Terrence went outside the house at eight o’clock in the evening, before leaving he went to get something from the servants’ bedroom. I don't know what he planned for that night. I didn't know at all until a knock on the main door surprised me. In my mind, it was Terrence who had gone home or some of his stuff was missed. But my thoughts were wrong. It was not Terrence but Thod who visited.

“Grandma told me to deliver plums candied.” Thod thrust a transparent mica box filled with candies.

I accepted it despite my doubts. Thod had taken the trouble to bring the plums candied to the house–even...