"The girl is important," Ellie said.

"More than you know."

The reading room was quiet except the voices carrying into it from the kitchen. The red velvet chairs were against the wall. The fireplace was cold with a burnt log laying in it. The candelabras held half burnt, unlit candles.

"What do you mean?" Ellie Ravensdale said, carrying a serving tray with tea into the room.

Hannah Breezewood followed her into the room, carrying a small book.

"I cannot go into details yet, Eleanor," she told her. "But just know that the society's very survival might count on what happens to her."

Eleanor set the tray on one of the chairs. "Well I very much doubt that, Hannah."

She began to pour out some tea for them. She handed her a cup and Hannah took a sip.

They sat down and Hannah told her, "Ellie, you have been through a lot and seen much. But there are things you have yet to discover."

"Why can't you just tell me what you know?" she asked, frustrated.

"It doesn't work that way. You know that," Hannah told her.

"It does for Sable," she said.

"Sable!" Hannah said dismissively. "You know what she is."

"But it seems so easy for them," Ellie protested.

"Easy yes; But easy isn't always right. For every step forward, they get thrown three back," Hannah told her.

"But they still make progress."

"What progress? So they learn a few little things about this world and how to bend it to their will. They work so hard to control things here. They play with fire and they get burned, Ellie."

"I know," she confessed. "But sometimes I wish it would just go my way."

"It will go your way; as your way goes its."

"Thanks," she said, sarcastically. "That's very helpful."

Hannah laughed. She put her hand up to Ellie's cheek. "My dear, you chose the better path. Remember that."

"I keep telling myself that," Ellie said.

"It's true. Sable and her impostors will find that out someday."

They sat there for a minute, drinking their tea together.

"So what can I do to help the girl?" Ellie asked.

"Let me help her a bit. She has to find some courage somewhere."

"I'm afraid that Sable already has her claws into the girl somehow."

"It won't last," Hannah told her. "It can't. There are stronger forces at work around that girl than Sable knows how to control."

"Frustrating! I need to know too," Ellie told her.

"You will; when the time is right. For now, focus on your fundraiser and maybe get the girl involved somehow. It would help you keep an eye on her."

Ellie nodded.

"Meanwhile, I have to go to England," Hannah said, smiling.

"Wilbefore?" she asked

"Yes. He is thinking about having a gathering soon."

"Oh?"

"It's time. We have to assess the situation," Hannah told her. "Thank you for the tea, my child."

Ellie nodded.