“She got out of there as best she could,” Verzini added. “Thanks to dancing. She acquired a discipline. And I’ve always tried to help her to the best of my abilities.”

He had turned back toward the little table. One by one he picked up the proof sheets of The Glass Is Falling, spread out in disarray, and started putting them in order.

“It’s a little like you. I imagine you work at this table on all these papers because you too need a discipline.”

I was amazed at his insight. It was as if he had seen right through me.

I said, “I’m following the ballerina’s example.”