The thought of Maryam clarified everything in a sudden rush, that and the cheeping bright voice and the words and the-- surely it was laughter.

Whatever it was, it was a child. And Joanna, a children's librarian, she could handle children.

"I did guess," she said, warmly. "You're a little small to be a person. May I ask what you are?" She thought a moment and added, "And who you are? My name is Joanna."