Of course it wasn't an issue of ease for Effie. This was just the way things were. But while she wasn't terribly well-learned that didn't mean she wasn't sharp in her own way; and she did notice that over the years the Victors dealt with things in their own way.

"These things don't change," she said, in what was, to her, a kindly tone. And, truly, it was perhaps the most honest she ever was - when it came to talking about hself. "Victors sometimes do. But not all. Really, dear, it's best if you just enjoy what you have now. It's what I do."