Rhone said nothing to the woman's insistence that he 'lightened up'. He wasn't a very light hearted person; never really was. And, despite her claims that his life was going to be [i]so much[/i] better, his suspicious self found it hard to believe. He had been betrayed time and time again by people who claimed to be interested in his wellfair. He was a slave because 'it was better than being a street urchin'. He was beaten because 'it would do him good to learn a lesson'. He had to work day in and day out for no pay because he 'would be begging for food in the streets otherwise'. What these people considered good for him may or may not be actual good. Rhone supposed only time would tell.

While the girl and gnome bickered as if he weren't there, Rhone continued to walk silently. He felt the air slowly grow heavy with storm. Clouds gathered above and the smell of rain began to drench the air. He really didn't want to get rained on and sick. 

As they walked, Rhone noticed Rosa grow tense. What was the matter with her? She looked around as if she thought someone would jump from the bushes and rob them. When she asked if she could get closer, Rhone only shrugged. What did he care? However, she got a lot closer to him than he expected. The girl practically pressed into him as they walked, making him feel a bit uncomfortable. He was beaten and sold by his last master for merely [i]speaking[/i] to his daughter; what would Lucien do to him if he saw this? 

When Rosa took his hand, Rhone had had enough. He pulled his hand back from her and replaced it by his side. 
"I don't think you should do that," He said quietly, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed. Most people seemed to have headed inside by now. "You'll get me in trouble."