" Forgive me for saying so, Your Highness," Clarissa said slowly, " but for one as unaccustomed to good deeds as you, perhaps it would be best if you started with one on a smaller scale. Something like, I don't know, spreading bread crumbs for birds?" " Birds?" Valentina stared at Clarissa as if she had sprouted wings and would fly off. " Why on earth would I wish to feed birds?" " It was just a thought," Clarissa murmured. "