I'd forgotten the earlier mermaid reference, McG: in fact, I don't remember it now; I wonder if I'm reading an abridged version, or one with a few bits unintentionally missing? In the context of what she says, it makes perfect sense if the second mermaid alludes to the first: she is half Clennan's ex-lover (this in the romantic sense only) and half the unromantic Finching's widow. Well, sorry I started a thread under false pretences; still, it's provoked some interesting discussion, hasn't it?

Steve