Jane smiled a little at her colleague's description of his feel-good routine. Somehow, she had not suspected some of the things he mentioned, especially the puppy-petting. But for Jane, the mere prospect of new knowledge, of making a new discovery, and, of course, of working once more with her creation, was enough to fill her with a sharp and curious joy. Rather like the feeling one got when catching a glimpse of the rising sun on a fine morning. Just thinking of her little alchemical embroyo in there filled her heart with love, for it, for the joy of discovery, and for life in general. No, she would not let anything happen to her work now; she had had to start over again too many times already. The forces of darkness might be powerful, but they had never had to deal with a determined and capable nanny before.
All these thoughts passed through her mind in an instant, and from the outside it would appear to be hardly any time at all before Jane took a step toward the door. Carefully, but firmly, she took hold of the brass handle and turned the key in the lock. |