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Show Hannah Mae and the Mona Lisa 53 Miss Larkin steadied me and sat me at the nearest desk. She said, "Hannah, I know this is all happening fast, but I want to assure you that someday people will be studying Mr. Morris' paintings like they study the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci. He's that good. A hundred years from now people will be admiring ycpr painting in a A museum." My brain was jumping about my head, trying to find a way out. Students began marching in from the hall, ants every one. For an instant I let myself think that things might be turning my way. I was holding a box full of Paris and a check for five hundred dollars. It was a sign that my prickly thistles were blooming all at once. But then I came to my senses. Even if Colby and I earned a thousand dollars with The French Comer Market, I'd still be plenty shy after splitting with Colby. And it wouldn't be fair. Colby couldn't manage the place alone. I held out the check. "I can't take that much time, Miss Larkin. I promised Colby." Miss Larkin paused and pushed back my hand. "Keep the check over the weekend. Talk things over with Colby and with your parents. Tell your mom she can come over and meet Mr. Morris. Maybe you'll figure something out." I hesitated and then shoved the check in my pocket. I never expected five hundred dollars to feel the way it did. It hardly made a dent. |