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Show - 57 - "Let me add one more thing. I truly believe that Claudine tried to forget Dirk, but to no avail. Her love for him went far beyond the ordinary bonds of devotion. She would sit out in the garden and in her soft voice say to me, 'Maddie, I want to forget him but I cannot. He is not good for me. Andre' will treat me well and give me a good life. I want so much to please Maman and Papa.' There in one sentence was the entire situation summed up. She was torn between her parents and the man she truly loved. It was too big a burden for 3uch a young girl to handle. Then Maddie smiled in a secretive way and looked at the girls. "Well," said Jim, "I see it's getting late. Let's go in now and I'm tinue sure Maddie will con- the story at another time." A look of relief came over Athena's face and she added, "Yes, it's getting chilly and I feel the fog coming in from the ocean; She picked up her crocheting and walked into the house, expecting herdaughters to follow. Penny was disappointed. It seemed that her efforts to learn about Claudine and Dirk were constantly being fraustrated. Maddie looked at her and said, "Be patient, you will eventually hear the entire story," and as she smiled her little face puckered up. That night when the entire house was quiet, and both girls were asleep, Penny heaidher name called. She sat up in bed, looked at her sister who was sleeping soundly, and then went to the window. The full moon,casting its rays over the garden, < was so bright it was almost like daylight. The big old house was outlined against the sky and its protruding gables looked like the drawn claws of an eagle. She saw the ghost and was not frightened because she remembered Maddie's description of her. Claudine beckoned to Penny who waved in response. Then she swiftly changed into a warm sweater and skirt and put on a coat and cap. A quick look at Vicky assured her that she was still asleep. With her shoes in her hand she crept |
