"Prince Kaid has got a touch of jaundice, I guess.

He knows a thing when he finds it, even if he hasn't the gift of 'perfect friendship,' same as Christians like you and me.

But even you and me don't push our perfections too far--I haven't noticed you going out of your way to do things for your 'poor beloved friend, the Saadat'." "I have given him time, energy, experience--money." Lacey nodded.

"True.

And I've often wondered why, when I've seen the things you didn't give and the things you took away." Nahoum's eyes half closed.