"Very well," Sable replied. "Marie, please stand and give testimony for the initiate."

Marie Hunter stood at her seat.

"Runa Walker has been the epitome of a lady in good standing in the community," Marie began. "Her work at the animal clinic is impeccable and she always arrives early and is usually willing to stay late. She keeps herself well groomed and dresses appropriately for a young lady."

"Thank You," Sable responded as Marie sat back down.

"Penelope, if you please," Sable said.

Pepper stood at her seat next.

"Runa has been a loyal friend to my daughter from the time they were young. She lives above the Bell, Book and Candle and has never defrauded us or stolen from us. And I don't believe it would have even entered her thoughts to do so. She keeps a tidy home and is friendly to everyone who comes to the store while she is there. She reads a lot. Mostly history books from what I have seen. She is very studious for a girl who was not able to attend school. This was due only to personal tragedy and in no way should reflect upon our decision here."

"Thank You," Sable replied. "Kay Wilkes"

Kay stood up next.

"Runa was an excellent student. All of the teachers at the high school spoke well of her. She was involved in cheer-leading for a short while and volleyball. She did well in both. She graduated in the top 30 percent of her class. She did spend one day in detention for a prank but it was not a mean spirited one."

As Kay sat down, Dr. Eleanor Ravensdale stood up.

"Runa Walker is the daughter of Molly Walker and the late Michael Walker. Molly is a nice lady who works at Akron General and Zephyr City Hospital. She works long hours and has had to deal with the tragedy of losing her husband and Runa's father."

Runa lowered her head. She had not expected a dissertation on her life today. She tried to keep her composure as she felt tears trying to form but, she kept them back.

"I have observed Runa over the years as one of her family doctors and also as a family friend. She is neither malignant nor foolish. She is the right fit for our club. She bears the dignity of a lady in good standing in the community, albeit young. And she is the one chosen by tradition as dictated by our charter. May the lamp light of every reader illuminate their hearts and find whether the initiate is worthy."

"Have you finished presenting testimony for Runa Walker?" Sable asked.

"I have," Ellie said as she sat back down and sunk slightly into the old velvet seat.

"Very well," Sable said. "Please escort Miss Walker to the kitchen for a snack."

Marie stood up and went over to Runa. "Come with me," she told her.

Runa followed her out of the room through thehallway on the left.