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I went to see my lord: “He isn’t here,” said his bondsman; but, as he spoke, his name was called from inside the inner chamber: “Steven! Come here a moment.”; and I fled. Later, I took the boy aside and asked: “Why did you lie to me?” “I didn’t lie.” He stared from expressive facial complexity: innocent and arrogant, and yet cautious. “You made a statement that wasn’t true. You knew it to be false. That is a lie.” He said: “The situation is awkward. I would say it is quite complicated. I simplified it for you; as a help. It was no lie. I was protecting you.” But, Steven –“ I began. He cut me off: “I am too busy for all these questions.”