The sun had just slipped behind horizon, when Benedict stepped onto the front drive of the Malfoy Estate. Though it was a vaguely important invitation, he felt it warranted no more than his typical clothing (black turtleneck sweater, black trousers) below his robes and a good brush of his hair. Benedict certainly felt no need to impress either one of the Malfoys; that was their game, their world in which appearance meant everything. Benedict might have been raised in that world, but he'd purposely made his own life different, and in his opinion, better. And the fact that it might slight Malfoy was only a bonus.

Benedict couldn't claim to hate Lucius Malfoy, well not exclusively anyway. He hated everyone, up to and most especially himself and though he and Malfoy shared common goals, they were not friends. In fact Benedict's only real friend, as it were, was Lance and everyone was aware of how he regularly mistreated the boy. No this call was not for leisure, not so that Lucius Malfoy could "show off" his house and his wife. It was for business; always, business. Benedict never did anything for fun or his own personal enjoyment. And his dress, if anything, would account for the fact that this meeting tonight was pure business.

He stepped to the front door, reaching to ring the bell at the front so that he would be announced. Likely a butler would arrive on the other side, and show him inside. Benedict waited patiently, no outward signs of trepidation on wandering willingly into the spider's web...

~One might have a certain sense of pity for the poor young girl who's job was, basicly, to take care of Narcissa's appearance. Narcisa had put the girl through trials before- but tonight had been horrific for the poor little girl. But Narcissa looked stunning for it. She wore a dress- not a wizard's robe, but a beautiful dress that would accent her husbad's attire nicely- though that had not been arranged between them. Or perhaps it had- just not on the conscious level. Both knew their place, their role in tonight's affair, and Narcissa had low expectations for the evening. So she'd sat scowling as she was pampered and readied for the night, knowing full well her presence would be little more than a buffer zone of emotional protection for Lucius. As long as Narcissa was in the room- he would have an excuse not to talk about things he did not with to discuss.~

~However, at the same time, Narcissa was most curious as to what Benedict was wanting, to have requested the presence of her Husband, and what serious terms it was that her husband had made it an occasion that she would be invited to. What use was she to him on this occasion? For surly, Lucius Malfoy would not request her presence if it was not of some great profit to him. But she had not asked questions, merely complied. After all- where would defiance get her? She didn't want to think about that. So Narcissa had been dressed by her attendants, in a dress of black velvet- very lavish and expensive. The design was almost modeled after some mideval styles- in that the skirt of the dress was amost separated from the chest up, by a black satin piping just below the bust- and the velvet skirt came down in two directions from that point- making a triangle from her chest to the ground that would have been bare- were there not an inner layer to the dress- a black satin, creating an almost cape-like style to the outer skirt, The neckline of the dress came all the way up to her chin, it seemed, with a soft ruffle at the collar- mostly to hide her neck... which as anyone knows is the first place a lady shows age. And Narcissa would not be bothered with even the suggestion that she was aging.~

~When Lucius had entered the parlor, Narcissa had been sitting alone, on a small, stiff looking couch, looking very regal, but almost... out of it, in a way. She was staring into the fire that never seemed to be out in this room, and was the greatest light source of the room at night, aside from little candles that seemed to float in mid air. This room was Narcissa's own design for the most part- so unlike what one would expect from a Malfoy- the room was warm and cozy- almost inviting. Strange, really- considering the cold manor which Malfoy's regarded other people. And the perhaps even more frigid manor in which they treated each other.~

~Though, the room, like Narcissa had a purpose- it made guests feel welcome and invited in the cold house- and it did a lot to dissuade most people from their preconceptions about the Malfoys- which were, for the most part, likely true. As Narcissa had sat in the parlor, staring at the flames- her soft, manicured hands clutshing something... a chord, it seemed- not a rope, but a bit of soft chord she had picked up somewhere. Her hands pulled and wrnched at the chord, twisting it mercilessly- and with the vauge expression on her face, had she not been facing slightly turned away from the door of the room- it may have been questionable- Narcissa Malfoy- without a mask?~

