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"So why do you let Tillyfor run the show, most of the time?" I asked. I thought I already knew the answer, from my reading in the library. Tillykerie was shy, reserved, withdrawn - to the point where she had constructed a whole new personality to shield her from the world. A personality which took over, most of the time, except for a few hours in the early afternoon when night-owl Tillyfor was asleep and Tillykerie could do her day job at the Stuffed Duck. "I can't help it," Tillykerie said, confirming my hypothesis, "She's stronger than me, more worldly-wise." "Would you consider professional help?" I asked, cautiously. "Who from?" she said sadly, "Who would believe it?" "Well, I would. And the reason I do is because of one of my old University Professors. He asked to meet you. And I wouldn't have been able to meet you myself without his help." She looked at the silver pocket-watch, now resting on the edge of the table. "So he helped you?" she asked, a gleam of hope in her eyes, "And you think he could help me?" I nodded, picked up my watch and returned it to my pocket, my hand returning with a printed card. I put the card on the table in front of her. "This is his address and telephone number. I'll talk to Tillyfor as well." "Thank you," she said earnestly, "Thank you for everything." "Are you going to come back to Tillyfor?" I asked. "Yes. She's still sleeping, the poor thing," she answered, "I guess you should wake her up now." I nodded again. "Okay. So I'll see you around then?" "Maybe you will, Mister Findo Gask. Maybe you will." I took the watch from my pocket and again swung it in front of her eyes. She was asleep instantly. "Tillyfor, wake up," I said softly. Her eyelids fluttered open. "So what do you think of my old watch?" I asked conversationally, "It's quite a piece, isn't it?" She reached up and held the watch in one hand. "It's nice enough, I suppose," she said, sounding only a little confused, "If you like that kind of thing." "Well, that's good," I said, putting the watch back in my pocket and adjusting my hat, "You might want to discuss watches and things with an old colleague of mine." I indicated the business card still resting on the table. She nodded dumbly. "Now I'll be off, and Tillykerie will be here in a few minutes." "Thank you Findo," she said, than added breathily, "And if there's ever anything I can do for you..?" She left the offer hanging. I left it too. "I'll see you around," I said cheerily, "Just sit tight for now." I closed the door behind me and set off down the steps, just in case Tillyfor thought to check that I had really gone. I waited a few minutes, then doubled back, approaching her door again from a different direction. From within, I could hear two female voices in animated conversation, the words too softly spoken for me to make them out. But it did indeed sound like two sisters making up after a tiff.
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Part 103