The nature of the laughter set off alarm bells in Stephen's head. He had just asked this man an extraordinarily personal question, one that Gannicus was clearly trying to pretend wasn't uncomfortable.

He pretended he hadn't noticed.

"I can understand that," he said. "Well, I think I'd better go. I've taken enough of your time." As he stood, Stephen gave Gannicus a warm smile. "Thank you for speaking with me. It's always good to hear about the way things are done in other worlds."