A brief smile flashed over Gage's face. "I'm glad you did come back. You didn't leave because you thought me and Maurice were...did you?" he asked. He didn't want this to be his fault. He didn't want their time apart to be anyone's fault because that would mean it could have been avoided. He sighed and switched to easier conversation. "Maria is great. Growing up too fast and yet totally oblivious to the pains of the world. How about your sisters?"