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Show - kQ - "You know how she feels and I have not been able to get her to alter her feelings toward you, no matter how I try." "Yes, I know," answered Dirk, and there was bitterness In his voice. "She will never change, that I am sure of. Why are you leaving, my love. We both made a promise years ago that we would always be together. Did you think you could escape your destiny? I know it is because of your parents, but I've told you time and again we are one. We can never find peace if we are apart." The words poured from his lips and in his haste he did not wait for answers. Their bodies were pressed together, oblivious to all around them. "Hush, my darling," said Claudine as she placed her fingers on his lips. "I will go to France for just one year. I feel I must do this for Maman and Papa. When I return they will realize that we are meant for each other. It does hot matter where they send me, I will come back to you, I promise." There was a look of entreaty on her face as she said these words. "Come Claudine, Dirk cannot monopolize all of your time," a voice said. They both turned to see Mrs. Gaven, who was walking towards them. "Soon you will be leaving for France and all your friends have come to bid you farewell. If you two sneak off by yourselves, they will be disappointed." There was a definite edge in her voice as she spoke. She wore her dark hair piled high on her head and in her gown of lace was a regal looking figure. She held a light parasol which screened her face from the sun. The young lovers sprang apart the moment they heard her voice. Penny was completely immobilized. Could this be happening to her? She wondered if it was a dream. She heard Dirk speak and there was a grim hostility in his voice. "No matter what you do, Madame Gaven, .or: where you send Claudine, you will never separate us permanently." |
