Branwell's surprise was induced as much by the dowager's prowess with a blade as from seeing the gem-studded bodkin protruding from his chest. Though he had searched a lifetime for the priceless dagger, his final thought was that the widow was remarkably agile, despite having been dead for centuries.


Tim Canny is writer in the dust of middle age specializing in children's stories characterized by a misguided sense of whimsy.