Snippet #1293277

Isabella wasn't entirely sure how to respond to the Professor's words. They'd been sudden and mostly a relief. She hadn't remembered either she nor Jackson saying anything about a long term stay, but Isabella was a very open book. It was quite obvious Professor Reynolds liked to read. Perhaps Isabella would like staying here more than she thought. Already it felt like a home, but she was still unsure if it was the heightened emotions she felt, or just the Professor's kind demeanor. Either way, it made the young woman feel better about the entire incident so far (whatever the "incident" may be).

Just as Isabella was planning to respond, Mister Jackson came back in, followed by a most peculiar creature. It was obviously a dog, but Isabella had only seen them from a distance; strays in the alleys of the commons or out in the fields hunting with the men. She'd never encountered one so close and she was thoroughly intrigued. Letting her curiosity appropriate the rest of her physical body, Isabella stood up and walked toward Mister Jackson. With more confidence than she felt, her small hand and long fingers reached out and started petting the dog's back. His fur was thick and a little coarse on the top, but as she moved around and massaged his neck she found a softer coat beneath.

"What a magnificent creature," Isabella whispered. "His name is Rousseau?" Feeling a swell of joy and enlightenment, she whispered out words she'd memorized in secret. "Man is or was born free, and he is everywhere in chains." Without even realizing she'd said this, she continued to pet the dog, her smile evident of a memory she shared with just her self.