b'DEATH AND A CROCODILE 23family. Even if his situation were to change, it would not affect you or my daughters dowry.Avitussmiled.ThenIseenoreasontodelay.Wouldyou agree to an exchange of rings next week, assuming the omens are favorable?Excellent. As usual, Father answered without bothering to consult either his wife or daughter. Did he have any idea what his agreement wouldmean?Thearrangements?Theupheavalofschedules? The death to any hope Livia had for freedom. Only an act of God could rescue her now.'