"The Fifth Bureau could've provided him with your friend's eyes as easily as they could her ring," Tovera said. She was a colorless woman with a colorless voice, and she had no conscience at all. That had made her a great asset to the Fifth Bureau when she was part of it. "It proves nothing."

"I recognize his features," Adele said, returning the ring. "He's a Boileau."

She frowned, then added, "We may even have met. Did we?"

Cazelet bobbed his head twice again, but he said, "My mother brought me to Bryce twice to visit Granna, when I was twelve and again when I was fourteen. I saw you both times, but we weren't introduced."

He cleared his throat and added, "Mistress? Granna says you're an artist. She says that no one ever could accomplish what you do with information systems, and that nobody'll ever equal you in the future either."

Adele sniffed. "I was well trained," she said.

The doorman had turned away to watch the street through the door's sidelight. Tovera eyed the youth in cold fury.

"Tovera," Adele said crisply, "there's been a change of plans. Master Cazelet will accompany me to the playhouse. I want you to deliver the data he's brought to those who'll want to see it. When they've digested it, I'll discuss the situation with them."

Mistress Sand would be as angry as Tovera. While she wasn't likely to shoot anyone herself, she had the whole resources of the Republic to command if she wished to.

"Mistress, it doesn't mean anything even if heis her grandson!" Tovera said.

Adele stepped between her servant and Rene Cazelet. Tovera couldn't use the sub-machine gun in her attache case without shooting her mistress first.

"On the contrary, Tovera," Adele said. "Family obligations mean a great deal to a Mundy of Chatsworth. Now, if you're in my service-carry out your orders! And if you're not, get out of my house and my sight, because I'll shoot you like a snake if I ever see you again."