"Doesn't brother like stamps?" Vic noticed.
Bruto raised his eyes and quickly shook his head, "I do like them. Thanks, Dad."
But his fingers curled up, not touching the velvet box holding the stamps.
Maria interrupted, "Brother only likes reading. Last time Caesar tore one of his book pages and he didn't even get angry." Her little face was tense as she spoke, as if she were complaining, yet also angry.
Vic put down the newspaper summary, "Caesar tore your book?"
Bruto lowered his head, speaking softly, "It was by accident... He said he wanted to see the warship illustrated inside, and then the paper tore."
"He snatched it away!" Maria raised her voice, "I saw it! He pushed brother, then snatched the book! Brother, you just stood there and let him snatch!"
Bruto's face turned red, his fingers twisted together.
Belsaria walked over with a coffee pot, wearing a light gray house dress, her hair loosely tied up.
