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Show 194 He crossed the room to the piano and, standing, stroked a soft chord on the keyboard. As he began to sing the Shakespearean sonnet, he realized that she had taught him to understand how truthfully words could convey emotions. His voice wavered when he reached the quatrain: "Nor dare I question with my jealous thought Where you may be, or your affairs suppose, But, like a sad slave, stay and think of nought Save, where you are, how happy you make those!" Karl envied them, the people she'd make happy -- Charles Bonner, and all her students in Canaan High School, the ones who would stay with her because it was right for them. "That was lovely," Yulyona whispered when Karl had finished the sonnet. She came to him, her cheeks wet with tears. "I don't imagine we'll see much of each other from now on. I wish you well, Karl, I really do. If you ever need help in reaching your objectives, I hope you'll come to my husband and me." "Thank you," he said. Without words, he told her, I love you. Goodby, Yulyona. At the door of the mansion, Mary Margaret helped him into his coat. "Here's your hat," she said, handing it to him. "It's certainly good-looking. It's...appropriate for you." Her new poise was not yet entirely dependable -- she blushed like the old Mary Margaret. When she opened the door, he managed a smile for her. Then he started down the driveway, settling the Homburg firmly on his head as he took a deep breath of the smoke-filled air. |