Ход королевы

           InsteadithadbeenthefullhourandahalfofchapelandBethhelpingMrs.LonsdalewiththechairsandlisteningtohergiveherTalks.IttookanotherhourafterputtingthechairsawaytowritetheprécisMrs.Deardorffhadassigned.ShediditeverySundayforayear,andMrs.DeardorffreturnediteveryMondaywithredmarksandsomegrimexhortationlike“Rewrite.Faultyorganization.”She’dhadtolookup“Communism”inthelibraryforthefirstprécis.BethhadfeltsomewhereinherthatChristianityoughttohavesomethingmoretoit.

           Jolenehadcomeoverandwasstandingbesideher,squintinginthesunlight.“That’swhereyoulearnedtoplay?”

           “Inthebasement.”

           “Shit,”Jolenesaid.“Theyshouldhaveencouragedyou.Sentyouonmoreexhibitionsafterthatone.Theylikepublicity,justlikeanybodyelse.”

           “Publicity?”Shewasfeelingdazed.

           “Itbringsinmoney.”

           Shehadneverthoughtofanyonethereencouragingher.Itbegantoenterhermindnow,standinginfrontofthebuilding.Shecouldhaveplayedintournamentsatnineorten,likeBenny.Shehadbeenbrightandeager,andhermindwasvoraciousinitsappetiteforchess.ShecouldhavebeenplayinggrandmastersandlearningthingsthatpeoplelikeShaibelandGanzcouldneverteachher.GirevwasplanningatthirteentobeWorldChampion.Ifshehadhadhalfhischances,shewouldhavebeenasgoodatten.ForamomentthewholeautocraticinstitutionofRussianchessmergedinhermindwiththeautocracyoftheplacewhereshewasnowstanding.Institutions.