THE IMPORTANCE OF HATS Avan woke with the sense of having slept soundly, as one does on gold. Beside him, Sebeth yawned delicately, her ladylike wing in front of her mouth. She settled back onto the gold and looked at Avan through half-lidded eyes. Though he found her as alluring as always, Avan laughed and rose. “There’s too much to do today,” he said. “Later.” “But I’ll be out this evening,” Sebeth said, continuing to loll, her bright blue eyes revolving languorously. “Besides, part of what there is to do will doubtless be disposing of this delightful gold.” Avan didn’t rise to the bait and ask her where she was going. He leaned over and kissed her. “You’re adorable, and you’re right, the gold isn’t safe here. Besides, hired out it will grow.” “Frittered away on lawsuits it won’t do anything,” she said, sighing and getting up at last. “Shall I find you a hat?” Now it was Avan’s turn to sigh. He did not like hats. In the country, in summer, it is permissible to go about with any hat or none.
