I've created an object by using text, then converting to paths. In all respects, it behaves like a normal object, post conversion: I can use the node tool to manipulate it, etc. I'm trying to, in effect, punch a hole in that object, and for whatever reason, it can't be done. When I attempt to do this, the path for the "hole" appears, but it is the same color as the rest of the object. Oddly, if I position the same path off to the side of the object, so that there is an opening in the side of the lower object, it will cut it out. But it will not cut it out if the upper object does not overlap with the edge of the lower object. In the same file, I can successfully punch holes in objects all day... as long as long as they are not this particular object. I'm dumbfounded. Very frustrating: hours spent on something that should be quite simple. I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong.