ttlefield disgu

ne china. Waiters moved like

was pressed against hers under the

ad. She was working the old man, lau

must tell us about your collection.

nrad said. "

at Elise. "Elise, didn't you break a

"I was seven, Jill. A

mber when you tried to learn piano? The teacher quit afte

ned. "Jill, please

said. "It's funny now. Elise was always mor

er glasses. "Speaking of interests, Elise. What are your

k. She wiped her mouth

," Elise said. "I'm re-

le

e, dead

he covered her mouth,

oked out. "For what?

ned. "Elise... honey..

lise said. "Viol

is is a mockery. The girl has no talent. We all k

her, but Elise squeezed his hand under the table

st

andpa," Elise said calmly

fed. "You've never finish

ed the plates. De

g about talent and appreciation... I have a gift fo

stant. A wooden box

d it with

da. It was ancient, th

symbolizes rebirth and immortality

d touched the jade. "Magnificent. Truly

as paid for using an emergency line of credit from the Nelson family's art founda

looked at Elise. "It cost a fo

Elise? Surely you didn't come empty-handed to

turned

bag. No b

"I have a gift f

ed. She stood up. She smoot

lise said. "Jade can be bought. Any

I brought something t

Jill

ry," El

mall stage at the end of the ballr