There was an aura of treachery and deceit about them as they distanced themselves from the rest of the guests. Manguino turned to the Cardinal Allen, who seemed very excited. Like a child, he pranced around the ArchBishop since their arrival, waiting for the ArchBishop to give his acceptance to him concerning his honour-paying to the lovely Dearborne. "I don't care what you do, Allen!" the ArchBishop began. "I do not care! However, if you are discovered, I will not do a thing to help you. I will not know what you are doing, and I will denounce you as a demon, if I am thought to be involved!" There was a momentary silence between them while Allen made account of all that Manguino said. "I understand, Your Grace, but do not worry. I shall move like a snake and strike just as silently." promised Allen. "You behave more like an unsatisfied rabbit, my friend. Be careful, and find your own way back to Halls." Manguino gave Allen his final instructions just as he saw Dearborne make her way to the Mansion's upper levels, to where the bed chambers were. "Thank-you, Most High!" hailed Allen, then slowly made his way to the stairs and the upper floor. Brook stood by the banquet table having a drink and chewing on some fruit that his dear friend Empal had brought, for the festivities. Many of the guests went to him to pay their personal respects and congratulations, on his fifteen years of marriage to Dearborne. Soon, he stood alone for a while and looked about the entire hall and saw that the people were enjoying themselves, and he smiled in his heart seeing Boy running about serving the people with drink. He'll be a great leader one day, thought Brook. All great leaders must serve their people and therefore keep them content and happy. He continued to watch the boy for a while them made a silent wish aimed at Boy. Take those troubles, my son, and learn how not to inflict them on your subjects. From across the room, Miel and Cassta were looking at Brook. They saw the man's face expressing deep thought and they assumed that he had his mind on Dearborne. "He has a dainty flag to decorate his royal mast, doesn't he?" Cassta commented. "Yes, but this flag he runs up at night instead of the morning." Miel responded. They both sighed as they went over to the banquet table to get some more to drink. Music was playing loudly and the people danced, waltzing in circles and walking about in promenade. Hartford went up to almost everybody on the floor searching for his beloved Mercedes, but everybody shook their heads in their regret for not seeing her. Boy was walking towards Brook as did Hartford. He asked the Lord Brook the same question as he had been asking everyone, this evening. "Excuse me, my Lord. I wonder if you have seen my Mercedes?" "Yes." said Brook. "She's a lovely girl, and you both look very good together."