~At hearing her husband's voice, Narcissa's spine straightened, and her face twisted into a horrible smirk. However, when she turned, and glanced in his direction, her mask had been put into place for the evening, and her hands suddenly stilled in her lap, dropping the small bit of silken chord to the floor- and not botherign to pick it up. Narcissa's face tightened into a forced smile that looked as genuine as anyone could possibly look without looking overly enthusiastic. She nodded, her pale, blonde hair brusing around her back. She'd chosen to wear her hair down this evening- and it reached down her back- nearly to her waist. The light platinum blonde was more than light enough to hide any whisps of gray or white that would be begginning to peek through. Of Course, Narcissa had convinced herself they weren't there at all. A similar attitude to the one she'd created for Lucius.~

~But appearances must be kept- and deception is a very beautiful art. Narcissa stood then, her black heels unwavering as she glided over to her husband's side- the perfect little doll she was- and little more. She was a puppet on a string until he set her down. But tonight... she would simply be that well behaved docile little puppet. For someone was in their house- and she couldn't keep up her game of hiding from him around guests. Yes- the perception of the guest was more important than her own comfort. But this was no news to anyone who had any mind of Narcissa's life with Lucius. Then again- no one knew the face behind the masks they'd created- did they?~

"Yes, Dear.."

~He smiled at her when they came together and linked arms like a matching set of black and pale gold dolls. But it was the empty serpent's smile, bearing while no malice, no real affection. It was a smile for him.~ You look lovely, as always. ~It wasn't so much a compliment as it was acknowledgement of her efforts. She was such a good companion for him. Or as he saw it.. he'd trained her so well.~

That would be our guest..~He said at the sound of the front door opening and the low sounds of polite greetings said butler was currently offering.~ Let's not keep him waiting. ~And he lead her arm in arm down to the large open area where Benedict had scarcely even started to wait. He may not realize it, but that was a sign of respect on Lucius's part. Unwelcome guests had been known to sit quite some time before the lord and lady of the house graced them with an their appearance.~ Good to see you made it Canterbury.. ~He greeted the man with a sly nod that did nothing to cover the currently scrutinizing gaze.~

~Social games of posturing and seeing just who was ever so subtly slighting who were one of the few things Lucius truly enjoyed.. above and beyond just relishing being himself anyway. So while one could be sure that Benedict's choosing to dress as though this were just another day for him was noted, if it bothered Lucius no one would ever be able to tell from the calm confidence in his steel gray eyes, as they looked down upon their guest. After all the benefit of always dressing in a display of one's wealth.. was that when you came right down to it Lucius and Narcissa for all their finery, were dressed like it was just another day for them too.~

~If anything the casual appearance soothed him, it told him that Canterbury was still a world of breeding away from himself. It fixed his security that he was at a level the young upstart would never touch. Lucius would never see.. that in some ways it made him out of touch. His focus on always having closely held but lesser or at least younger minions was not without purpose. Raziel, Trevor, and of course the work which was his own son all.. were meant to keep with a generation the eldest Malfoy could scarcely comprehend the thoughts of. Canterbury's greatest strength was something this man could see only as a weakness: he was "one of them".~ Shall we go ahead and move to the dining room then?

The brief greetings by the butler passed quickly and Benedict was lead into the entryway to wait until the Malfoys arrived to see him. Likely he'd have to be announced, and then began the great holdout for him. If Malfoy took too long, Benedict would leave because he -did- have other things to be doing. Lance was helping him pack things up so that they could move out to his childhood estate for the summer. Or maybe longer. But his business here was important, and Benedict would have given Malfoy a little more time than he usually did.

When the two of the arrived, he watched them closely and with that same caution that had always been at his command. Though he may not have been wealthy like Lucius and Narcissa his entire life, Benedict did have impecable manners. If he had dressed the part, he would have fit in amongst nobles. But as it were he had little to no patience for the panderings of the bored and wealthy.

His gaze went to Lucius first, noting the clothing and the hint of wariness in his own face. That was a good sign, Benedict noted. A Death Eater could never let himself get so caught up in the power that he forgot to be careful. Though Benedict doubted that Lucius was ever this wary, but felt threatened by his presence. So be it. His eyes went to Narcissa then, and he let a genuine, yet vague smile pass onto his lips as he took in her looks. She hadn't changed much since he'd known her at school. She was still beautiful...deadly...and entirely too conceited. He nodded to both of them, and took Narcissa's hand, kissing it politely. "Pleasure to see you as always," he gave her another smile and then stepped back, nodding to Lucius.

