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Show - k2 - "Well, I see you can't wait around much longer - for Maddie to tell you more about Claudine." said Tom who was busily raking leaves. "Your curiousity is getting the best of you, aye?" His blue eyes twinkled and were almost hidden when he grinned. "We haven't seen her in a long time. Why?" asked Vicky. "I'm sure you must know why," he answered. "She'll never appear if there are are any outsiders at Gaven House. You girls, Maddie and myself are the only ones she's shown herself to. Not even your parents have had a glimpse of her. I know she's not going to show up until everything quiets down. I sometimes wonder if she didn't give up long ago hoping that Maddie or I would help her attain her goal. Now she's set her hopes in you two girls. "Her goal," said Vicky. "What goal?" "Oh Vic," exclaimed Penny in exasperation. "You remember what she said the last time we saw her in the attic? The question is, who did she want us to help her be united with? Is it Dirk?" She shook her head in agitation and her hair tumbled around her shoulders. "Be assured that it's Dirk she's searching for. I should know," answered Tom. "Now where should I begin. Actually, as I said before, Maddie was the Gaven's maid years ago and knew more about the girlfs hidden feelings than I, but about her love for Dirk, that I can confirm. There was never any question about that. To go on, there began the constant struggle between the elder Gavens and Dirk. Mrs. Gaven was like a person possessed in her determination to prevent the boy from marrying her daughter. In the beginning, when she was young, I believe it didn't matter too much to her. She really believed that Claudine would outgrow her attraction for Dirk. "You "see," went on Tom, "Mrs. Gaven was a proud and haughty woman. |
