''Shift has occurred since I stepped up to take Prim’s place, and it now seems I have become someone precious. At first one, then another, then almost every member of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to me. It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district, occasionally seen a funerals. It means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love.”