"Ah yes, dinner. I'm sorry that I must rush our meeting, I looked forward to perhaps more than just business. But as I'm sure you're accustomed," he spoke to Lucius, his greeting would be the few words he offered to the woman. "Other things require urgency. I appreciate your meeting with me." He took a step toward where he imagined the dining room to be.

~Narcissa glided along aside her husband, looking very much like a porcelain doll. Her eyes seemed to have a layer of glass over them, and with her pale, unmarred skin, as well as her high cheekbones and vauge expression, she really did give off the look of a doll, and nothing more. Set under a glass dome to look pretty for eternity. What was peculiar about it, really, was how she didn't mind- how she thrived on it. And whether Lucius ever acknowledged it (though it was unlikely he ever would) it was more due to her upbringing than her 'training' Lucius had put her through. The man more than likely had no Idea how much harder it would have been to break someone else so that he could piece her back together. But Lucius had been lucky enough to find someone who was already shattered to pieces.~

~Indeed, Narcissa was the ultimate trophy wife. Beautiful, charming, and above all- quiet. And here she exhibited those qualities well. She did not speak much to either of the men, but when she entered the room gave Benedict a small smile- small, but not without warmth. And perhaps she meant this smile. It seemed as if she did, however, with Narcissa, one could never really tell whether she was genuine, or genuinely fake. But in the continuing theme of polite and inviting, Narcissa did extend her hand that was not coiled around Lucius' arm for the man to kiss her hand... and then her smile crept up a bit, and deepened for the man. She nodded, and spoke in a soft, unobtrusive voice... slowly, but not so slow to insult the man's intelligence. No, this slow was more of a laziness, or rather, an elegant idleness that one acquires when one has all the time and money they could ever need for so long.~ Good evening, Mr. Canterbury.

~With that her smile melted, not to an unpleasant smirk that made her look as if there were a bad smell directly under her nose as she might have chosen had she been unrestricted, but that same regal look that she had most of the time. She waited for the men to make their way towards the dinning room- mostly because she was attached to one of them. She would have offered Benedict a drink, or something, but this particular social call would suggest dinner first as a more standard and appropriate beginning to the evening. Besides, at this point she wondered if she would want either one of the two men in the least bit intoxicated this evening. She had no Idea what this meeting was to concern- but the look in Benedict's eyes spelled out some significance. Something was important- But she doubted she'd be let in on the real matter they were to discuss that evening.~

~And so when Lucius did begin to move towards the dining hall, Narcissa glided along on his right arm, her own right hand gently tugging up her over skirt- so that she did not step on the fabric and make a fool of herself. The dress almost scraped the floor as it was- but such a length of skirt was appropriate for a woman of Narcissa's age and status. And so the lifesize doll made her way to dinner. Cold and calculated as always... one might easily come upon the opinion that a doll would, in fact, be home to more emotion than the woman herself. Which was, of course, in her husband's favor. And in that respect, she was perfect. Or at least, perfectly suited to fulfill her position, which was more of a career than a life.~

Yes, a pity there's not time for more socializing. ~He agreed only to play out the obvious lie that either of the two men would have much desire to spend their free time in one another's company. Little pleasantries and fine white lies were the gilt that made his existence different from a commoner's though. He watched his wife as she moved through the same eloquently meaningless motions of high society. And doubted highly that Benedict would have wasted time with any of it if he had his way.~

~Behind their guest a tiny smirk tugged the thin line of his lips at watching him so straightforwardly set off towards the suggested venue. The enthusiasm was commendable. No longer so temperamental, but still not terribly versed in patience it would seem. But then Lucius had been little different at his age.. he had never liked waiting and even now it was something he abided more than enjoyed. It was always easier to wait when you had more in the "achieved" column and less still unfinished.~

To your left. ~He guided when they reached the passage where a turn was necessary as they followed along behind the younger man.~

~The dining room was cavernous in more than just size, the far-spaced magical lamps at their usual dim setting, reflecting a soft gold on the glossy surface of the long table where places had been set for three at one end. It was a nod to the press of time that their entire meal was already laid out on the heavy pewter dishes. He pulled out his wife's chair and seated her before taking his own place at the head, and then simply waited to see if Benedict had any business that could be conducted in the open, or if he wanted to see how far they could get under Narcissa's nose.. or if by contrast she would be set to performing her function of filling the silence with pseudo pleasant conversation that would probably only be more waste of time to Benedict. And he smiled a little bit more at that thought.~

Benedict followed Lucius' directions to the enormous dining room, and he blinked just barely at the bright lights in comparison to the rest of the house. He had always enjoyed big manors, the life that it seemed to imply and the pleasantries that one could enjoy there. But in the heart of it all, Benedict supposed it was too much of his life spent running a place like this that he couldn't be completely comfortable in a large estate. His gaze danced across the fine linens and decorations, a truly pleasant place he had to admit.

