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Show - 85 - His wavey hair was full and cut longer than the current men's styles. Penny immediately recognized him from Maddie's description. It was Andre' Junot, the young man who had returned from France with Claudine to marry her. What a handsome couple, thought Penny. She wondered what the oc-cation of this grand affair could be. Everyone was so elegantly dressed and she could see Claudine's parents mingling with the guests. Then she heard Andre1 say. "Claudine, I don't believe I have ever seen you look more beautiful than you do tonight." She smiled and said. "Thank you, Andre' ," He seemed more than anxious to please her and went on. "We'll be very happy, just wait and see, my amour. I will deny you nothing that is within my power to give you." He went on. "Do you like the ring I have chosen for you?" He raised her hand and looked at the large diamond on her finger. Penny immediately realized that it was an engagement ring that Andre' was referring to and this must be a gala announcing their betrothal. How could this be, wondered the girl. What about Dirk? What had happened to him? As if in answer to her questions, she turned her eyes toward the door. The butler had opened it in response to a knock and into the room walked Dirk Vallone. It was a far different man who entered Gaven House than the wild boy who roamed the hills with Claudine as children. If Andre's blonde looks were outstanding, then Dirk's dark, somber face was just as handsome in its own way. His thick, curly hair was im-maculately groomed and his evening suit of the most expensive cut. He handed his gloves and long coat to the servant and walked straight to C.and Andre. Penny heard someone whisper, "What is he doing here. Doesn't he realize that they are going to be married? Such cheek!" Without a word, Dirk took Claudine by the hand, and guided her to the middle of the floor and they began to dance. Andre' was left standing alone. |