Reading through the last batch of my pieces on the Residua website, which Simon Rae-Scott has just put on line, I find myself blushing from time to time. If I am blushing… Anyhow, I must tell you, dear reader, that I occasionally feel truly sorry for you.

Addendum (May 24, 2003)

“Don’t,” wrote Diana Pernet in terse response. And she is one of my most faithful readers. But I do not have anyone in particular in mind when I start blushing. He or she is always cloaked in mist. My relationship with the reader is a fraught one, to be sure. Now I send the poor creature packing under any old pretext, and a moment later I am consumed by worry about his or her comfort, like an old woman. If only I could follow Diane’s wise advice!