Benedict stood until Narcissa was seated, and then he took his own place. Hands clasped on the table's top, Benedict took a few minutes to compose his thoughts. No use in rushing out and saying what needed to be said, before thinking it through. Lucius Malfoy would love to get rid of Benedict, and vice versa, so words had to be delicate. Benedict could hardly announce his plans to the world and then expect there to be no consequences. And though Narcissa was Lucius' in name and principal, Benedict had no doubt that she did what she pleased as soon as he was gone.

"Well I won't waste more of your time than necessary on the matter I've brought to you," he nodded and leaned back in his chair, watching the two of them. Of course Lucius would no doubt figure out what he was up to as soon as it was said, and Narcissa did not necessarily have to leave the room just now. "In plain truth, I've come to ask your permission to send an owl to your son. I find myself in need of his help..." he started, knowing tehy'd have questions. "I am having difficulties with the one assistant I have now, and I'd like to try and get some students...to help out around the shop. I'm sure you know how it is, good staff being so hard to find. That's why I wanted students...or perhaps recent graduates. I could best mold them to my...needs...that way." He eyed Lucius, wondering if he'd understand the gist of the request.

~The centerpoint of the meal was a venison steak in a very light sauce, and Lucius set to letting his knife slide easily through the tender meat as Benedict spoke. His eyes, while they never reached that fully opened state which happened only in extreme anger or extreme surprise, did rise to settle wholly on the other man when his son was brought into this discussion. Yes.. Draco, the sum of a life's work for which Raziel had been only a trial run, and McGaritty a lesson in the nature of friends and rivals. Though it definitely wasn't always easy to guess from the way he treated the boy, from the fact they seemed more like enemies than family, there was nothing more important to him than his son. It was one of the few points where he and his wife were actually in complete agreement.~

~Benedict had been wise to ask his permission to even contact that closely guarded heir, for there was also nothing Lucius was more possessive of. In a way it was a form of the same need Benedict now obviously saw.. the need to extend one's influence beyond one's self. To leave a legacy.~ Yes.. those who will listen can be hard to find indeed.. ~He said with a slow nod that never removed his eyes from their heavy gaze. He was thinking the matter over.~

~In his supreme arrogance, he didn't truly believe any of the dregs which might drift towards Benedict could be of a threat to the respect he himself commanded. That the best of the best blood would seek Lucius and his ilk out.. and they were the only future wizarding could have. As always he judged merit's value solely by its container.~ I certainly see your need for assistants. ~He agreed.~ But why don't I deliver the letter to Draco myself? ~And give him a chance to look it over.. went without saying. While Benedict branched out all his eggs were in one proverbial basket with his son, and so he was naturally overprotective of the thought of any tainting influence that could be avoided. Especially now when the boy was finally beginning to mature so nicely.~

Benedict took his napkin from the table and unfolded it neatly in his lap, and set to his own food with vague interest. Really he hadn't come here to eat, or to socialize, he'd merely been after Malfoy's permission to contact the son. Of course, Benedict hadn't been fool enough to think that Lucius' wouldn't want to contact his son about it personally, though he had some small hope. After all, Benedict had found one student eager to "help" and he was sure that others could be found. Let Malfoy hoard his rotten child, and that other boy he let into his graces. Benedict had a much keener way of going about things.

"Oh of course, I'd expected nothing less," he smiled then, purely predatory and cold but for those that were unfamiliar with Benedict's true nature they might have thought it was friendly. There was an almost-bite to the statement too, as if Benedict thought Lucius capable of nothing more than back-stabbing. "I'd brought the letter along, for your approval at any rate."

Putting his fork and knife down for a brief moment, he dipped his hand into his robes and produced a plain white envelope. The outside was unremarkable, and there was no real indication of who it was from. There was only the Canterbury seal to hold it shut, and Benedict didn't figure that would last but a moment as he soon as he was out the front door. "But I must request, that this be taken up as soon as possible. I'd like to take possession of the new...employees...as soon as the school year is over."

