Notes for Pages 220-229.
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220. Ariana’s legs aren’t shaved; the current expectation that ladies will have hairless legs (and armpits) is often dated to the first twenty years or so of the 20th century, when sleeves and hemlines shrank back and stockings became sheer. In the 18th century you were just as likely to meet a woman who instead shaved her head – in order to discourage lice and to wear wigs more comfortably.
221. Exchequer: a term I borrowed from the English. In medieval England, the Exchequer was basically the internal revenue service and royal accounting/budgeting department; the term can also be shorthand for a general bank account. Herr Kunstemeier here is essentially threatening Nolte with the possibility of an audit from the University’s founding patron, the prince of the unnamed local municipality, if Nolte doesn’t increase funding to the law department.
I never thought I’d find myself using academic budget squabbles as a plot device in a story, but life is a long and winding road.
227. Nolte forgot that he was holding a hot poker and not a walking stick, and so did you.
229. Nor did I think I’d ever have to draw so many panels of rabbit/hare guts for a story. You should see my reference folder, it’s harrowing.