I couldn’t have put my finger on it then but there was something in her smile, something off. Like she knew something that I didn’t, it was inform...ed, as if she was looking straight into the future. "I was hoping that young Alex could help me with my business. you see I just opened a beauty salon across the street. I am trying to be a strong independent young woman and start a salon right here in the middle of all you fine people" she chuckled as my mother and father cluelessly listened on.. It was too late even before their coldness finally forced me to leave. I can't believe either you or he thought you could buy me with a million dollars. I'm not for sale." How is he trying to buy you? Besides, I owned those paintings that I sold, not you. I'm not sure what you think anyone is asking of you. I didn't ask you to do anything other than see if you could possibly find it in yourself to put these bad feelings and memories behind you so we can get married with the two of us having a. Smith. Do you mind if I close the door?”“Be my guest,” Jim said, smiling. This might be fun if he was careful.He looked at the one called Friday as Mr. Smith closed the door and the three of them sat down.“Your first name wouldn’t be Joe, would it?” Jim asked.“That joke’s never been funny. And, yes, my first name is Joe.”“All right, since we’ve established the fact that you have no sense of humor, my first question remains. What can I do for you Mr. Friday?”Friday and Smith flashed. He spoke privately with Beth for twenty minutes then asked Matt in for a chat."Elizabeth is coming along well, and I detect signs that you have become the Master she needed." I am trying. But I do feel a fool at times. I am acting the part, not being the part." Hendy was nodding his head in agreement."Yes, I suspected that would be how it would strike you. But given time you will grow into it. But you must be doing something right, as Elizabeth appears to be very happy." He paused. "You did.