~Narcissa herself made an attempt to smile up at her husband as he helped her into her chair. She smoothed her skirts beneath her, and glanced around the table at the two men before even glancing down at her food. She took in a breath to smell it- and was almost relieved. She hadn't realized how hungry she was. Of course, that didn't mean she'd approach eating with any less poise than she approached everything else with. In fact, she specifically waited until Lucius had taken his first bite to so much as pick up her napkin. Delicater fingers unfolded the napkin and laid it casually across her lap, before setting upon the task of picking up her silverware, and cutting her meat into tiny squares. She watched the men, waiting for them to talk... and wondering what kind of cryptic speech they'd be talking in this time.~

~Narcissa was used to guests of Lucius's completely ignoring her as more than eye candy, and a reason to be cryptic and censor themselves. Oftentimes, Narcissa wondered whether that was the only reason she was really kept around. She knew Lucius had little need for a wife beyond producing an heir, and now that Draco was of schooling age, she was of almost no use whatsoever to him, aside from those few social graces she provided for him. In fact, for weeks after Draco went off to school, Narcissa had almost feared for her life- but after five years, she'd realised what she now provided to him, aside from just the management of his heir. So it was encounters such as this that Narcissa felt she owed her life to, in some small way.~

~At Benedict's speaking about business, Narcissa actually began to eat, pretending to look that mix of interested but not too terribly so, while keping her ears listening for little hints of the truth behind the words. She was almost shocked when the man was terribly blunt in her presence. But at the same time it was refreshing. Benedict was one of her peers, as opposed to most of the company Lucius brought into their house. And he had that sense of hurry that was so common and refreshing nowadays- something Narcissa enjoyed, perhaps just because Lucius was so opposed to it.~

~As the men talked, Narcissa remained quiet, but the gears of her mind were working indeed. She wondered exactly what it was that Benedict's letter would say to her son. She would have no interest in Lucius' business if it did not effect her son.. and while she realized Draco's importance to Lucius, and knew he would let no harm come to the boy- she still felt that necessary maternal tug. She wondered what it was Draco would be doing, exactly... and She gave Benedict a rather implaceable look. She wasn't really sure how she felt on the matter. While she wanted Draco to have influence of more than just her husband... she was slightly protective of her son. After all, Draco was as important to Narcissa as Lucius was... to himself.~

~A smile answered on Malfoy's own lips, equally cold, and equally a smile in name only. Yes, this was the game, and Benedict had just proved himself someone worth playing against. His statement and moreover his proof in producing the letter evidence he'd anticipated exactly what Draco's father would have to say. But in the end that's all Lucius would ever see Benedict as, an amusement and perhaps even useful ally (as much as men like them had such) who would only aspire but never be allowed to reach the status of threat. This was how from his perch of superiority he viewed everyone. And how he would probably view them quite literally, and most likely fittingly, up until the moment he died.~

~Most likely, from a wound to the back.~

~That subtle insinuation he was capable of no real loyalties couldn't be and wasn't even taken as an insult. How could one take offense to the truth? Those were the darker circles in which both men walked, and Malfoy doubted seriously that most of those who stood with them would pass up an opportunity to strike any open target that would benefit them.~ I will attend to it promptly. ~He assured, and meant it. It would be another opportunity to see how Draco would fare with a project of his own, and moreover a good step towards moving the boy into his father's darker business. There was much advantage to be taken of this scout position by someone with a sharp mind and ambition. Lucius would certainly not mind having one of this new "flock" loyal to him.. or his son.. for the sake of information. It was all a matter of how much he wished to encourage Draco to do so, and how much he wanted to see if his heir would realize on his own.~

~He slipped the letter into the folds of his robe, and with it's disappearance from view it seemed likely the true business of the night was closed as briefly as it had been opened. He let the burden of being the good host fall to his wife, or the choice to sit in silence be Benedict's at their leisure. Dining and commenting on matters only when it suited him to do so, reigning comfortable as ever from the head of the table. And when their plates began to empty, he asked with a sly, too polite smile.~ And will you be staying for dessert? ~A question he was fairly certain he already knew the answer to. But Lucius was just the type of man to expend breath in asking.~

Benedict waited until the letter was safely tucked away in the folds of Lucius' robes before he took his eyes off of it. He had little doubt that Lucius would follow through as he said he would, mostly because he would want to know what exactly Benedict was up to. That was understandable, and Benedict doubted he would not have done the same thing in the other man's position. They were similar, to a very small extent and Benedict had to respect that about Lucius. But for the most part, he saw Malfoy as arrogant and weak, and he assumed that Malfoy saw him as common and lesser. That was something Benedict could live with. He had no aspirations to be any more than he was.

