ox-heart, chicken pieces, occasional steamed white fish. They may eat biscuits in moderation to clean their teeth. Kei has planted catnip for them."

Rachaela laughed. The male approved and kissed her lips. The girl cat snuggled into Rachaela's side and slept.

"What are their names?"

"It's for you to name them."

Rachaela lay back, and the male came up and poured down on her hair.

"I never let myself—have another cat."

"Love is dangerous."

"Yes. Well, I've had it now. Hopeless to deny."

"Good," said Althene. She stood up. "We must leave tonight."

"Yes, I see."

"There are some things I want to take with me, so I must go to pack. One doesn't keep Malach waiting."

"Yes, of course. Thank you—thank you for these."

"They're brother and sister," Althene said. "When they're a little older, they'll mate."

"But then—kittens everywhere—"

"Delicious," said Althene. "I will supervise the kittens."

"Oh. When you come back."

Althene opened the door. "Cheta will bring up a sand tray for the bathroom. They must stay in for a couple of days."

"Yes, I'll be careful."

Althene went out.

Rachaela turned her face into cats' fur.

Can I still cry?

But the sadness was only leaden and still, it did not break in rain.

There had been a book, years ago, a character called Jacob, who wore a black mask. The male cat should be Jacob. And the demure, white-faced girl? She was like a young actress playing Shakespeare. Juliet.

Jacob and Juliet began to purr again, as if aware of nominal recognition. The vibration drummed through the bed. It was only eight o'clock, the windows gray. To the cats' lullaby, Rachaela let herself drift back into sleep.