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Show - 64 - told them. She also knew that he was doing it against Claudine's wishes, and had continued even after her return from France. Penny could see that he was rushing to meet some terrible destiny, but what that was, she didn't know yet. Again, she wondered how this beautifu^l girl had died in the flower of her youth, and a terrible thought came to her mind. Had she been murdered by Dirk? Was Claudine trying to find him so that she could forgive him? If so, what terrible event had occurred to cause this tragedy? Maddie would, if anyone, be able to tell her about the events surrounding this incident, but to get her alone, without her mother being present, was not an easy task to accomplish. She waited and watched for an opportunity, but it wasn't until a week or so later when Tom drove Athena to a church function one afternoon that she succeeded. Maddie was busy ironing in the kitchen when the girls went in to have an afternoon snack. While Vicky spread jam and butter over the thick slices of homebaked bread Penny poured two glasses of milk for them. "Maddie, tell us about the young man that returned with Claudine from France," said Penny. Vicky butted into the conversation and said. "Was he handsome, Maddie? She laughed and tossed her curly head as she said it. Her pretty red jersey dress had little puffed sleeves and the round collar was trimmed with lace. The skirt was full and fell just below her knees. Vicky always looked so pretty in bright colors thought Penny and,she wished that she could say. the same for herself. Perhaps the reason why her mother always picked pale blues and yellows for her was because the brighter colors made her look sallow. She glanced ruefully at her blue dress which was almost identical to her sister's and impatiently pulled at the ribbon in her hair as it had already fallen halfway off. VOh, that he was," answered Maddie. "Andre1 Junot was a fine gentlemen.'" Her face lighted up when she said this. "His elegant manners and |