"No...unfortunately I need to return to my shop right away. So much to be done, as you can well imagine," Benedict placed his napkin on the table, and rose slowly. The man did everything deliberately, carefully, and even something as common as rising from a chair seemed planned. He offered them both a polite smile and nod.

"I truly appreciate your meeting with me. Narcissa, you were delightful as always and your home is lovely. Thank you for dinner," he smiled, more genuine to her and then made as if to turn.

"If you should need any further explanation, Lucius, I'm sure you know where to find me. A good night to both of you," he nodded again and started across the dining room.

~As soon at the letter had found itself hidden away, Narcissa took that as her cue to begin her part of the bargain- the business deal that was their marriage. She glanced up from her plate and smiled at benedict, and started to say something, but her performance for the night would be short lived, and she instead looked at the man with almost relief in her eyes, but a fake concern on her face. She would pretend to worry that something was wrong- all the while glad that she didn't have to face the task of putting forth the effort that it would take to entertain the two men for the rest of the evening. Instead, she could retire for the evening, and go back to ignoring and avoiding her husband.~

I do hope that nothing is wrong, Mr. Caterbury? ~There was that concerned, carefully folded into her words. Her tone was genuine- amazing how good an actress a girl becomes after years of being married to a man that was in essence like the ring master of a three ring circus. And she was, of course, one of his acts, a flashy little act to take time while he set up the more interesting stunts and shows that he would only let begin when he, the ring master was willing to. And so the spotlight faded from Narcissa, at least for the moment. She was no longer needed, and sincerely doubted that she was even really wanted in the presence of the hall. So, with a smile to the two men- again, acting out her sincerity towards her husband, so that even how rigid her feelings were to the more or less stranger in her presence, he got a more sincere positive gesture in his direction.~

~Narcissa only smiled, and excused herself from the presence of the men. This was to the benefit only of the two Malfoys in the room- in the sense that now Lucius had a chance to say whatever he wanted to the man. That would stick out in Lucius' mind, she was sure. Telling him that despite how she truly despised him, she knew that for her own benefit, she must act in a way that would be beneficial to him. It was part of being a posession. But she knew, or at least thought what Benedict was trying to do- he would leave before Lucius could talk to him alone. But even in her resentment of her Husband- Narcissa knew, more than anythign in the world, her place. And while it was, at times, by his side, silent and unobtrusive... right now.. it was out of the way... which was where she wanted to be, anyway.~

~Snubbed by a commoner. Oh..wait, everyone was common in his eyes. Maybe that was part of the problem of his all but unshakable ego, was that if you didn't feed it then you were simply ignorant and your opinions of no consequence. This theorem applied.. to all but one really. And oh how he had felt like shaking that night, the livid scarlet eyes still seemed to peer out at him from the darkness, and it was at those times, to no one but himself would he admit that Lucius Malfoy.. could be very much afraid.~

~So, in servitude and for the goals of their common master, he would allow the use of the prized asset of his son. Bound up somewhere in his private agendas was a desire to serve the ends of the Death Eaters, if not the particular one who now left his table.~

~He did notice and appreciate Narcissa's attempts to let him have a private word with Benedict, though the truth was he had nothing he needed to say in private, one of the perks of their order was a certain necessary schooling in double speak, so they had managed to say quite adequately all they'd needed to say in front of her. As always of course, he attributed her virtues to himself and not her. It was as if in that projection he made that she was nothing more than an adornment sculpted to suit himself, he'd really come to believe it. But then, would it really surprise anyone to hear that Lucius had managed to fool himself?~

~Narcissa departed, and Benedict escorted back to the door (one would hate to see him "get lost" and stumble upon something he shouldn't after all), the master of the house retired to his study, and made judicious use of the instrument known as a letter opener.~