This much Nathan seemed to understand; while he wasn't sure exactly what was behind her request now, he'd learned quickly to discern these vague statements, those Catherine made that were really proclamations disguised in passing by her seeming indifference.  Usually what she cared most about, you never knew, because of course she'd never tell you.  But this, these statements, an occasional flash of a wish or desire for something, probably not to be mentioned again, these were what he'd learned from past mistakes to pay attention too.  He'd never quite figured out why the things she wanted the most, she only asked for once.  Once he'd guessed was enough, but he always feared the request might be so vague, or himself so dense, there'd be the possibility that he'd miss it, Catherine vanishing along with the loss of her desire.

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