"Strangers are generous," Rara explained, "while those who live here are too frozen to give."
"Look," said the man, "I was told to watch out for blind beggars who weren't blind. My cousin, he warned me ..."
"Not blind!" cried Rara. "Not blind? Why my license is right here. It permits me to beg in specified areas because of loss of sight. If you keep this up, I'll be obliged to show it to you." She turned away with a huff and began in another direction. The man scratched his head, then hurried off.
A few moments later, a man completely swathed in a gray cloak and hood came around the corner and stopped in front of the woman.
"Money for the blind?"
"Can you use this?" the man said. From his cloak he held out a brocade jacket, covered with fine metal work.
"Of course," said Rara softly. Then she coughed. "Er ... what is it?"
"It's a jacket," Jon said. "It's made pretty well. Maybe you can sell it?"
"Oh, thank you. Thank you, sir."