The TruthI went to Madame Biltcliffe's dress shop that afternoon and did pick out the cloth for my Summer dress, but it only took ten minutes to do so. Then I changed into Madame's mourning garb (with veil) and was off to Market Center.
Thrace Pike seemed surprised to see me, until I explained why I sent a note under another name. He appeared relieved, even glad, to see me with my bruise covered and no additional ones showing. In truth, the bruise Roy Spadros left on my face when he struck me last month was almost gone and easily hidden.
Mr. Pike had puzzling news: each debtor had returned his notice saying that the gems had no curative powers whatsoever. "They seem honest men, who wished to learn the truth about the gems before selling them to others."
"Why not just sell the gems at th
