"Indigenous populations are very different," he agreed, "though I do not know that you would find yourself...compatible. The way of life of the American Indian, for example, would be as foreign to you as a long-forgotten tongue."

Travel was one thing, but Balt found he could not encourage his daughter's "going native", as it were. Safety paramount, with one child already so marred.

"Italy, though..." he mused. "Perhaps a trip could be arranged upon completion of your schooling, if you think it preferable to a debut?"