‘Ah, we did not know,’ said Pavna almost relieved. It sounded innocuous. ‘A pilgrimage! You never gave us a name, this guru.’

‘No.’

‘But I hope you will not be leaving us so soon,’ said Pavna.

‘It was never my intention to stay a long while, this was only my base. But you can keep the money, I won’t ask for it back if that is the worry.’

Pavna was offended. ‘Perhaps it won’t come to that yet, you have no further address at any rate.’

The Rani asked, ‘What is their name?’ Manu gave her the name.

‘Yes,’ the Rani spoke. ‘An average sage. Popular with certain foreigners.’

‘What certain foreigners in particular?’ said Quinn, thinking of Alec. ‘I’m not sure I understand your tone.’

‘Those that seek drama. Those that dramatize their lives. He is their cure. The artists like him a good deal, he has a style about him. I don’t think that has anything to do with God. Or perhaps it does. There are brands you see, even in India.’

She paused, looking slyly at Quinn. ‘Forgive me but I like to study faces, I find I am good at it. Only you do not look his type at all. In fact, and forgive me again, you do not look religious.’

‘The house of God has many rooms.’

‘Ah,’ said the Rani. ‘It is an American mansion after all then.’

The mention of the States brought Pavna back to her favorite topic and the awkwardness was momentarily dispelled as in the heat she swiftly changed the subject and they discussed America and Washington and found that they had people in common. They had even vacationed in the same resort on Martha’s Vineyard. Quinn’s brother was an environmentalist in Washington and they shared the same dentist practice, Pavna could remember the routes around town easily, and they talked a little of the best shops, cafes. It had been a wonderful time by all accounts.