He saw, with a start, that he was nearly to his house, and he realized he had been hoping Nanae would be there. He had to talk to her, though he had no idea what he would say. As he drew closer, he saw a flicker of motion inside the porch.
He walked forward quietly, and then stood a moment watching her, silently. She had her back to him and was sweeping, as she had been that first time he saw her. Her thighs were wrapped in soft, violet cloth, and a cascade of violet flowers jeweled the lovely hair which rippled and swirled down her back and shoulders. Not a wasted motion, he thought, not a gesture that isn't beautiful. He wondered why he had ever felt sweeping a floor was a menial task. She moved like a great dancer.
She turned as he watched and saw him. "Hello." She smiled, and he felt himself tremble a little.
"I just heard about you—about your being head of the Council," he blurted out. "I want to apologize; I didn't know, I—"
"What difference does it make?" She looked genuinely puzzled.
"I thought you were a maid, a ... a sort of person who waits on other people, on Terra," he tried to explain. "I didn't know you were just doing this to be kind. I've been very rude. I—I hardly know what to say...."
Her eyes widened. "Do you treat people who clean your houses on Terra one way and officials another? You are funny, you Terrans."
"Yes, I guess we are funny." He searched for words. "This is the first time I've really talked to you, isn't it?"
She smiled. "We've just been people in the same room." She spoke gently. "I've seen you were unhappy and confused under that proud manner. I wanted to help, but you weren't ready to let anyone help."
"Why did you keep coming?" He waited anxiously for her answer.